During the seven days that Arthur led the Regular Mountain Corps to purge the bandits in Starfall's territory, word of the upcoming tourney spread across the realm.
Ravens took flight, carrying the news to every major castle in Dorne, the Reach, and the Stormlands.
Highgarden, The Reach. Mander River Docks.
Lady Mina Tyrell stood on the deck of the Great Mace. The breeze from the Mander River brushed across her face—no longer young, but still dignified and beautiful.
She tucked a stray lock of chestnut hair behind her ear. As her silk sleeve slipped down, it revealed a gold bracelet shaped like grapevines—the sigil of House Redwyne.
It was a gift from her husband, Paxter Redwyne, after she bore him twin sons.
"My lady, we have arrived," the captain said softly, interrupting her thoughts.
Mina took a deep breath. The unique scent of the Reach filled her lungs—a blend of roses, grapes, and ripening wheat.
Since marrying Paxter and becoming the Lady of the Arbor, she had returned to Highgarden only a handful of times.
Each visit usually carried a mission for House Redwyne.
And each departure usually carried a heart stung by her mother, the Queen of Thorns' sharp tongue.
Servants were already lined up on the dock, waiting.
Mina adjusted her teal velvet gown. She had chosen the color carefully—it highlighted her Tyrell heritage without losing the solemnity of House Redwyne.
She descended the gangplank slowly. Ten guards in Redwyne livery immediately surrounded her, forming a moving barrier.
"Welcome back to Highgarden, Lady Mina." An elderly Highgarden steward bowed deeply. "Lady Olenna is waiting for you in the inner gardens."
Mina nodded slightly, but her gaze drifted past the steward to the beautiful castle of white marble standing atop the hill.
The hill of Highgarden was neither steep nor rocky; it was broad, symmetrical, and gently sloped.
The castle was as beautiful as she remembered. Three concentric curtain walls unfolded like the layers of a maiden's skirt.
As the terrain rose, the walls grew taller and thicker.
Slender towers dotted the landscape, glowing golden in the setting sun.
Passing through the bustling crowd at the docks, Mina stepped onto the pebble path leading to the main keep.
Wild roses bloomed riotously along the roadside, their pink and white petals swaying in the breeze as if welcoming a long-lost daughter home.
The outermost gates stood open. Guards recognized the daughter of House Tyrell and bowed their heads in respect.
Mina's gaze passed through the first gate and landed on the famous Briar Maze located between the outer and middle walls.
The maze was a complex labyrinth of thorny hedges and trellises.
In Mina's memory, it had always been a playground for residents and guests. But it also served a defensive purpose.
Invaders unfamiliar with the maze's layout would easily get lost, trapped in dead ends, unable to reach the inner gates.
Having grown up here, Mina knew the Briar Maze intimately.
She remembered being able to walk from the entrance to the center alone at seven. By twelve, she had discovered three shortcuts even the gardeners didn't know.
Mina's fingers brushed against the neatly trimmed hedge wall, feeling the slight prick of the small thorns. Like her mother's words—sharp, but real.
Left, right, thirty paces straight, then through a hidden archway.
In less than ten minutes, Mina stood before the inner gate. Most visitors would have needed at least half an hour to find their way out.
The sight of the inner gardens of Highgarden took Mina's breath away.
It was even more magnificent than she remembered. Rainbows danced in the mist of fountains; ivy-clad ancient buildings complemented blooming flowers; marble statues were gently embraced by vines, looking as if they had come to life.
The air was filled with the scent of roses, lavender, and lemon trees, mixed with the smell of damp earth.
"Lady Mina, please follow me," a servant in emerald green livery approached and bowed. "Lady Olenna and Lady Margaery are listening to the fool sing in the Rose Garden."
Mina waved her hand, her silk sleeves rustling softly. "I know the way. You may go."
The servant paused, then bowed and retreated.
Mina walked along the cobblestone path, passing flowerbed after flowerbed.
She remembered the name of every plant here. That tall white rosebush was one she had planted herself as a child. That patch of purple lavender was a gift her father had brought back from a cliffside during a hawk hunt on her tenth nameday.
Rounding a fountain pool, Mina's steps unconsciously slowed.
From the gazebo ahead, covered in roses of every color, came the comical singing of the fool, Butterbumps, and the silver-bell laughter of a young girl.
Mina took a deep breath, straightened her collar, and walked forward.
In the gazebo, Olenna Redwyne—the "Queen of Thorns" and Mina's mother—reclined on a cushioned wicker chair.
Though she was over seventy and time had etched deep lines on her face, her eyes remained bright and clear.
Her small frame was wrapped in a deep purple gown, and her silver-white hair was neatly gathered in a hairnet set with amethysts.
Sitting beside Olenna was Margaery Tyrell, the Rose of Highgarden.
Margaery had the signature brown curly hair and large almond eyes of House Tyrell. A pale pink dress accentuated her graceful figure.
When she laughed, the entire garden seemed to brighten.
Mina stood at the entrance of the gazebo, her shadow falling on the stone steps.
Butterbumps stopped singing abruptly. Everyone turned to look at her.
"Can anyone tell me who this woman is?" The Queen of Thorns glanced at her daughter, then looked around inquiringly. "Why is she here?"
Mina's fingers unconsciously tightened on her skirt. From childhood to now, her mother's greeting style remained unchanged.
Margaery stood up quickly, her skirt spreading like petals. "This is Aunt Mina. Grandmother, have you forgotten your own daughter?"
Mina cast a grateful look at her niece. The last time she saw Margaery, the girl was still childish. Now she had blossomed into a graceful lady, exuding nobility in every gesture.
Mina couldn't help but think that such a beauty, a true Rose of Highgarden, could only be matched by a king or a prince.
"Mother, it's been a long time," Mina said, taking a step into the gazebo.
Olenna didn't respond immediately. Instead, she huffed in dissatisfaction and said to Margaery, "Of course I remember the children I bore."
Only then did she turn to Mina. "The last time we met was at Garlan's wedding to the Fossoway girl. That was over two years ago. I thought you had forgotten you had a mother."
Mina walked over and sat in the empty seat next to Olenna, her silk dress rustling.
"You know I have to help Paxter manage the Arbor. I truly couldn't get away."
"Oh, please. It's not like I haven't managed a castle before." Olenna waved her hand, signaling Butterbumps to leave. The fool bowed knowingly and waddled out of the gazebo.
"Your father, Luthor, that oaf, spent all his days hawking and ignored his duties. I managed everything in Highgarden, big and small. And while running the castle, I still found time to give birth to you and your siblings."
The old woman sneered. "And look how he ended up. Always looking up at the sky for his hawks, never watching where he put his feet. Rode right off a cliff."