Queen's Tent

[Marie]

She watched him go, wondering why he'd lingered whilst kissing her hand. She shrugged it off though. It made no matter.

[Marie]

///////////

Edmure Dawnrose is summoned to the queen's tent.

[Tallahar]

Edmure arrives. He bows to the queen and then takes a seat, "You wished to see me Your Grace."

[Marie]

She gave him a smile.

"I did. I have not forgotten that you were the first man to kneel to me at the council of lords. Only my own cousin knelt before you did, and I expected it of him. How are things among the Mandermen? Does all go well with your troops?"

[Tallahar]

"There has been no complete signs of treason. Lord Oakheart has returned and did nothing to refuse what I did when I lead the surviving men."

[Marie]

"I'm glad to hear it. Lord Oakheart seems decent, truly."

Though I could wish he hadn't met with Ariel before he met me.

"I hope I may trust you to keep an eye on matters among the Mandermen, Lord Edmure?"

She gave him a smile and laid her hand on his arm.

[Tallahar]

Edmure looked down at her hand then back at her, "I am a loyal servant to you Your Grace."

[Marie]

"I know it," she said. "House Rowan is now extinguished and Goldengrove destroyed, but your mother was a Rowan, I'm told. I'm of a mind to grant you the lands and incomes of Goldengrove and to build a new castle there. Your eldest son will inherit the one, your second son the other. It would be for you to choose which."

[Tallahar]

Edmure was amazed at this, "Your honour me greatly Your Grace this would me make me one of the most powerful Lords in the Mander..." Edmure then looked back at the queen, "What of the titles of House Rowan. The long held the title of Marshal of the Northern Marches."

[Marie]

I grant him this much yet still he asks for more? The men of Westeros are greedy, it seems. Rhaenys shook her head.

"Please do not presume too much, Lord Dawnrose. The situation in the south is yet unknown to us and you are young in years. There will be many battles to come before we even reach the lands that were ruled by House Rowan. Be content with what I have offered you. We shall speak again of titles when the situation is better known to us. For now, the Goldengrove lands should be enough."

[Tallahar]

"Thank you Your Grace I only asked for the benefit of my land if I go to Lord Oakheart and tell him what you have said and he asks me the same questions I only want to be able to tell him everything."

[Marie]

"You can tell him what I'd just told you," Rhaenys answered. "If he has any concerns you may send him to me so I can deal with them."

[Tallahar]

"Of course. How is queenship Your Grace? As much as you had hoped for."

[Marie]

The question made her laugh.

"A bigger headache than you've ever had in your life, Lord Dawnrose. Be grateful you are not of royal blood. There are a thousand and one things I must consider and that means my own needs must often be pushed aside. It's bloody hard work, and more so for me because I'm a woman."

[Tallahar]

"Some lords just need time. I trust in your judgement and know you will be a fine Queen."