What If the Tyrells Had Allied with Robb Stark Instead of Renly Baratheon?

Imagine a different path for the Tyrells in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. If House Tyrell had sided with King Robb Stark instead of Renly Baratheon, the fate of Stannis, Robb, and Tywin Lannister might have taken an unexpected turn.

Allying with Robb Stark

Instead of throwing in their lot with Renly, the Tyrells could have joined forces with the Starks early on. A strategic alliance with Robb Stark would not only save them from the time and financial expenditure of numerous marriages, but it would also offer them significant political gains. Robb Stark was already a formidable leader, and an alliance with House Tyrell would bolster his position immensely.

Arranging Robb and Margaery's Union

To solidify the alliance, the Tyrells could have worked to break off Robb Stark's betrothal to the Frey girl and instead arranged a union between Mace Tyrell's daughter, Margaery Tyrell, and Robb Stark. This would not only create an alliance between the Starks and the Tyrells but also ensure that Margaery would become Queen when Robb asserted his claim to the Iron Throne. Furthermore, Mace Tyrell would have been appointed as Robb's Hand of the King, and Sansa Stark would have married Loras Tyrell, as seen in the books. This union would have provided the Tyrells with substantial influence and control over the North.

Supporting Robb Stark

By fully supporting King Robb Stark and his claim to the Iron Throne, the Tyrells would have secured their position as one of the most powerful noble houses in Westeros. Robb would become the King of the Seven Kingdoms, and Margaery would be his queen, consolidating the Tyrells' hold on power. Mace Tyrell would step into a key position as a trusted advisor to the Starks, and Highgarden would become a crucial support base for Robb's claim.

Alternative Alliances

Allying with Stannis Baratheon

Alternatively, if the Tyrells had allied with Stannis Baratheon and supported his claim to the Iron Throne, the outcome would have been quite different. Stannis, already married to Queen Selyse Florent, would not have been able to add Margaery to his royal household. The best course of action for the Tyrells would have been to join forces with the ironborn and Lannisters in the Battle of Blackwater against Stannis. With the combined forces of House Tyrell and House Lannister, the Tyrells could have easily defeated Stannis.

Post-victory, the Tyrells would have been rewarded with the marriage of Margaery to Joffrey Baratheon, giving them immediate access to the royal bloodline. Additionally, Mace Tyrell would have been appointed as Master of Coin on the Small Council, replacing Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger). This arrangement would have allowed the Tyrells to maintain their influence in King's Landing.

Playing Both Sides

However, a more strategic approach would have been to ally initially with the Iron Throne and support both the Lannisters and "Baratheons" in the Battle of Blackwater against Stannis. Once victorious, the Tyrells would have been able to secure the marriage of Margaery to King Joffrey as a token of gratitude. More importantly, they would have negotiated Mace Tyrell's promotion to Master of Coin, replacing Littlefinger. This would have allowed the Tyrells to gain control over financial matters in the kingdom.

With King Joffrey and Queen Margaery's wedding day approaching, the Tyrells could have orchestrated for their plot. Sansa Stark would be sent to Highgarden to marry Willas Tyrell (or Loras) to secure the North. Once Joffrey and Margaery were killed on their wedding day, the Tyrells could have quickly arranged a marriage between Margaery and King Tommen Baratheon, ensuring their continued influence.

Final Moves and Betrayal

Finally, as King Tommen and Queen Margaery consolidated their power, the Tyrells would have orchestrated a move to ally with Queen Daenerys Targaryen, using Willas Tyrell to ostensibly build a new alliance. However, in reality, Willas would have been sent to poison Daenerys, ensuring the survival of Tommen and Margaery on the Iron Throne. This strategic maneuver would have allowed the Tyrells to maintain their control and influence over the kingdom.

In conclusion, by allying with Robb Stark, the strategic moves and transformations would have dramatically altered the balance of power in the realm, leading to a different and perhaps more stable political landscape in Westeros.