How Would Sansa's Destiny Play Out Without Margaery and Joffrey?

The intricate web of politics in the Seven Kingdoms during the A Song of Ice and Fire series, and its adaptation, Game of Thrones, has often been a topic of heated debate among fans. A pivotal moment in the plot is the union of Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell. This union was not only a personal one but also a strategic political move. But what would Sansa Stark's future have looked like if Joffrey had not set her aside for Margaery and if Joffrey had still died?

Keeping the Betrothal: Tommen and the North

Assuming Margaery either died before the union or never existed, there would have been a strong reason to keep the betrothal between Sansa and the heir, Tommen. The Lannisters would have needed a claimant to the North Throne in order to ensure their control over the region. Given the turmoil in Westeros at that time, another noble family with troops or strategic advantages was indeed valuable. In this scenario, Sansa would likely have been married to Tommen to secure the North for the Lannisters.

Political Realignment with Tywin and Tyrion

Both Tywin and Tyrion Lannister would have seen the strategic importance of keeping Sansa as the queen. Tywin, in particular, was instrumental in the initial political alliance. If he had been alive and still favored Margaery, Sansa would likely have been married to Tyrion as a compromise. Tyrion, being a skilled diplomat, could have found a better match for Tommen to appease various factions in Westeros. The strategic marriage between Tommen and Margaery would still have been a valuable alliance, ensuring the continued supply of food and money from the Tyrells, crucial during the ongoing war.

Loss of the Throne and Sansa's Freedom

The union between the Tyrells and Lannisters was crucial for Joffrey's coronation and his standing. Without this alliance, Joffrey would have lost his throne. Therefore, if Joffrey had died and the Tyrell-Tyrell alliance had failed, Sansa might have been free to return to the North. This outcome would have aligned with the Lannisters' core strategy, which was to maintain control over critical regions, such as the North.

Contingency Planning Without Margaery

If Margaery never existed at all, then Sansa would indeed be the sole prize for the Lannisters. This would have greatly influenced their strategic decisions. However, the situation would still depend on whether the Tyrells were still a significant power in Westeros. If the Tyrells were still influential and their food and money were crucial for the war effort, the Lannisters might still have opted to marry Tommen to Margaery to secure this valuable alliance. The Lannisters' primary goal would have been to maintain strategic advantages, which could mean either keeping Sansa as a potential queen or marrying Tommen to Margaery for her resources.

In conclusion, Sansa's future in Westeros was deeply intertwined with the political alliances of the Great Houses. If Joffrey had not set her aside for Margaery and if Joffrey had still died, the Lannisters would have had to carefully consider their next moves to secure their power and maintain control over critical regions. The fate of Sansa and Tommen would have been a result of these complex political maneuvers.