Oldtown, 281 A.C.
Melelna
Melelna and Oberyn had arrived in Oldtown late the night before. An Oldman dressed in black robes with a long chain around his neck─which appeared to be made of many different metals─approached them at the docks. Oberyn explained that this was one of the maesters and he was to escort them to the Citadel.
Melelna left her people at the ship with Aren and Belio in charge, only taking Amir with her to the Citadel.
They gave them separate rooms on the same floor and, for the most part, the people here took well to the Volantene. The only request the maesters had was that Melelna keeps her hooded cloak on and doesn't wander about unescorted—especially in the parts of the library she wasn't given access to. She didn't take any offence at their mistrust. She was surprised they allowed her entry in any parts of the library if she was being honest with herself.
The girl was currently standing frozen in front of one of the entrances to said library. She'd taken only one step inside before she stilled and openly gaped at what appeared before her.
Countless levels of shelfs were secured on the walls all around the large room. Every last one of them full of books. Melelna had never seen so many books at one place in her life.
This is only a small part of the library?
She heard a chuckle come from beside her and she turned to find Oberyn watching her with a grin on his mouth.
Melelna was snapped out of her haze. She uncomfortably cleared her throat before speaking. "So what section of the library are we in?"
"History section. I figured it would interest you." The prince said, laugher still evident in his eyes.
"Are there any books about the Targaryen dragons here?" Melelna blurted out and instantly regretted it.
Oberyn regarded her with interest. "I must admit I didn't expect you to ask for those books for at least another day, and certainly not so bluntly. You surprise me once again Melelna."
Again? Melelna was about to ask Oberyn what he meant by that, to give herself time and think of an excuse that explained her interest in dragons without mentioning her dreams; but the Prince only turned, pointing to a dark corner on the other side of the room.
"There." He said. "There aren't many left but I've found them interesting to say the least. There are some more of course, but those are in the Targaryen libraries."
Melelna beamed at the Prince. She hastened to the corner Oberyn had pointed at, grateful that he once again chose not to pry.
The girl gathered as many books as she could fit in her arms and carried them to the large table that Oberyn had already seated himself at with his own stack of books.
She smiled broadly at him before grabbing the book closest to her and settling herself on the seat opposite from the dornish prince. For hours Melelna's gaze stayed fixated on the pages, only giving it a rest when Oberyn touched her shoulder and informed her that it was soon time for dinner.
The books were more about the dragon riders than the dragons themselves but the girl enjoyed them all the same. The dragon battles didn't leave her mind during dinner and she even discussed them with Oberyn.
They were still in her thoughts when her eyes shut that night but it wasn't those dragons who had visited her in sleep. It was the same scarlet beast Melelna had been familiar for years with, expect this time…the creature wasn't alone, it had a brother and a sister on each side.
Arthur
The Kingsguard knocked on Archmaester Walgrave's door and hoped the Oldman would open before his presence at the Citadel was noted and this became much louder than it needed to be.
The door slowly opened with a groan and the small form of the Archmaester appeared through the crack. "Who are you?" The maester asked, suspicion evident his voice.
Arthur slightly lowered his hood. "It's Arthur. I'm here for the Prince. May I have a word with you, Archmaester?" The Kingsguard kept his voice calm and even, he'd already spooked the Oldman enough. He'd met him once before when Rhaegar visited the Citadel. The maester had helped the Prince locate a book they thought might shed some light on his complicated dreams, but it was another dead end.
The Archmaester's eyes widened for only a second before he concealed his shock and moved aside, allowing Arthur to step into the room before shutting the door behind him.
"Prince Oberyn came to the Citadel with a woman a few days ago." Arthur stated and waited for the Oldman to confirm that the girl was indeed here.
The Oldman nodded so Arthur continued: "I need to speak with her. In private. If I go to her chambers it might attract too much attention."
"The girl spends at least three hours with Oberyn in the history section every day before dinner. They are alone for the most part since most apprentices return to their rooms by that time." The maester offered.
"I'll be helping you carry some books to the history section before dinner then, Archmaester. Do you mind if I wait here in the meanwhile? I'm sure you understand that is best for everyone if my presence in the Citadel does not become public knowledge." Arthur said before settling on the wooden chair by the maester's bed.
The maester didn't look happy to have him there but nodded nonetheless.
Arthur remained on his seat for hours, only standing a few times to stretch his legs. It was an hour before dinner when Archmaester Walgrave returned to his chambers to escort him to the girl.
The Kingsguard fell into step with the Oldman, keeping his gaze on his feet so his face remained concealed under his hood.
When they reached the library the knight gestured to the maester to stay at the door. Once inside, he scanned the area for any prying eyes but found none. It wasn't just Oberyn and the girl in the room, though. There was another man, standing a few feet behind the seat that the girl occupied on the large table. Guard, he thought
He couldn't see much of the man behind the black clothes that helped him blend with the shadows of the room but Arthur caught the movement of his hand shifting closer to the hilt of his sword when the Kingsguard started approaching towards his mistress's direction.
Arthur placed the books the maester had him carry on the table and lowered his hood. A half smile appeared on his lips when he took in her features. The girl was exceptionally pretty. Surely, his Prince will be pleased.
Oberyn─who must've recognized him─loudly snapped his book closed, making the girl let out a startled gasp. The prince gave her an apologetic smile before turning his gaze back to Arthur. "To what do we owe the honour of being in the presence of a Kingsguard?" He asked, not bothering to hide the dislike in his voice.
The girl's eyes widened at the mention of Arthur's status but she didn't close her own book, nor did she turn her gaze towards the knight. She must've assumed he was here to see Oberyn.
Arthur sighed. It seems Oberyn was still angry about the rejection of princess Elia as a potential for Rhaegar's bride.
"I'm not here for you. I'm here to see Lady Melelna Vhassar on the behalf of Prince Rhaegar." Arthur announced.
That had the girl closing her book and raising both eyebrows in surprise. She openly gaped at Arthur before glancing at Oberyn, appearing unsure of what to say or do.
"What business does Rhaegar have with her?" Oberyn pressed. The girl looked to also be waiting for an explanation for this visit.
Arthur reached inside his pocket and pulled out the envelope his Prince had given him.
"The Prince would like you to read this, Lady Melelna." Arthur said before placing the envelope in front her on the wooden table.
She stared at it for a few seconds then she gazed towards Arthur one last time before picking it up and breaking the royal seal. The lady's eyes scanned the words for a few long moments. When she was finished reading it, she visibly swallowed and dropped the envelope back on the table.
"Well? What does it say?" Oberyn asked while tapping his fingers on the wood.
"The prince would like me to join him at the 'tourney of Harrenhal' that takes place in three fortnights." The girl swallowed again, as if speaking the words took physical effort for her.
Oberyn let out a laugh. "We should be leaving soon then if we're going to make it to Harrenhal in time."
"You are also going to this tourney?" Lady Melelna asked, sounding hopeful.
"Yes. I had a raven come in last night from my brother. I was actually going to ask you to accompany me but it seems that the Dragon Prince has somehow beat me to it." Oberyn said but his words didn't sound bitter. If anything, the Dornishman sounded amused with the turn of events.
"What about my people? I can't leave them all here."
"How many people are in your company, my lady?" Arthur cut in.
"Twenty guards, three servant girls and the crew of my ship."
"May I suggest you leave some of the guards with your ship and let the rest escort you to Harrenhal? I imagine most Lords will have a similarly sized escort."
She again stared at the paper in front of her before glancing towards her guard. They exchanged a few words in a language Arthur didn't understand but assumed was high Valyrian.
Lady Melelna turned her gaze back to Arthur and hesitantly nodded her head. "Very well then. I guess I'm going to Harrenhal." She said, giving him a weak smile.
Arthur was surprised with her reluctance. Every woman in Westeros would be shedding tears of joy for receiving an invitation from the Prince.
All but this one. The knight thought.
Oberyn however, didn't seem surprised. He kept his gaze glued on the girl with a gentle look in his eyes.
Arthur wondered if Varys had been wrong and the girl was returning the Dornishman's affections; but the knight didn't spot any signals coming from the girl that indicated romantic feelings for the Dornish Prince. She only looked…haunted. Perhaps she heard the whispers about the King and she feared that Rhaegar was the same, he mused.
"I'll be staying near the docks, my lady. I too am headed for Harrenhal so I'll wait until you're ready to depart and make the journey with you." The Kingsguard said, making it clear in his tone that it wasn't a request.
The girl must've gotten the message because she glared at him and only slightly nodded her agreement. "What is your name then? I suppose we should get to know each other if we're going to be spending so much time together."
"Ser Arthur Dayne, my lady. Member of King Aery's Kingsguard." Arthur said after straightening his shoulders. He heard Oberyn snort but ignored him. Everybody knew that Arthur's loyalties lay with the Prince but he still technically served Aerys first.
The Volantene stood and offered him her hand. "Well it seems you already know who I am, Ser."
Arthur brushed a small kiss on her knuckle before quickly releasing her hand. "I'll be at the inn near the docks, my lady. Come find me when you are ready to leave. I'm sure you understand it's best if you keep our conversation to yourself." The Knight said before inclining his head and turning towards the door.
Melelna
Melelna pushed herself on top of a barrel and sat crossed-legged, watching as her guards carried chests out of her cabin.
She'd only informed everyone about their ride to Harrenhal two days ago but Amir had already found and bought eight more horses and a carriage for the journey.
"So are we going to be calling you 'princess' soon, my lady?" Belio jested, earning himself a smack on the back of the head by Amir.
"The man hasn't even met her yet." Amir snapped.
"This isn't the first time the Prince showed interest in Melelna, you know. Well not himself directly but still." Aren said, causing everyone to jerk their heads in his direction.
"Explain." Melelna demanded.
"I remember a man coming to the Palace. I was still your father's guard at the time so I was there when they talked. He said he was looking for a bride for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne and asked if your father would consider a match between you and the Prince. It was before..." Aren lowered his gaze fall to the floor. "So your father turned him down and never spoke of it again. Nyessos was there too, he never told you?"
"No, he didn't. Neither of them did." Melelna replied, her eyes narrowed.
The girl had spent the last two days learning as much as she could about Rhaegar Targaryen. Most people sounded fond of him, their eyes shining as they talked about their "Silver Prince".The same couldn't be said about the King. No one really said much when she asked and they quickly changed the subject. Even saying his name seem to make their eyes cloud with fear and Melena truly didn't look forward to meeting him. She was intrigued with Rhaegar, though. If so many people talked about him with such admiration in their voices, then there surely must be some truth in their words.
"Well, it seems like he found you again, anyway." Belio playfully said before tapping her nose.
"Belio..." Amir warned.
"What is your problem anyway? He is a bloody King in the making. She couldn't get a better match if she tried. There isn't a better match. Not here and not in Essos. This is a good thing you fucking idiot." Belio growled at Amir.
Her brother looked ready to push Belio off the deck so Melelna quickly slid off her barrel and stood between the two men. "Amir is only worried for my safety is all." She said before grabbing Amir's forearm and dragging him to her cabin.
Once inside, the girl shut the door and turned to face her brother. Her anger soothed when she saw the concern in his eyes. She knew exactly why Amir was reacting.
"I know you fear whathe might do if he finds out but you need to keep your feelings to yourself. Especially when we arrive at Harrenhal." She told the Shadow before affectionately linking her fingers with his.
Amir's expression softened. "This is the Crown Prince we're talking about, Mel. Not that his tittles are going to matter to Nyessos. If this turns bad; it might even mean war."
She knew her brother was right, it wouldn't matter to Nyessos. Nothing mattered to her oldest brother when it came to having his way─as he proved time and time again.
Belio and Aren knew her mother's secret so they understood why Amir was sometimes overly protective of her. But they didn't know her own secret. Only her bastard brother knew. Not even Vinar─her sane legitimate brother─believed her when she last saw him four years ago.
Amir didn't need to believe her. He saw enough of the truth with his own two eyes and received his own share of Nyessos's cruelty when their insane brother realized that she cared for her slave guard. And then that cursed day came…
"You should've let me kill him when I had the chance." Amir growled, the shadow also remembering the morning he almost buried his blade in Nyessos's neck.
Melelna tightened her grip around his fingers. "I would've lost you forever. Even if you got out of the Palace, I would still lose you. You would be banished, never allowed to retu─"
"You'd be safe. Free of him." Amir interrupted before pulling his hand from hers and running it through his hair.
"Nothing is worth that price! What about mother? She risked her own life to keep you safe. To keep you close!" Melelna shouted at her brother. She couldn't comprehend how he had so little regard for his life after everything their mother sacrificed to have him at the Palace.
Amir sighed and lowered his gaze his feet. "The Dragon Prince sounds like a good man." He said, changing the subject.
Melelna's shoulders sagged in relief; glad for the change in their conversation's direction. "You say it as if it's a bad thing."
Her brother's gaze found hers. "Maybe… Maybe it's time you stopped running from Nyessos."
"We don't know that the Prince wants to marry me. He only invi─"
"Oh, please." Amir snorted. "He was looking for a bride three years ago and he still haven't found one. I'm surprised he isn't taking you straight to the sept."
Melelna giggled. "So does that mean you'll behave?"
"Only if you promise to try and put your own wishes first. Just this once." Her brother said before cupping her face in his hands and bending to place a kiss on her forehead.
.
.
The last of the chests were being loaded on the carriage. Melelna would normally worry about traveling with so much gold with her but she had no reason to concern herself today. Between her own guards and the men Oberyn brought with him from Dorne, they had a large enough party to scare away any group of road thieves.
And there's also that Kingsguard. The girl thought.
The man was presently sitting on top of his grey warhorse. With his black hood up, he looked like any other man of her guard. Amir'd given him one of his tunics since the two of them shared a similar build.
Her brother─surprisingly─liked Arthur. He heard that the Knight was the greatest swordsman in all of the Seven Kingdoms so Amir couldn't wait to spar with him.
Melelna glanced towards the carriage. The last chest was loaded and they were practically ready to go. She'd already said her goodbyes to the crew and the men she ordered to guard the ship. The girl was leaving them with enough gold to last them many moons if they were mindful of their spending.
Where is Oberyn?
Melelna hadn't seen the Dornishman return to the docks after he left, early in the morning. He said he'd be back before they were ready to depart but there was still no sign of him.
Just when she was about to send Amir to look for him, Oberyn appeared at the turn of the cobbled road. He noticed her looking at him so he gave her one of his charming smiles. Oberyn wasn't alone however, there was a woman walking beside him.
Melelna took in the woman's features. She was shorter than the Volantene lady. Her skin a shade similar to that of Oberyn's and her hair falling down her back in thick dark waves. She wore a yellow sleeveless dress that looked a lot like the ones Melelna bought from Dorne and had an aura of elegance around her as she moved.
"Everyone ready to leave?" Oberyn asked when they reached Melelna.
"Yes, just waiting for you." Melelna replied, returning his grin.
"This is my sister, Elia." The Dornish Prince announced. "She was originally going to make the journey with us but it seems that my sweet sister is pregnant."
Melelna's eyes instantly went to the girl's middle.
"Oh, it doesn't show yet." The woman giggled and Melelna's cheeks instantly flashed. It was rude to stare at a pregnant woman's tummy. She gave Oberyn's sister an apologetic smile and tried to conceal her embarrassment.
"I've heard so much about you Lady Melelna. I wish we had more time to be acquainted with one another." The woman continued. There was a sweetness to her voice that helped relax the Volantene.
"It's an honour to meet you, Princess Elia. I too wish we had more time." Melelna said before curtsying at the woman.
"Perhaps you could be my guest next time you visit Oldtown." Elia suggested.
"My sister is married to Ser Baelor Hightower. The enormous tower in the middle of the port is her new home." Oberyn explained before Melelna could ask. The Volantene girl had seen the tower, it was the first thing she glimpsed when their ship approached the stone city. It looked to be serving as both a castle and a lighthouse.
"It would be my pleasure to visit your new home, Princess." Melelna told Elia, cupping her small delicate hand in-between both her own.
Elia smiled and turned back to her brother. They said their goodbyes and the Princess of Dorne got on her tip toes to place a kiss on Oberyn's cheek before starting to make her way back up the road.
"She is truly the sweetest woman I've ever met. And I'm not only saying it because she's my sister." Oberyn said, still watching Elia's retreating form.
"I believe you." And she really did believe him. There was way too much warmth in Elia's smile for there to be any malice in her heart.
"Let's leave then. I'm sure you can't wait to meet the 'Silver Prince'." Oberyn teased before mounting his horse.
Melelna mounted her own horse. She'd ended up calling her Midnight, which was fitting considering the animal was black from head to tail.
"You don't sound very fond of him, should I be worried?" She hesitantly asked.
Oberyn chuckled. "No. You'll probably be half in love with him by the end of the first day at the tourney. But…" The Dornishman paused, letting out a sigh. "Just be careful, okay? Around the rest of his family."
Melelna registered that he his warning was about the King but knew better than to ask for more when they were surrounded by prying ears.
"I'll be careful. Let us be on our way then." Was all she said before their horses started to slowly trot their way through the city.
King's Landing, 281 A.C.
Cersei
Cersei watched her brother's naked form as he slept next to her on the bed. She ran her finger on his back, tracing the line of his spine.
Jaime stirred a few times and then reluctantly opened his eyes. When his sleepy gaze found her watching him, his lips broke into a sideways smile.
"Good morning, brother." Cersei purred. "You should get up before someone notices you didn't sleep in your quarters."
Her brother rubbed his eyes and sat up on the bed. "Has the sun been up for long?"
"About two hours. Are you coming back tonight after dinner?" Cersei asked after pulling the sheets to cover her nakedness.
"I shouldn't. I'm in your room too often. The servants notice. What if one of them tells father?" Jaime warned and slid off the bed.
Cersei watched him stand in all his naked glory. Her gazed followed the lines of his hard muscles for only a moment before she found herself considering to invite him back to bed. He was a handsome man. Maybe the most handsome man in all of Westeros. The only one that could rival his looks was the Prince of Dragonstone himself.
"The servants know better than to tell father, even if they caught us with me on top of you." She assured him. And she knew her words were true. The servants knew what kind of man her father was. He'd kill the fool who'd dare bring him the news, guaranteeing that they never again repeated the insult.
"Even so. We shouldn't push our luck." Her brother insisted while pulling on his breeches.
Jaime turned and pointed his sister a harsh look in his emerald eyes. "Or are you bored now that the Dragon Prince doesn't share his evening walks with you anymore?"
Cersei glared at him. She was getting tired of his petty jealousies. Didn't he understand that she did everything for him? If she married the Prince, she and her brother could stay together, under the same roof. She worked so hard to get that Kingsguard killed and subtly plant the seed in Aerys's head. She would have the kingdom's two most beautiful men by her side until the end of her days—all because of her own hard work. She hated that Jaime couldn't appreciate all she did for them.
Her brother was right about one thing, however: The prince didn't share his walks with her anymore. Neither did he invite her to eat with him like he used to do once every a couple days. Cersei had to figure out what the problem was and fix it before all her plans came tumbling to the ground.
"Do you have to mock me? You know why I need him. Why We need him. If I don't marry the Pri─"
Cersei's rant was interrupted by a knock on the door. Jaime rolled his eyes and crouched behind her desk, without having to be asked. He was her brother, but being seen in her rooms at this hour with Cersei still naked in the bed was bound to raise some eyebrows.
"Come in." she ordered when Jaime was hidden from view.
A servant girl walked into the room, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Your Lord father wishes to see you in his chambers at the tower of the Hand, milady." The girl mumbled.
"I know where my father's chambers are!" Cersei snapped and the girl flinched before taking a step back.
Cersei rolled her eyes and waved her hand through the air, dismissing the servant.
"Do you have to be so rude to them?" Jaime asked, coming out from behind the desk, after the girl had shut the door behind her.
"They are servants. They're here for a purpose and it's not to chat with us." Cersei said in bored tone.
Jaime sighed and walked to the door, pulling it open. "Whatever you say, sweet sister. Go on then, father doesn't like to be kept waiting." Was all he said before he strode out and pulled the door closed with a loud thud.
Cersei pushed the sheets off and got on her feet. She called for the servants to draw her bath and help her prepare herself for another long day at court. She'd try to find the Prince today and ask if she'd somehow offended him. She had to return in his good graces. She had to convince him to make her his future had a creeping feeling that Jaime knew why Rhaegar had suddenly lost interest in her but he denied any knowledge when she asked.
After the servants scrubbed her clean and helped her into her gown, Cersei made her way to the Tower of the Hand.
The Lannister girl nodded at the two guards standing at the chamber's door and one of them knocked before announcing her arrival to her father.
Cersei tensed at the image that greeted her inside. There were boxes everywhere, full of her father's belongings. Why was he moving his things? Didn't he like the room at the Tower?
"Daughter." Came her father's voice from her left.
Cersei turned and found him sitting behind his desk. He looked older. She only saw him last week but her father looked as if he'd aged ten years in the days that passed since then.
"Father." She forced a smile. "Why are you moving your things? Are these chambers not to your liking anymore?"
Her father sighed and rubbed at his temples. Tywin Lannister never sighed; and Cersei was sure she'd never seen him looking so glum before. Something must've gone terribly wrong to reduce her mighty father to this state.
"What's the matter, father?" Cersei asked, keeping her voice guarded.
Tywin pushed off his chair came to stand in front of his daughter, pinning her with a sharp look."We are going back home. Tell the servants to gather your things. We leave first thing in the morning."
Cersei's eyes widened at his words. "Leave? We can't leave. You are the hand of the king and what about the Prince? You said that he would make me his Queen. You said I had to get in his good gra─"
"I know what I said!" Tywin snapped.
"Then… Then why? Father I don't understand." And she really didn't. Why would they leave? She knew he would be angry about Jaime joining the Kingsguard but she'd never thought he'd leave. And why was he taking her with him? She couldn't seduce the Prince if she was locked inside a stupid Rock.
"The Prince is going to Harrenhal to meet his future bride." Her father said, making Cersei's gaze snap to his.
"What bride?" She growled.
"Some girl from Volantis. It doesn't matter who she is. What matters is that your brother just lost his claim to Casterly Rock and I need to find a way to fix it while also looking to find you a husband." Her father said, sounding desperate for the first time in years.
"Father please. Who is this girl? Why is she a better choice than me? You said there was no one better for the Prince to choose as a wife!" Cersei's eyes started to burn and she knew she couldn't keep her tears inside for much longer.
"There is no one better!" Her father snapped again. "And after that Baratheon barbarian was lost at sea, I thought they were done with Essos. But the damn girl had to go and cross the sea herself, practically throwing herself on Rhaegar's lap."
Cersei couldn't allow this to happen. She'd worked too hard. The whole court was wrapped around her little finger and she was sure she'd been making progress with the Prince─at least before he'd started to avoid her. She couldn't just leave it all behind, leave Jaime behind.
Cersei straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. "He didn't marry her yet. There is still time." She said, trying to sound confident.
Her father shook his head but Cersei continued: "Let me go to Harrenhal with the royal party. Let me try one more time. Please father, not all is lost. At least not yet. But it will be if you force me to do nothing."
Tywin looked thoughtful for a few moments before nodding at his daughter. "You'll return to The Rock after the tournament and you're taking a group of our own guards with you to Harrenhal so they can escort you back."
Cersei smiled at her father. She'd mend her relationship with the Prince and she'd go all in this time.
No Volantene whore is going to take what is rightfully mine.