Since entering Gryn's service, Ser Brienne had always been his personal guard. It could be said that... she knew far too much.
Her thick lips moved. "I... I think Lady Melisandre will soon solve this problem for His Majesty."
Gryn's gaze rested on the unfolded parchment map, his eyes slowly sweeping across the Wall of the End. "Mm, it still needs some time."
With that, he picked up House Florent's secret letter again.
The wording of Ser Axell's letter was almost abject. He first blamed House Florent's actions on—Stannis's deception and coercion, every line filled with remorse.
Next, he expressed their willingness to submit to Gryn.
To show their sincerity, he frankly admitted that Stannis's sole heir—Shireen Baratheon—was under House Florent's "protection."
He also stated that Florent's thousand heavily armored knights stood ready to serve at the king's command.
Then.
As an ancient house of the Reach, House Florent's sole request was to return to its ancestral lands—Brightwater Keep—and become the king's most obedient servants.
Setting down the letter, Gryn's fingers tapped against the armrest, the sound especially distinct in the silent study.
The letter made no mention of Stannis's wife, Ser Axell's niece, Selyse Florent.
Without Melisandre, the so-called "Queen's Men" in Stannis's camp were nothing but an illusion. Selyse had lost her value.
As for Shireen...
After a pause, Gryn drew back his slightly wandering thoughts and continued considering the price House Florent had offered for its submission.
Gryn's conclusion was—tasteless.
House Florent had long since lost its former glory. Even if it returned to Brightwater Keep, Tyrell would easily trample it beneath its feet.
More importantly, such a crude method would affect the close relationship between Crabb and Tyrell. For the price Florent was offering now... it was not worth it.
The cautious King Gryn naturally also