Chapter 57: Ripples of the Royal Wedding 2

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the Arbor as Paxter Redwyne stood on the castle's outer walls, looking out across the vineyards that had made his family's name. The land was peaceful, the rows of grapevines swaying gently in the breeze, but Paxter's mind was far from calm. His thoughts were on the brewing storm that Joffrey's death had unleashed in the realm.

In the days since returning from King's Landing, Paxter had thrown himself into preparing his house for the chaos that would follow. Patrols had been doubled, trade routes were being carefully monitored, and emissaries had been dispatched to the Free Cities to secure alliances. But even as Paxter worked tirelessly to protect his house, he knew that forces beyond his control were already moving.

As if on cue, Mina approached, her expression as sharp as ever. "We've received word from Highgarden," she said quietly. "Lady Olenna is calling for a meeting of the Tyrell vassals. She wants to discuss the fallout from Joffrey's death and how the Reach will respond."

Paxter raised an eyebrow. "Is she worried the Lannisters will turn on her?"

Mina shook her head. "Not yet. But she's wary of the shifting power dynamics. Margaery's position is still uncertain, and without Joffrey, the Tyrells could find themselves vulnerable. Olenna wants to make sure that the lords of the Reach are united before any cracks in the alliance show."

Paxter nodded slowly, his mind racing. Olenna Tyrell was a shrewd player, and if she was calling a meeting of her vassals, it meant she was already planning her next move. The Tyrells had invested heavily in the Lannister alliance, but with Joffrey gone, they would need to recalibrate their strategy.

"When is this meeting?" Paxter asked.

"In three days," Mina replied. "At Highgarden. You've been invited to attend, along with the other major lords of the Reach."

Paxter's jaw tightened. "We'll go, but we'll be cautious. Olenna is gathering her strength, but I don't want House Redwyne caught in a power struggle we didn't start."

Mina smiled faintly. "I thought you might say that. I'll begin preparations for the journey."

As Mina turned to leave, Paxter called after her. "And make sure we have eyes on the other vassals. I want to know where their loyalties lie before we walk into Highgarden."

Mina nodded and disappeared into the castle, leaving Paxter alone once more. The invitation to Highgarden was no surprise, but it confirmed his suspicions: the Tyrells were moving quickly to secure their position. And House Redwyne, as one of the most powerful vassals in the Reach, would be expected to play its part.

But Paxter knew that in the game of thrones, loyalty could be a double-edged sword. He had to protect his own interests, even if it meant keeping Olenna Tyrell at arm's length.

***

Three days later, Paxter rode into the gates of Highgarden with a small retinue of his most trusted men. The towering fortress, nestled in the lush heart of the Reach, was as imposing as ever, its walls draped in the banners of House Tyrell. The scent of flowers filled the air, and the sounds of the bustling city beyond the castle walls hummed in the distance. Highgarden was a jewel of the Reach, and even in the midst of uncertainty, its beauty was undiminished.

Mina rode beside him, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "It seems calm enough," she remarked. "But you can feel the tension. The lords here are on edge."

Paxter nodded, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the great hall where the meeting would be held. "They're waiting to see what Olenna will do. If she can rally the lords of the Reach, the Tyrells might weather this storm. But if she falters…"

Mina didn't need him to finish the sentence. "We'll be ready."

As they entered the hall, Paxter was greeted by the sight of the Reach's most powerful lords gathered around the long table. Lord Tarly of Horn Hill, Lord Hightower of Oldtown, and Lord Rowan of Goldengrove were among them, their faces grim and their words hushed. At the head of the table sat Olenna Tyrell, her sharp eyes scanning the room as she assessed her vassals.

"Lord Redwyne," Olenna greeted him as he approached, her tone smooth but laced with steel. "I'm glad you could join us. The Reach is stronger when its lords are united."

Paxter bowed his head slightly. "House Redwyne will always stand with the Reach, Lady Olenna. But I suspect that's not the only reason we've been called here."

Olenna smiled, but it was a cold, calculating smile. "You're right, of course. The situation in King's Landing has changed, and we must adapt. Margaery is still in a position of power, but without Joffrey, the Lannisters may be looking for new allies—or enemies."

Lord Tarly spoke up, his voice gruff. "The Lannisters need us more than ever now. They won't abandon the Tyrells, not when they still need our food and our armies. But if they see weakness…"

"They'll exploit it," Lord Rowan finished, his voice heavy with concern.

Paxter listened carefully, his mind turning over the implications. Olenna was right to gather her vassals, but it was clear that some of them were already nervous about the future. The Lannisters were known for their ruthlessness, and with Joffrey gone, their priorities might shift in unpredictable ways.

"What do you propose we do, Lady Olenna?" Paxter asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Olenna's gaze sharpened. "We stand firm. We show the Lannisters that the Reach is united and that we are not to be trifled with. Margaery will continue her role at court, and we will continue to support the Crown—for now."

There was a murmur of agreement from some of the lords, but Paxter could sense the hesitation in the room. The Tyrells were powerful, but the lords of the Reach were not blind to the dangers that lay ahead. If the Lannisters turned on them, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Lord Hightower, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his voice measured. "And if the Lannisters falter? What then?"

Olenna's smile faded slightly. "Then we will reassess our position. But for now, we must present a united front. The Reach has always been a land of strength and stability, and we will not allow the chaos in King's Landing to spread here."

Paxter remained silent, his mind racing. Olenna's plan was sound, but it relied on the assumption that the Lannisters would remain strong. If they faltered, if the Iron Bank or another faction moved against them, the Tyrells could find themselves isolated—and House Redwyne could be dragged down with them.

As the meeting continued, Paxter made mental notes of the lords who seemed most uneasy. Lord Tarly was a staunch supporter of the Tyrells, but Lord Hightower's question had revealed his doubts. Lord Rowan was loyal, but his concerns about the Lannisters were evident. Paxter knew that these lords would be key players in whatever came next, and he needed to ensure that House Redwyne was aligned with the right side when the dust settled.

By the time the meeting concluded, Olenna had secured a tenuous agreement from her vassals to stand firm with the Tyrells. But as Paxter left the great hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that the unity of the Reach was more fragile than it appeared.

Outside, Mina joined him, her expression thoughtful. "How do you think it went?"

Paxter glanced back at the towering walls of Highgarden. "Olenna has bought herself some time, but the cracks are there. The lords of the Reach are loyal, but they're not blind. If the Lannisters falter, they'll look for new allies—and so will we."

Mina nodded. "And the Tyrells?"

Paxter's gaze hardened. "We'll stand with them for now. But if their position weakens, we'll be ready to act."

As they rode away from Highgarden, Paxter felt the weight of the coming storm pressing down on him. The game of thrones had entered a dangerous new phase, and the Reach—once a bastion of stability—was now at the center of the conflict.

But House Redwyne would not be swept away by the tides of war. Paxter had seen to that.