Just as Gavin had flown away from the Stepstone Islands, a grand warship bearing a green flag emblazoned with a golden rose slowly docked at the harbor of Bloodstone Island. The banner rustled proudly in the sea breeze, and the sunlight caught the golden petals, making them gleam like fire.
As the ship settled into port, a group of knights clad in ornate armor descended the gangplank. Their polished plate shimmered in the morning sun, and they moved with the discipline and grace of seasoned warriors.
Recognizing the banner, the port officials rushed forward. Bowing slightly, one of them spoke with a respectful tone."Lords of Highgarden? What brings you to Bloodstone Island?"
A knight stepped forward. Tall and commanding, his voice rang out clearly across the pier."I am Sir Fertimo Klein, instructor of arms at Highgarden Castle. By the order of Duke Mace Tyrell, Warden of the South, I escort Lady Margaery Tyrell to meet her guardian knight, Ser Gavin Beleris. Kindly announce our arrival."
Before the official could reply, a noblewoman stepped gracefully off the ship.
Lady Margaery Tyrell had chestnut-brown hair that cascaded down her back, catching the light with a healthy sheen. Her youthful face held a lively spark in her large, intelligent eyes. She wore a flowing green gown that danced lightly in the sea breeze, embroidered with silver vines and blossoms, befitting her noble station.
The official bowed deeply."You must be Lady Margaery. I regret to inform you that Lord Gavin is not currently on Bloodstone Island. Please, allow me to inform Governor Boris of your arrival."
Margaery's smile was warm and gentle, like the first rays of spring sunlight. Her voice was soft, but carried the authority of someone used to being heard."Of course. Forgive us for the intrusion. Please, go ahead."
The official nodded and hurried off.
Once they were alone, Sir Fertimo leaned close, his brow creased with unease."My lady, I noticed the harbor holds fewer warships than expected. If Gavin Beleris is truly absent, could the rumors be true—that he's launched an assault on Lys?"
Margaery's brow furrowed slightly. She responded after a pause, her tone calm and measured."We need not speculate. The truth will reveal itself once we speak with the governor."
Still troubled, Fertimo pressed further."If Gavin truly has taken Lys, with the Stepped Isles fleet and dragons under his banner, he'll be powerful enough to rule the Narrow Sea outright. He may not feel bound to Highgarden for long."
Margaery's smile was faint but assured."That does not worry me. What does concern me is the Targaryen princess in exile. I've heard whispers that Gavin plans to marry her."She turned to him, her gaze sharp."Sir Fertimo, send someone discreet. I want confirmation of this rumor."
The knight bowed his head."As you command, my lady."
Soon after, Governor Boris arrived, accompanied by the port official. He was a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence and a disarming smile.
"Lady Margaery, welcome. I've just received word—Lord Gavin has departed the Stepstones. He's currently attending matters in Lys."
Margaery stepped forward politely."Thank you, Governor. I heard there was a conflict with Lys. Do you require aid from Highgarden?"
Boris chuckled lightly."Your offer honors us, my lady, but there is no need. Lord Gavin has already taken Lys. He's there now, restoring order."
Margaery's eyes widened."That quickly…? I had not expected it to fall so fast. Do you know when he'll return?"
Boris paused thoughtfully."It's hard to say. Lys is still unsettled. But rest assured, I've sent a message to him. I'm certain he'll return once he receives it. In the meantime, we've prepared a coastal manor for your stay. The scenery here may help the waiting pass more pleasantly."
Margaery smiled again, graceful as ever."You are most kind, Governor Boris. We are grateful for your hospitality."
"It is my honor, my lady," the governor replied warmly. He gestured to a servant who stepped forward with a platter bearing bread and salt—a traditional symbol of welcome.
Margaery and her party accepted the offering, dipping the bread in salt as custom dictated.
At the coastal manor, sunlight filtered through the trees into a lush, blooming garden. Flowers of every color swayed in the breeze, and the scent of salt from the sea carried with it a sense of distant adventure. The waves crashed gently on the shore beyond.
Sir Fertimo Klein strode into the garden, a sealed envelope in hand. Margaery sat on a stone bench, surrounded by handmaidens, laughter in the air like the song of birds. Her dress shimmered in the sunlight, her smile as radiant as ever.
She noticed Fertimo's arrival and rose to greet him."You may leave us," she told the maids gently. They bowed and withdrew.
Fertimo stepped forward and handed her the envelope."My lady, the information you requested. It is confirmed—Lord Gavin intends to marry the Targaryen princess. There has been tension with King Robert over the matter. And... the princess has a red baby dragon."
Margaery's eyes narrowed in curiosity as she broke the seal. She read in silence for a long while, then exhaled slowly and folded the letter.
"The Targaryen girl must be quite something," she said at last. "For Gavin to risk a duel with the king himself..."
She turned to Fertimo, her tone decisive."Sir, have the ship resupplied. We wait one more month. If Gavin doesn't return by then, we sail to Lys."
Fertimo looked troubled."My lady, the war has only just ended. The seas may still be perilous. There's no need to endanger yourself. We can wait here."
But Margaery shook her head. Her voice was soft, but resolute."I will not sit idle. If Gavin Beleris is to marry a dragon princess, I must see the truth with my own eyes. I trust you, Sir Fertimo, to keep me safe."
The knight dropped to one knee, bowing his head with solemn loyalty."Of course, my lady. I will guard you with my life."