Chapter 59: Flexible Alliances

The days following Joffrey Baratheon's death rippled through Westeros like a stone dropped in still water, sending shockwaves that reverberated in every corner of the realm. In the Reach, word of the king's death at his wedding feast—murdered before the eyes of his family and the lords of Westeros—spread with unsettling speed. Rumors flew as fast as ravens, each more exaggerated than the last, but one truth remained clear: the power balance had been shattered.

In the Arbor's grand hall, Paxter Redwyne sat at the head of a long table, his advisors gathered around him. The air was thick with tension as they reviewed the latest reports from King's Landing.

"This changes everything," Ser Martyn Harte said, his voice low but urgent. "With Joffrey dead, the Lannisters will be looking for blood. And if the rumors are true, if the Tyrells had a hand in his death…"

Paxter cut him off with a raised hand. "We don't know that for sure. Olenna Tyrell is many things, but reckless isn't one of them. She wouldn't make a move without ensuring that it couldn't be traced back to her."

Mina, standing at Paxter's side, nodded. "But whether it can be traced back to her or not, the Lannisters will be seeking revenge. And they won't care about proof. If they even suspect the Tyrells had a hand in Joffrey's death, they'll strike."

Paxter's brow furrowed as he considered the implications. The alliance between the Tyrells and Lannisters had been fragile from the start, built more on necessity than trust. With Joffrey dead, that alliance was crumbling, and the Reach could soon find itself caught in the crossfire.

"We need to tread carefully," Paxter said. "If the Lannisters move against the Tyrells, the entire Reach will be drawn into the conflict. But we can't afford to act rashly. House Redwyne's position must be preserved, no matter what happens."

Ser Gawen, one of Paxter's captains, leaned forward. "What about our trade routes? If the war spreads, we'll be vulnerable. The pirates in the Redwyne Straits have already been emboldened by the chaos, and with the capital in turmoil, it's only a matter of time before other factions try to take advantage."

Paxter nodded grimly. "We'll increase our patrols and fortify our defenses along the coast. The Arbor's fleet will continue to operate at full capacity. We cannot allow our enemies to see weakness."

Mina spoke up, her voice calm but steady. "And what of the Iron Bank? With Joffrey dead, the Lannisters' ability to pay their debts will be called into question. The bank may begin looking for other houses to support—houses they see as more stable."

Paxter's eyes darkened. "I've already sent word to our emissaries in Braavos. We'll continue negotiating favorable terms, but we need to be prepared to pivot if the Iron Bank shifts its allegiances. They hold immense power, and if they decide the Lannisters are no longer a safe bet, they could throw their support behind a rival claimant."

The room fell into a tense silence as Paxter's words sank in. The Iron Bank's involvement in the war for the throne was a dangerous wildcard, one that could tip the balance of power in unexpected ways.

After a moment, Paxter rose from his seat, his expression hardening. "We cannot afford to be reactive. We must act, and we must act now. Begin reinforcing our defenses along the coast. Increase patrols and ensure our supply lines remain intact. I want every ship accounted for."

He turned to Mina. "Send word to our agents in King's Landing. I want to know the moment anything changes—whether it's with the Tyrells, the Lannisters, or the Iron Bank."

Mina nodded sharply and left the room to carry out his orders.

As the meeting adjourned and his advisors began to disperse, Paxter remained by the table, his gaze fixed on the map of Westeros that lay before him. The realm was in chaos, and it was only going to get worse. He had to ensure that House Redwyne didn't just survive the coming storm, but came out stronger on the other side.

***

That evening, Paxter stood on the balcony of his chambers, overlooking the vineyards of the Arbor. The night air was cool, the stars twinkling faintly overhead, but his mind was far from the peaceful scene before him. He had spent years building House Redwyne's influence, carefully navigating the dangerous waters of Westerosi politics, but now, everything felt like it was teetering on the edge of collapse.

Mina joined him, her presence calm but comforting. She leaned on the balcony rail beside him, her gaze following his to the vineyards below.

"The reports from King's Landing are troubling," she said softly. "The streets are in chaos. The people are panicking. And it's only a matter of time before the nobility begins tearing each other apart."

Paxter let out a slow breath, his hands gripping the stone railing. "We knew this was coming, but I didn't think it would happen so soon. Joffrey's death has accelerated everything."

Mina nodded. "It's not just the Lannisters we need to worry about. The other great houses are watching, waiting for their moment. If the Lannisters falter, there will be a scramble for power like we've never seen."

Paxter's expression darkened. "And the Tyrells are caught in the middle. If they fall, the Reach will become a battleground."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their responsibility pressing down on them.

"We'll need to be careful," Mina continued. "We can't align ourselves too closely with the Tyrells, not if it looks like they're going to lose their position in the capital. But at the same time, we can't afford to alienate them."

Paxter nodded slowly. "We walk a fine line. The Tyrells have been good allies, but we must protect our own interests first. If they fall, we need to be ready to act."

Mina glanced at him. "And if they survive? If Margaery somehow secures her position?"

Paxter considered this. "Then we stay the course, for now. We support the Tyrells as long as it benefits us, but we won't be dragged down if they lose their standing. We need to be flexible, ready to adapt."

Mina smiled faintly. "As always, you're thinking three steps ahead."

Paxter's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. The game was changing, but he had always known how to navigate its treacherous paths. He would ensure that House Redwyne remained strong, no matter what the future held.

The night stretched on, and though the realm was descending into chaos, Paxter felt a renewed sense of purpose. The coming days would be filled with danger, but also opportunity.

And Paxter Redwyne was ready to seize it.