Chapter 58: Ripples of the Royal Wedding 3

The ride back from Highgarden was uneventful, but the weight of the meeting lingered heavily on Paxter's mind. As they crossed the familiar roads of the Reach, he replayed the conversations with the lords, analyzing every hesitation, every flicker of uncertainty in their eyes. The cracks in the alliance were clear, and though Olenna Tyrell had managed to keep her vassals aligned for now, Paxter knew it was only a matter of time before the pressure of the war—and the power vacuum in King's Landing—tore the Reach apart.

Mina rode silently beside him, her sharp gaze fixed ahead, but Paxter could sense that her thoughts mirrored his own. She had been at his side long enough to understand the dangers they faced. House Redwyne had navigated through treacherous waters before, but this was different. The entire realm was on the brink of collapse, and one misstep could undo everything they had worked for.

As they neared the Arbor, Mina finally broke the silence. "You think Olenna can hold the Tyrells together long enough to withstand what's coming?"

Paxter didn't respond immediately. He kept his gaze forward, watching as the vineyards of his estate came into view. "Olenna is clever, but she's playing a dangerous game. She's trying to maintain the appearance of strength, but her grip on the Reach is slipping. The Lannisters are unpredictable, and now that Joffrey's dead, they'll be looking for someone to blame. If they turn on the Tyrells, the lords will scatter."

Mina nodded, her expression tight. "And we'll be caught in the middle if that happens."

"Exactly." Paxter's voice was grim. "That's why we need to be prepared for all outcomes. If the Tyrells fall, we need to make sure House Redwyne can stand on its own."

They rode in silence for the rest of the journey, each lost in their thoughts. When they finally reached the Arbor, Paxter wasted no time. He called a meeting with his most trusted advisors and captains to discuss the state of their defenses and the readiness of their fleet.

Inside the war room, the atmosphere was tense but focused. The map of the Reach lay spread across the table, marked with points of interest—fortresses, trade routes, and the key locations of the Redwyne fleet. Ser Martyn Harte stood to Paxter's right, his face serious as he surveyed the preparations.

"We've increased patrols along the Straits, as you ordered," Ser Martyn began. "Our ships are ready to intercept any threats, whether from pirates or from other houses looking to exploit the chaos in the capital."

Paxter nodded. "Good. We can't afford to let our trade routes fall into disarray. The Arbor wine is our lifeblood, and if that flow is disrupted, it will weaken us faster than any army."

Mina, standing on Paxter's left, added, "Our contacts in Braavos are growing increasingly wary of the instability in Westeros. They've hinted that if the war spreads further, they may cut off credit to houses they deem too risky."

"Which means we need to appear strong," Paxter said. "We can't let the Iron Bank or any of our allies think that we're vulnerable. Our ships need to keep moving, our wine needs to keep flowing, and we need to show that House Redwyne is still a pillar of stability in the Reach."

Ser Martyn leaned over the map, pointing to the ports in Oldtown and Lannisport. "We've been hearing reports of unrest in both cities. The smallfolk are growing restless, and the lords are stretched thin. If things get worse, we may see raids or even full-scale uprisings."

Paxter considered this for a moment. "We'll need to shore up our defenses along the coast. If the Lannisters lose control of the west, those ports will become key targets for raiders and rebels. I want more ships patrolling the western waters, and I want to ensure that our fortresses along the coast are fully garrisoned."

Mina's voice was calm but urgent. "We should also keep an eye on the Tarlys. If anyone in the Reach is likely to turn against the Tyrells, it's them. Lord Tarly is a proud man, and he won't hesitate to switch allegiances if he thinks it will benefit his house."

Paxter's gaze darkened. "I've considered that. We'll need to send someone to keep an ear on Horn Hill. If the Tarlys are planning anything, I want to know about it before it becomes a threat."

The room fell silent as the weight of their situation settled over them. The Reach had always been a stronghold of stability, but now, with the capital in turmoil and the alliances between great houses unraveling, the future was anything but certain. Paxter knew that the decisions they made in the coming days would determine whether House Redwyne remained strong or fell victim to the chaos that was sweeping across Westeros.

As the meeting concluded, Paxter dismissed his advisors, but he remained behind, staring down at the map. He could feel the storm brewing—both in the Reach and beyond—and it left a gnawing sense of unease in his chest.

Mina lingered in the doorway, watching him. "You're thinking about the Tyrells again."

Paxter didn't look up. "I'm thinking about what happens if the Tyrells fall. Olenna's playing her cards close, but even she can't hold the Reach together if the Lannisters decide to come after her. If that happens, we need to be ready to distance ourselves."

Mina stepped forward, her voice quiet. "And if the Lannisters fall?"

Paxter finally looked up, meeting her gaze. "Then the Reach becomes a battleground. Every house will be scrambling for power, and we'll need to decide where we stand. But one thing is certain—we can't afford to be passive. We need to act, and we need to act soon."

Mina nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of his words. "We'll be ready."

With that, she left the room, leaving Paxter alone with his thoughts. He leaned over the map once more, tracing the borders of the Reach with his finger. The land was rich and fertile, but it was also a prize coveted by many. If the Tyrells lost their grip, the Reach would be up for grabs, and Paxter had no intention of letting House Redwyne be swept away in the struggle.

The question was, how far was he willing to go to protect his house?

As the sun set over the Arbor, Paxter turned from the map and stared out the window, his mind racing with possibilities. The game of thrones was entering a new, dangerous phase, and Paxter knew that to survive, House Redwyne would have to adapt.