After Gavin left the courtyard, Margaery—who had been waiting in the shadows—stepped forward with a warm smile. Slipping her arm around his, she asked sweetly:
"Gavin, how did your conversation with Grandmother go?"
Gavin smiled, his voice calm."She asked me to remain in Highgarden for a while, to await news from the Iron Islands. I agreed. Would you mind asking the maester to send a raven to the Stepstones? Daenerys needs to know I'll be staying here for the time being."
"Of course," Margaery replied gently. "Let me arrange a guest room for you first, then I'll speak to the maester."
She led him into the heart of the castle, her steps graceful and confident.
That night, Highgarden was silent under the moonlight. Gavin lay in bed, eyes open, thoughts swirling. He recalled his discussion with Olenna, dissecting every detail of the intelligence she had shared.
War between the Iron Throne and the Stepstones loomed. Gavin had little doubt he could defeat any single fleet in Westeros. But if Robert succeeded in uniting all of them—especially with the Iron Fleet at his command—then Gavin might be forced into retreat, back to Dragonfire Bay, cornered and vulnerable.
He considered his options:
First, stall the Iron Throne's actions. So long as their treasury remained empty, Robert would struggle to fund his war. Gavin could use this window to accelerate his dealings with the wild boar.
Second, strike first—destroy the royal fleet before it even set sail. Without naval dominance, Robert would hesitate to gamble with the unpredictable Greyjoys. Even if ailing, Robert would understand the danger of letting Balon Greyjoy off the leash.
As he weighed his strategy, the door creaked open.
Margaery stepped inside, barefoot and wrapped in a delicate, silken nightgown. Her presence was nearly soundless, like a cat stalking across stone.
"Gavin," she whispered. "Are you still awake?"
He sat up slightly, surprised but composed."Margaery? It's late. What brings you here?"
She moved closer, her hair brushing his cheek, a breath of jasmine scent lingering in the air.
"I couldn't sleep," she murmured. "I just wanted to talk to you."
"Talk, or was this your grandmother's idea?" Gavin asked with a wry smile.
Margaery sat beside him and gently took his hand.
"Even if she hadn't said anything, I would have come. I know you intend to marry me after claiming the Iron Throne—but I don't want to wait."
He studied her, his defenses faltering. Sensing this, Margaery leaned in.
"Gavin, I'm yours. All of me. Let me stand beside you now, not later."
Gavin was silent, torn between reason and emotion—but only for a moment. He finally drew her into his arms.
"You're beautiful, Margaery."
She smiled against his chest."And I'll always be yours."
They fell asleep together, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the stone walls.
Morning sunlight warmed the chamber. Gavin stirred to find the bed empty. Soon after, Margaery returned, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her smile was radiant.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," she teased, placing the tray down. "Come, you need to eat something."
Gavin sat up, accepted the food, and gave her a grateful nod.
"What are your plans today?" Margaery asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
He reached for a scroll on the desk.
"This letter needs to go out first. It's not for Daenerys—this one's for Hassan and the others. I've made a few changes to our arrangements."
Margaery tilted her head."Didn't I already send a raven to Daenerys yesterday?"
"You did," Gavin replied. "But this concerns something different." He paused, then added, "I'll stay in Highgarden for a little longer. After that, I'm heading for Braavos."
Her expression shifted to worry.
"Braavos? That's dangerous. You didn't part well with the Sea Lord last time, did you?"
Gavin smiled, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear."I won't be entering the city, and I don't plan on speaking to the Sea Lord. With luck, I won't have to go that far."
Her eyes widened."You're going to intercept Petyr Baelish?"
"Exactly," Gavin said, his tone steely. "I don't care about the Iron Bank loan. My real target is Littlefinger."
"But Robert still has the Lannisters behind him—"
"Yes, but remove Littlefinger from the board, and the Lannister support begins to crack." Gavin gave a sly smile. "You'll see. Once he's dealt with, everything will become much simpler."
Over the next few days, Gavin remained in Highgarden, waiting and watching. He and Margaery strolled through the gardens, spoke of futures built on peace and power, and shared the rare quiet offered by those peaceful walls.
But it didn't last.
A summons from Lady Olenna arrived.
They met once more in her shaded courtyard. The scent of lavender lingered in the breeze as she sipped her tea with practiced grace.
"The council has made its decision," she said, eyes sharp. "They're sending Theon Greyjoy back to the Iron Islands. Stannis objected, of course, but Robert overruled him. The raven to the North should have arrived by now."
"And in King's Landing?" Gavin asked. "Has Catelyn Stark arrived yet?"
Lady Olenna raised an eyebrow."Your Majesty, your attention should be on the Iron Islands, not on Ned Stark's wife."
"I have my reasons," Gavin said evenly. "If you know anything, please share it."
She studied him for a moment, then answered."Yes, she's in King's Landing. She found her husband, though I don't know the purpose of her visit."
Gavin considered this. His interference had already shifted events. With Littlefinger in Braavos, the volatile tensions between the Starks and Lannisters had yet to ignite. That balance, however, could change in an instant.
"Then it's settled," he said, standing. "I'll depart for the Stepstones today."
Olenna looked at him over her teacup."It seems Your Majesty has a plan in mind. May the winds favor your sails."
Gavin gave her a respectful nod.
"And thank you for your hospitality. Farewell—for now."