Chapter 149 Return to High Court

After a while, Gavin returned to the dragon cave, his steps steady and purposeful. He gently picked up the three newly obtained dragon eggs, carefully examining each one.

His gaze sharpened, focused and deep, as if he could see through the hardened shells to the secrets hidden within.

Gavin fell into silent contemplation.He could now confirm what he had only suspected before — the three-eyed crow had not lied to him. These dragon eggs were indeed extraordinary.

Thanks to the recent strengthening of his bloodline, he could now sense the majestic vitality slumbering within two of the eggs. The life force inside them surged like a restrained undercurrent, subtle and powerful. Without the enhancement of his bloodline, he realized, he would never have perceived this hidden energy.

He picked up the final egg — the one that would one day hatch Drogon.No matter how hard he concentrated, no matter how deeply he reached out with his senses, the egg remained inert. Silent.It was like a fossil that had slumbered undisturbed for thousands of years.

Gavin couldn't help but recall certain bold speculations he had read in his past life:Some claimed it was not Daenerys who brought the red comet — but Drogon himself.The dragon's massive size and fierce, shadowy form were eerily reminiscent of the legendary Black Death, Balerion — almost as if Balerion had been reborn.

Drogon's growth rate and the destructive power of his flames had both vastly exceeded the records of other dragons.

"Perhaps... Drogon truly carries the will of the ancient dragons," Gavin thought.

Gently placing the egg back among the others, he murmured inwardly:"When I return from Westeros, I'll stay at Dragon Flame Bay, absorb more magic from the dragon bones, hatch more young dragons... and once my bloodline has grown strong enough — then I'll awaken Drogon."

The next day, Gavin departed Dragon Flame Bay with Margaery and two Blood Dragon Guards.The Blazing Shadow carried them swiftly through the skies, its streamlined figure slicing through the clouds with ease.

After a day's flight, they crossed the Summer Sea and soared over Dorne's deserts, finally reaching the fertile lands of the Reach.

This time, Gavin had Syndor fly so high above the ground that few, if any, could spot the silhouette of a dragon in the distant sky.

Near a forest not far from Highgarden, Gavin summoned the Blazing Shadow back into his body, then, with Margaery and the two Blood Dragon Guards by his side, walked toward Highgarden Castle.

Although Gavin trusted Margaery, he remained cautious.

Their agreement with the Tyrells was, after all, nothing more than verbal promises at this point.The Tyrells, like most noble houses, prioritized their own interests above all else.Gavin was keenly aware: no matter how perfect the proposal sounded, the Tyrells could betray him at any moment if they saw an advantage.

Originally, Gavin had planned to quietly escort Margaery to Highgarden's gate and leave immediately.

But Margaery had suggested another plan: secretly bringing Gavin into the castle to meet her grandmother, Olenna Tyrell — the Queen of Thorns herself.

After some thought, Gavin agreed.

First, he had confidence in his own strength — unlike other dragonriders, his dragon was never far from him.Second, he was genuinely curious to judge the sincerity of the Tyrells with his own eyes.

Soon, they reached the white-stoned castle perched atop the hill.

At the gate, the guard captain, Ser Shay, spotted the four hooded figures approaching. He immediately stepped forward, hand on his sword hilt, ready to question them.

Before he could speak, Margaery stepped forward, pulling down her hood to reveal her radiant smile and familiar, flower-like beauty.

"Shay, it's me," she said warmly."I've just returned from a journey."

Recognizing her, Shay immediately bowed low."Welcome back, Lady Margaery!" he exclaimed.

Then, glancing suspiciously at the three cloaked figures behind her, he asked,"I thought Ser Fortimo was escorting you? Where is he?"

"Ser Fortimo had urgent matters elsewhere," Margaery explained easily."These guards were appointed by my lord protector for the return journey."

Margaery's explanation was seamless. Having anticipated this situation, she had sent Fortimo back to Oldtown by ship half a month earlier.

Satisfied, Ser Shay nodded and ordered the gates opened.

Thus, Gavin entered Highgarden unnoticed, blending into the flow of servants and retainers.

The castle's inner courtyards were vibrant and full of life. Servants carrying baskets of flowers or bolts of cloth bustled about, many stopping to greet Margaery with joy:

"Welcome back, Lady Margaery!"

"It's been too long, my lady!"

Margaery responded with warm smiles and kind words, clearly beloved among the household.

Passing through the winding corridors, Margaery led Gavin to her own residence — a room of refined elegance.

Delicate tapestries depicting flowering vines and soaring birds adorned the walls. An exquisitely carved dressing table stood near the window, covered with jeweled trinkets. A grand bed draped in light pink gauze dominated the room, its soft folds like a cloud adrift above a thick, luxurious carpet.

Turning to Gavin, Margaery said with a gentle smile,"Please wait here for a moment. I'll go inform my grandmother."

Gavin nodded calmly."Go ahead."

Margaery left swiftly, her skirts swishing softly behind her.

Ascending the familiar tower staircase, a trace of nervousness flickered across Margaery's face.

Stopping before the old wooden door, she asked the maid beside it,"Is my grandmother here?"

The maid bowed respectfully."Yes, my lady. She is upstairs."

Margaery nodded and climbed the stairs gracefully.

She knocked lightly at the door. Hearing Olenna's voice bid her enter, she pushed it open and stepped inside.

At once, Olenna Tyrell's face lit up with relief and delight.The Queen of Thorns rose from her chair and moved swiftly toward Margaery, seizing her hands and patting them tenderly.

"Child," she chided affectionately, "you worried me half to death! If not for your raven, I would have thought something dreadful had happened!"

Margaery bowed her head slightly and said apologetically,"Forgive me, Grandmother. I was delayed... I didn't expect the journey would take me all the way to Lys."

Olenna's sharp blue eyes narrowed."Lys?" she repeated."And what of Gavin Belleris? Did he accept our offer?"

Margaery smiled, her eyes shining."Of course, Grandmother. He agreed readily."

She then recounted everything that had happened — her vivid description painting a clear and lively picture of the journey, the battles, the dragons, and Gavin's astonishing might.

Olenna listened silently.

As the story unfolded, her face grew more serious, her thoughts turning deep and complex.

She had long anticipated Gavin's ambition — had seen it clear as day in his swift conquests and bold moves.But even Olenna Tyrell had not expected this level of strength.In mere months, Gavin had shattered four great Free Cities and razed the ruling powers of Lys to ash.

At this point, Olenna thought grimly, the help the Tyrells can offer is almost irrelevant. He doesn't need us anymore.

Without leverage, negotiating greater benefits from Gavin would become increasingly difficult.

Her wrinkled fingers tapped rhythmically against her chair's armrest as she contemplated their next moves.