The Unforeseen Impact of a Stark-Tyrell Marriage Before the War

Imagine a drastically different path for the Red Wedding and the backdrop of the War of the Five Kings. What if Margaery Tyrell and Robb Stark had been married before Renly Baratheon’s untimely demise? This hypothetical scenario would shift the political landscape in unprecedented ways, particularly affecting Tywin Lannister’s strategy and the ultimate victor of the war.

Political Alliances and the Tyrells’ Response

Right off the bat, the Tyrells would not agree to this marriage, seeing Robb Stark as an unfit and unpredictable partner for their daughter. However, our narrative asks us to consider a different path, where the Tyrells indeed consent to the union. This union, coupled with Robb’s reluctance to declare himself King, would propel a fascinating political alliance — a Stark-Tyrell partnership backing a King. Given that Margaery’s plan to become queen with Renly’s support falls through, Stannis Baratheon may emerge as a stronger contender, courtesy of the solid support he enjoys in the North, Riverlands, and the Reach.

The Unexpected Turn of Events

Despite Stannis’s intentions, Robb Stark’s unprecedented strategic move and the Stark-Tyrell alliance would back a King, potentially Stannis. This scenario means Renly Baratheon would be excluded from the throne, leaving him with minimal support. Observers predict that Renly would indeed shift his alliances to support Stannis, but this shift would be propelled by the promise of a stronger barony, not a direct threat.

Stannis’s Downfall and Bran’s Rise

As Robb falls, the Tyrells plan to wed Margaery to King Bran. Although Bran cannot walk, he commands significant authority and support from the North and Riverlands, along with the Reach. This union would create a formidable army of over 100,000, marching south towards King’s Landing to confront Tywin Lannister, whose host would pale in comparison.

Lasting Impacts and Consequences of Stannis’s Death

With Robb’s death, Stannis, as the original orchestrator, would be a significant target for the Lannisters. Despite his shadow play, he would face a swift demise, either by assassination or siege at Dragonstone. Once Stannis falls, Bran’s unified forces would march south, and the 80,000-strong army of Mace Tyrell would soon besiege Tywin’s defences. This siege would present a choice: to take Joffrey’s head for Bran, or to spare Tommen. However, Tommen would likely not survive the siege, leading to the rise of Myrcella as Queen.

Reflections and Lessons

This hypothetical scenario presents a unique glimpse into the complex dynamics of power and politics in the Seven Kingdoms. The stark contrast between our original narrative and this alternate path underscores the delicate balance of alliances and the unforeseen impacts of even small changes in the story's timeline. This exercise not only deepens our understanding of the characters but also highlights the critical importance of alliances, strategic decisions, and the unpredictable nature of war in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire.