Margaery Tyrell's Strategic Alliances: Maintaining Friendship with Sansa Stark

After Sansa Stark was engaged to Tyrion Lannister, Margaery Tyrell maintained a facade of friendship with her, driven by several strategic motivations. This alliance serves multiple purposes: political alliances, information gathering, and perception management. Let's delve into the reasons behind this move and Margaery's broader strategic goals in Westeros.

Political Alliances

One of the primary reasons Margaery Tyrell chose to maintain a friendship with Sansa Stark was her keen interest in consolidating political alliances in King's Landing. The Stark name retains significant value and sympathy among the populace, despite their fallen status. By aligning herself with Sansa, Margaery could strengthen her own position in the political landscape of Westeros. This collaboration would not only enhance Margaery's standing but also help her navigate delicate power dynamics.

Information Gathering

Margaery Tyrell is known for her cunning and intelligence, and she leverages her friendship with Sansa Stark to gather crucial information. Understanding the Stark family's plans and the broader political landscape is invaluable for Margaery's ambitions. By maintaining a seemingly warm relationship, she can gather intelligence that might tip the scales in her favor or help her anticipate potential threats.

Perception Management

Margaery Tyrell is a master of public perception. By being kind and friendly to Sansa, she portrays herself as a compassionate and noble character. This move is designed to enhance her reputation among both the courtiers and the people of King's Landing. The public perception of a benevolent ruler is crucial for maintaining stability and support in a place as volatile as Westeros.

Tyrion’s Position

Margaery’s alliance with Sansa also puts her in a position to influence Tyrion Lannister. As a brilliant and politically astute individual, Tyrion possesses significant power and resources. By leveraging her connection with Sansa, Margaery can gain favor with Tyrion and, by extension, the Lannisters. This strategic maneuver can be instrumental in advancing Margaery's own political aspirations.

A Strategic Move for the Future Queen

Beyond maintaining clear political and informational motives, Margaery also hopes to repair the alienation caused by King Joffrey's treatment of the North. By showcasing kindness to the heiress of Winterfell, Margaery seeks to regain the support of the Northerners. This act of diplomacy is not merely a facade; it is a genuine effort to mend what Joffrey had tragically broken.

Despite the Tyrells' past betrayal and conflicts with the Lannisters, the war between them is far from over. The Tyrells had a hand in poisoning Joffrey and leading a PR exercise to feed the starving people of King's Landing. In contrast, the Lannisters were responsible for the death of Loras Tyrell and planning to use the Faith Militant to weaken the Tyrells. Margaery cannot afford to appear too friendly toward Sansa, especially after the failed plot to strip her from Lannister control. However, this does not mean that Margaery has suddenly turned cold. Her brother, Garlan, got close to Sansa during their wedding day, reassuring her and ensuring she remained firmly in the Rose faction.

The Power of Sansa Stark

Some overlook the immense power Sansa Stark wields. She is the Lady of Winterfell, the former king of the North and the Trident's sister. Married to Tyrion, she is the de facto heir to Tywin Lannister. The political landscape of Westeros is a precarious powder keg, with Lannisters and Roses not fully trusting each other, the North still adapting to their 'savage' wardens, and the Riverlands in shambles. If Sansa were to flee King's Landing, she could act as the spark to ignite widespread unrest. It is in the interest of the Rose to stay on good terms with Sansa, ensuring her continued support and influence.