Dragon Wolf
A/N: Things will deviate a LOT from the show in this chapter. This is where I break away from the show and do my own thing with mentions of the main storylines thrown in. Hopefully you all like the direction I take this in.
Secondary A/N: I updated this as someone pointed out a major mistake I made in having Ned reveal the truth to her when he had already done so in the first chapter…oopsies lol. All fixed now.
Chapter 4 – Going Downhill
After the tourney was over the visiting knights began to make their return journeys back home, including the Dornishmen. Visenya had mixed feeling about this. On the one hand she wanted to spar with these men more as they actually challenged her and enjoyed fighting her…on the other hand it meant the irritating Prince Oberyn was leaving and would no longer be bothering her. Jory was thrilled to see them packing up and preparing to head out.
"My Lady? Shall we go meet up with your father now?"
"Of course, lead the way."
Jory led Visenya and Sansa to the throne room where their father and the King were waiting with the Queen and her family. Visenya did not like the sour look on the Queen's face, a feeling that was only further cemented when the Queen immediately set upon Sansa.
"Little Dove…come closer. Did you really tell your father you fear my son? Surely he misheard you? Joffrey has not harmed you little dove."
"Your Grace…I'm sorry…he does frighten me. He shoved me into a wall and yelled at me for getting him into trouble…he said he would teach me a lesson once we were married. I don't want to marry him…father please?"
"Sansa, come here sweet one. I've got you, it's alright…just calm yourself."
Visenya pulled her shaking sister into her arms and soothed her fears as best she could while Ned gave Robert a pointed look. Robert sighed in irritation but he knew he didn't have it in him to force a clearly frightened child into a marriage she most certainly would not want…especially not the child of his best friend.
"Very well…the wedding is off. We'll have to find someone else for Joffrey to marry."
"Robert?!"
"Enough Cersei! I will not force this poor child into something that clearly terrifies her."
"Visenya, take Sansa back to the tower please."
"What about her then? Why can't she be married to Joffrey?"
"She's much older than he is Cersei. I will not have it."
"And if I insist?"
"Not this time. Ladies, you may leave now."
The two young women wasted no time in leaving the room, meeting Jory outside the doors. Surprisingly Prince Oberyn was also waiting there which earned him a raised eyebrow from Visenya.
"Something we can help you with, Your grace?"
"I came to bid you a reluctant farewell, Lady Visenya…and to extend a personal invitation for to visit Dorne in the future. A woman of your beauty and talent would be very much adored in my country."
"Perhaps…for now I must attend to my family."
"Is Lady Sansa well?"
"She will be fine. Thank you for your concern. Jory? The betrothal has been canceled by the King."
"Thank the gods…would you like me to take her back to the tower so you can go for a ride?"
"If you wouldn't mind."
"I would not. I will meet you in the stables shortly, My Lady."
Visenya nodded and watched Jory and Sansa until the vanished around a corner and her attention was once more ensnared by the Dornish Prince as he stepped closer to her.
"Alone again, My Lady."
"Wrong again."
"Oh…Ser Hound. How are you today?"
"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Ser, wolf girl?"
"Probably a thousand more times…and I'll still call you that."
"Do you enjoy being irritating?"
"My brothers would say yes."
The Hound growled at her and she just giggled playfully at him before dancing her way down the hall towards the sunlight. The Hound just snorted softly and shook his head with a low grumble.
"That one is trouble wrapped in a pretty package."
"Ah, but those are the best ones.
"Good luck trying to tame that little she-wolf of the north. No man has managed it yet. She may be innocent in the ways of men and pleasure…but she certainly knows how to drive a man up the wall."
"Yes…that she does. Tell me…how fares your brother…The Mountain?"
"I wouldn't know. We don't get along. He hates me, I hate him back."
"I see…I've never actually met a man who hated his own brother so much."
"If I ever get the chance to kill him…I will."
"Not if I get him first."
"Either way he'd be dead…which is fine by me."
"Good to know."
Oberyn walked away from the Hound, lazily following the same path Visenya had danced her way across. Eventually the Prince found himself on a high wall overlooking an open field near the castle. Two horseback figures were chasing each other in circles, one weaving patterns around the other with a banner of ink-black hair flying behind them. He admired her skillful handling of the horse beneath her and even from the distance he was at he could tell it was a large horse, nothing like the sand steeds of his lands. Tis was a Northern horse, bred to be big and sturdy to handle the tough conditions up there. Yet, this small woman handled the creature as if it were an extension of herself, an admirable skill. He was reluctant to leave without having solved the riddle of this northern maiden with the name of a dragon…but his brother needed him home and so home he must go.
The Dornish party passed by the field where Visenya was running patterns around an amused Jory and she stopped to watch them for a bit. One of the men waved to her with a cheeky grin and she rolled her eyes when she realized it was Ser Daemon Sand...but she waved back to be polite. He wasn't horrible…just absolutely shameless…much like his Prince really. She frowned when she failed to spot the Prince among his people only to jump slightly when he spoke from beside her, earning him a fierce scowl from her.
"Searching for someone in particular, My Lady?"
"That wasn't very nice of you Prince Oberyn…sneaking up on a Lady like that."
"I did no such thing, MY Lady…you were simply too occupied to hear my approach."
"Then perhaps you should have announced yourself like a proper gentleman."
"Perhaps…but that would not have been nearly as entertaining."
"Scoundrel."
"You wound me."
"I'm sure. Should you not be with your people?"
"I will catch up to them soon enough. I merely wished to extend my invitation once more for you to join us."
"I will tell you once again…my place is with my family…though I thank you for the offer."
"Your beauty…your skill…your fire…it is all wasted up here with these people who will try to break you…to tame that fire."
"I can take care of myself, Prince Oberyn. Farewell, and safe travels to you. Jory? Let's get back before Father sends out a search party."
"Oh he would too…"
"He has before, remember?"
"That was mess amusing when it was happening you know?"
"I know…but looking back on it…well…it was rather amusing."
"As I recall you did win the bet with Theon that day did you not?"
"Of course I did. He should really know better than to bet against me by now…I always win."
"This is true."
Oberyn watched them leave until Daemon came to his side and urged him to go, though he too was reluctant to leave such a treasure with people who would not appreciate her properly.
"Come, My Prince. We will return before too long…with any luck she will still be here when we do."
As they rode back to the stables Visenya tensed up at the sight of her father surrounded by Lannister men. As she dismounted she noticed Ser Jaime Lannister tense up at the sight of her before relaxing into an easy smile…one she knew better than to trust.
"Lady Visenya, I was not aware you were out riding this morning."
"I needed to clear my head and riding is one of the best ways to do so."
"And the other?"
"Fighting, of course."
"Ah yes…the fighting she-wolf of the north. How could I forget? I'd still like to spar with you sometime."
"We shall see. Father? Can you help me pick out a gown for the King's special dinner tonight?"
"Of course, any particular color you have in mind?"
"I'm not sure yet…something not too dark…but not too light either. Jory? Keep up."
"Coming, My Lady."
Ser Jaime watched them go with a frown on his face, wondering how this tiny slip of a woman could thwart his plans without even knowing he had a plan. He would deal with Ned Stark later, and he would speak to his sister about the little wolf girl.
"So…what was all that about down there?"
"I'm not sure…likely something I said to Cersei this morning that unsettled her."
"Oh? Such as…?"
"Nothing to worry your pretty little head over. The King is apparently making a big announcement of some kind tonight…no idea what it is though…he's being unusually tight-lipped about it."
"Oh…how mysterious of him."
"Maybe the Queen is pregnant again…"
"Jory!"
"What? It could happen My Lady…she's still in the child-bearing years."
"I don't even want to have that mental image in my head thank you very much."
Ned chuckled at the pair of them acting like kids again and wondered, not for the first time, if he should have told Robert no back in Winterfell. Visenya was clearly not a fan of the Capital, and Sansa was frightened of every shadow now. He only hoped Robert's announcement was that he could take his girls back home…though he highly doubted it.
That night Visenya chose to wear a silvery-blue gown with white wolves embroidered along the hem and the sleeves while Sansa went with a minty green colored gown that looked stunning on her. Ned beamed at both of his daughters as he led them to the dining hall with Jory and a few guards trailing behind them. Before the food was to be brought out the King stood to make his announcement.
"I have decided to enter into negotiations with the Tyrell family to possible betroth their eldest girl to the Prince Joffrey. Secondly…tomorrow I will be going on a hunt in the Kingswood and there will be a great feast of our kills."
Ned let out a soft breath as the King announced a possible new betrothal for the Prince. He noticed the happy look on Sansa's face and allowed himself a small smile, though he wasn't thrilled about the King's plan of going on a hunt. Hunts were dangerous enough for those who were in good shape, let alone for one of the King's…rather rotund physique.
Visenya was happy that her sweet, naïve little sister would be safe form that horrid little Prince, though she felt bad that the sweet and gentle Lady Margaery would be in his clutches instead. Perhaps she could send a letter to the girl to warn her about what to expect with her intended betrothal…
The next day found the entire Red Keep in a bustle as the King and his hunting party prepared to head out into the woods. Visenya watched from the tower window with Jory and Sansa as their father tried, and once again failed, to change the King's mind about this venture. Visenya could see the slump of her father's shoulders the moment he gave up. She had told him it wouldn't work, the King was far too stubborn. Jory had been looking unusually troubled lately as well but refused to tell her anything and it was beginning to really bother her. When Sansa returned to their shared rooms Visenya whirled on Jory and backed him against the nearest wall, pinning him there with an irritated look that froze him in place.
"What exactly is going on Jory? You and my father have been disappearing at all random hours, you both look worried and troubled all the time lately, and you're not telling me anything. You have to tell me what's going on Jory! Please? I'm worried about you two. I can't stand it."
"My Lady…Visenya…please…I cannot break your father's trust in me. Do not ask this of me…please? You know I would tell you if I could."
When she started to softly cry Jory felt his heart tearing at the sight and gathered her into his arms, holding her close until Ned came back upstairs and immediately looked even more concerned than he had already been.
"What happened? Jory? Is she alright?"
"She's worried, My Lord…about us. About how concerned we've been lately…and how we keep disappearing…"
"Oh my sweet girl…I am so sorry. I never meant to worry you…I only meant to protect you."
"Just tell me. I can keep a secret…you know me father…please?"
"If I tell you this…you must tell no one…not even Sansa."
"I promise, father."
"The King's children are not his. They are the Queen's bastard-born children from her own brother."
"If the King finds out he'll have them all killed."
"I told Cersei to tell him or I would."
"Are you insane?! Father?! That woman is vicious and ruthless. What were you thinking?"
"I gave her the chance to leave the capital and return home with her children."
"She's never going to leave without a fight. Have you learned nothing of the Lannisters since being here?"
"What would you have me do?"
"I would have preferred you not told her anything…you should ride after the King…tell him the truth before she can do anything against you."
"I can't ride out uninvited Visenya."
"What if something happens to the King? What if he gets hurt? Than what happens to us?"
"Then I send you and Sansa home to Winterfell with Jory."
"Not without you."
"Visenya…there's something I need to give you…something important. Jory? Can you do a perimeter check for me?"
"Of course, My Lord."
Ned waited until Jory left before leading Visenya to his room. He pulled a small chest out of his larger one and handed it to her.
"Lyanna asked me to keep this safe for you to have one day…when the time is right she said. Open it sweet girl."
Visenya gently lifted the lid and gasped at what was inside. A pretty necklace of sapphires fashioned into blue winter roses, a blue oval-shaped stone, and a letter. A letter from her mother to her.
"What kind of stone is this? I've never seen anything like it before."
"It is no stone…it's a petrified dragon egg, turned to stone over the years. Still a beautiful piece of your heritage though."
"And the necklace?"
"A gift to your mother form your father. He favorite apparently. I've not read the letter, I only know what Lyanna told me as she lay dying in her bed with you in her arms. She begged me to protect you and I gave her my word."
"I will cherish these things…I promise."
Ned sent her back to her room with the small chest clutched tightly in her arms. Visenya had an ominous feeling and pulled a small rucksack from her chest, one she had used for adventures with her boys many times, and began filling it with essential items she could not live without. She placed the small chest on the bottom, a few outfits on top, an extra pair of boots, a small set of grooming supplies, and some food that would keep for a month of more that she always kept on hand in case she got hungry during the night. She wasn't sure if she would need the bag but she felt safer having it ready to go if she needed to move in a hurry.
When the King came back gravely injured, skewered in the gut by a wild boar, Visenya felt her stomach sink into her toes. Sansa was horrified but she knew so little of what was really going on to be properly fearful. Visenya looked at Jory and he could see the fear in her eyes, the worry swimming there in her gaze. He tried to reassure her but he himself was worried. Ned pulled her aside for a bit before going to the King's side when summoned.
"Visenya…if anything happens I want you to promise me you will find a way out of this city. Do not fear for Sansa…she will be safe as a true born Lady of the North…but the Queen would have you killed. I'm sire of this. If the worst should happen get yourself out of here and back home to safety."
Visenya told Ghost to get out of the city and stay in the woods until she called for him. He was reluctant to leave her side but did as he was told. Ned came back to the tower later looking defeated and heartbroken, only to be met by Ser Jaime and his men. He saw Visenya looking on from a window above and gave her a sharp nod to remind her of their earlier conversation. When the fighting broke out he heard her scream Jory's name as the young man fell to Ser Jaime's sword, even as the young man screamed back for her to run. They already had Sansa in hand, after killing her Septa, and Ser Jaime wasted no time in using Sansa to get Ned to surrender…which he did of course. Visenya proved to be much craftier than the Lannister men and evaded them until she found her way into Flea Bottom and ran into a smithy there. He recognized her immediately and handed her over to a man form the Night's Watch who was taking the Smith's apprentice as well. She recognized the man as one who came through Winterfell often with her uncle Benjen.
"Yoren?"
"Hush little lady. I'm gonna get you out of here but you have to do exactly as I say alright?"
"Alright."
He tied up her hair and stuffed it up under a filthy hat, putting equally filthy clothes over her own travel clothes. He hid her face under a deep hooded cloak and put her in the center of his wagon of young men for the Watch. Soon enough they were heading out through the gates of the city, unchallenged, and Visenya felt her heart breaking at leaving her father and sister behind. She hoped her father would be alright…and Sansa…her sweet innocent little sister. She had only the clothes on her back and her little sack she had so carefully packed…and her sword. When they entered the woods she leaned in to speak softly to Yoren.
"Where exactly are we going?"
"North…to the Wall…with a stopover in Winterfell of course."
"I'm not going North, Yoren…I need to go South."
"Whatever for? Only thing South of here is Dorne."
"Exactly…and it's the one place they won't think to look for me. They'll search North for me…but not South."
"Aye…that might work little Lady…take that one with you. He's strong but he's not meant for the Wall. He needs to be kept safe from them too. He's the King's bastard, and the Queen is hacing them all killed off if she can find them."
"Right then…Thank you Yoren. Tell my family I'm alright for me will you?"
"Will do, now get out of here while you can, stick to the trees. You there. You go with this one on a special mission. Got it?"
"Uh…yes sir."
"Get going."
Visenya led the large muscular young man away from the rest and further into the woods before turning South. When they were far enough away she let out a sharp whistle and waited.
"So…where are we going then?"
"We're going South to Dorne. We'll both be safer there."
"You…you're a Lady?"
"That I am…any other questions?"
"Why me?"
"Yoren said your one of the King's bastards…the Queen wants all of your dead…you're all a threat to her son's throne."
"Why? He's the King's true born son."
"No…he's not…the Queen's children are her twin brother's bastards."
"Oh…OH!"
"Exactly."
Ghost chose that moment to step into view and Visenya bit back a laugh at the young man's reaction of frozen fear and awe.
"This is Ghost…my friend and protector. Now…shall we keep moving?"
The two walked in comfortable silence, skirting the city by way of the forest until they reached the southern side of the city which took them until the next day. They heard the toll of bells coming from the city and Visenya froze stiff.
"You ok, milady?"
"No…no, no, no…please no…"
"Milady?"
"I think…I think something very bad just happened…I think she killed him…"
"Who killed who?"
"The Queen…I think she just had my father killed."
"You can't know that milady…and we need to keep moving."
"Right…you're right…let's go. By the way…what should I call you?"
"Name's Gendry, milady."
"And mine is Visenya…not milady. I was bastard born like you."
"Not anymore though…they made you a proper lady didn't they?"
"Yes…but so long as we are travelling you will call me by my name, not milady…got it?"
"Yes milady…I mean…Visenya."
"Better."
The two continued their journey south until they eventually had to leave the relative safety of the trees in order to go towards the mountains. They stopped at a small inn and got a hot meal and a warm bed for the night since it had started raining. Ghost had chosen to remain in a small wooded area by the nearby river until morning rather than be around a lot of noisy humans. When word of the happenings in the Capital reached her ears Visenya felt her entire body go cold as if she'd been dumped into one of the North's icy rivers.
"You hear? Lord Stark claimed he was trying to usurp the throne from the King's rightful heir and the Prince had him beheaded for it."
"Right in front of his daughter I heard. They say the poor girl screamed loud enough to wake the dead."
"No one knows what the Queen did with the other girl though…not one in the city's seen a whif of her."
"Probably killed the bastard born…Queen has no mercy in her."
Visenya felt a pair of strong arms lifting her out of her seat and guiding her up the stairs, relaxing when she realized it was Gendry upon hearing his low voice in her ear.
"Let's get you outta here…you don't need to be hearing this."
Gendry was smarter than people thought and he had figured out who she was fairly quickly, the giant wolf at her side being a big giveaway, but he was also good at keeping secrets and minding his own business. Something about this Lady made him feel protective. He guided her up the stairs to the room they'd be sharing, setting her gently on the bed before going to sit on the floor against the wall.
"What in the seven hells are you doing?"
"I'm gonna sleep here."
"You are doing no such thing. This bed is enormous now get over here."
"I…"
"Do I need to order you to sleep here?"
"No milady…I mean Visenya."
"Better. Now lay down and hush. We both need a decent night's sleep before tackling the Dornish mountains."
Gendry watched her for a while, bathed in the light of the moon, and wondered how the gods could be so cruel to someone so kind and caring. He decided that if the gods wouldn't help her then it was up to him, and he would do everything he could to get her to where she felt she needed to go safely. He still had no idea what he was supposed to do with himself, but he somehow knew he needed to help this woman.
The next morning came all too soon and they were heading back out on foot once again. The innkeeper, an older lady, had given them some bread and hard cheese for the road when Visenya told her they were heading for Dorne. She told them to be careful in the mountains as the Dornish tended to be suspicious of outsiders and might attack them. To Gendry's shock Visenya had only laughed and said that if they did that they'd be in for a harsh surprise. When they reached the river Ghost rejoined them and the odd trio headed out.
When they reach the initial trail leading into the mountains Gendry hesitated a moment before following the headstrong northern lady as she marched on. They made camp that night in a small cave in the side of the mountain, sheltered from the harsh winds and driving rains that had decided to plague their travels. The next day the sky was clear but the further south they went the hotter everything seemed to become. Gendry thought he was used to heat but this was on another level entirely. He felt sorry for the wolf who was clearly not used to it either.
"How do they live in this heat?"
"I have no idea…no wonder the capital seemed like nothing to them if this is what they live with daily."
"You've met them?"
"Some of them…they came for the Tourney of the Hand…they're very skilled fighters. I got to spar with one of them…I almost had him too."
"You fight milady?"
"I do…used to fight my brother's all the time…gods I miss those idiots."
"I'm sure they miss you too milady."
"What did I tell you about calling me that?"
"Sorry…milady."
"You cheeky little…shit. Do all Dornishmen enjoy sneaking up on people?"
"Oh? Has the mouthy little Lady met many Dornishmen then?"
"I've met one of your Prince's…he seemed to like my mouth."
"I'm sure…take them."
"Sorry boys…not happening."
Visenya refused to be taken captive by anyone, having no idea who she could trust and who might be working for the Queen. These guys might not even be Dornishmen for all she knew. So…she fought like a wild wolf of the North. Ghost took down several of them men but didn't kill them, knowing his mistress didn't like it when he killed people. Eventually one of them men managed to knock her sword away and two more were able to pin her to the ground. Gendry had been taken down halfway through her fight and just watched in awe of her. He'd never seen a woman who could fight like that. Ghost was still snapping and growling at the men who tried to grab him and Visenya fought harder to try and get to him. One man managed to throw a loop of rope around Ghost's jaws and tie them shut, ignoring the pained cries from the woman when the wolf whimpered.
"Fiesty little things…no matter. Tie them up and let's get going. It's a long ride to the Sunspear form here."
The men tied her and Gendry and then gagged her when she refused to stop cursing at them…and biting if they got too close. Gendry was trying very hard not to laugh at the man that got bit whining about the pain. It took them what seemed like forever to reach the famed Sunspear where they were pulled from the horses and dragged along behind the men. Visenya was decidedly not happy about this turn of events and Gendry was slightly worried about what would happen when the gag finally came off.
They were dragged to the throne room where a dark-haired man was lying across the throne like some sort of jungle cat from Essos. When he noticed the two people, and wolf, tied up his face turned into a fierce scowl and anger tinged his voice.
"What is the meaning of this? You dare tie up a Noble Lady and drag her about like some sort of criminal?"
"My Prince? They were lurking in the mountains with no escort and no announcement."
The wolf should have been your first clue that she was not some common criminal lurking about. Only the Stark children have Direwolves as pets."
Oberyn walked up to Visenya and gently untied the gag from her mouth, smirking as she let loose with a string of curses directed at the men who had dragged her around.
"Easy little wolf…All will be well now. You are safe here."
"I told them I knew you but they didn't believe me."
"I will deal with them later…for now…I must see to your comfort, My Lady. Who is your companion?"
"His name is Gendry. I brought him with me as his life was also in danger from the Queen."
"Then here he shall also be safe."
"Thank you."
Visenya immediately dropped to her knees and untied Ghost who leaned against her with an affectionate whine and headbutt…earning some scratches behind his ears in return.
"You fools are lucky the wolf did not kill you for daring to touch her. Guards, take them away, a night in the cells should clear their heads."
Oberyn turned back to Visenya and helped her up from the floor, eyes raking over her form for any signs of injury and satisfied at finding no more than the usual scrapes and bruises form hard travel. She did look as though she hadn't slept properly in some time and was in desperate need of a proper bath…two things he could easily remedy for her.
"Come…your journey must have been long, and you look exhausted."
"Where are we going?"
"I will have chambers prepared for you both while you bathe and change into more appropriate attire."
"Somehow I don't think you and I have the same definition of that word…"
The Prince just gave her an unrepentant grin and she rolled her eyes at him. Gendry watched them with a confused look until she called for him to follow.
"Come on Gendry…I'd say we've both earned a bath by now…you too Ghost."
"Coming milady."
"Gendry…"
"Sorry Visenya."
"Better."
"You do not make him use your title?"
"No. He is my friend…and I refuse to make a friend call me by a title rather than my name."
"Such a kind Lady you are little one."
She just gave him a look that had him grinning again. He did enjoy pushing her buttons and riling her up. It was fun to watch her skin flush as her temper rose.
"So…why come here rather than return to the North?"
"The paths north are the first place they'll look for me…so I came south. You did offer me an invitation to visit Dorne after all."
"And I meant every word of it, Lady Visenya. I promise you will be safe here in Dorne."
"Thank you. Is there any way I can send word back home that I'm safe?"
"Of course. I will get it arranged while you bathe. These lovely ladies will assist you and then guide you back to me when you are ready."
Visenya watched him for a moment before allowing the women to lead her into the bathing chamber they had prepared for her. The air smelled of roses and she let herself sink into the hot water with a grateful sigh. She did not notice the alarmed looks the women shared, or the shocked ones that followed when the scalding water seemed to not phase her a bit, as her only focus was on the soothing hot water and the sweet rose smell. Even Ghost had fun swimming in the large bath and getting a good scrub down from one of the ladies. When she had had her fill of soaking and the women deemed her clean they guided her to a stunning Dornish gown. It was a light and airy silk gown in a pale lavender that fluttered around her as she moved, and it surprisingly covered more skin than she'd expected.
"This gown is stunning…"
"It is even more so because it is on a stunning Lady."
"Thank you."
"The color compliments your eyes and your hair. You are a very beautiful woman My Lady."
"May we take you to the Prince now?"
"I suppose so…"
"Prince Oberyn is a good man…a passionate man."
"I've noticed that…"
Visenya allowed the women to guide her and her wolf to the Prince's private Solar where Prince Oberyn and Gendry were waiting for her along with another familiar face. The three men stood when she entered and she tilted her head at the odd looks on their faces.
"Are you three alright?"
"Merely stunned by your breathtaking beauty, Lady Visenya."
"Hello again Ser Daemon…nice to see you haven't changed."
The man laughed softly as he led her to sit between himself and Oberyn with Gendry across from them. Visenya noticed the looks they were sharing and wondered what they were thinking. Ghost rested his head on her lap and she took comfort from his touch.
"I had your pack brought in for you."
"Oh, thank you Ser Daemon."
"Your friend said it seemed very important to you, enough that you bit the man who initially tried to take it from you."
"Yes…before I left my…father…gave me a little chest my mother left me…I don't like it being away from me."
"Understandable little one…did he finally tell you who she was then?"
"Yes…"
"Will you tell me?"
"I don't want you to hate me…"
"How could I possibly hate you little one? You are the essence of all that is good in this world."
"I am not…"
"Yes, My Lady…you are."
"They're right milady…Visenya."
"Ugh…stubborn men."
"I will not force you to tell me little one…I will simply hope that you will trust me enough someday to tell me the truth."
"It's not that I don't trust you exactly…I'm just…frightened. So much has happened and it's just…it's too much…"
"Shh…hush little one…you are safe here…no one will dare harm you under my protection."
"Lyanna…My mother was Lyanna Stark."
"Then Lord Eddard Stark…"
"Was not my father…he was my uncle. He claimed me as his so the King wouldn't have me killed."
"Who was your father little one?"
"…Rhaegar…"
Visenya's voice was barely more than a whisper but they all heard it anyway, and Oberyn finally put all the pieces together.
"He married her…after he set my sister aside he married Lyanna and they had you…am I right?"
"Yes…"
Oberyn heard hos small her voice sounded and looked at her, seeing the tears rolling down her pale cheeks. He pulled her against his chest and let her cry out all that had happened to her recently.
"They killed him…my father…my uncle…they murdered him because he knew the truth about them."
"What truth, My Lady."
"That the Queen's children are not the King's children."
"Oh…then whose children are they?"
"Her twin brother's…Jaime Lannister. Their secret is why they tried to kill Bran…why they killed my fath…uncle…"
"I promised you safety here and I meant it. You parent's identity will not change that little one."
"Thank you…see? You can be nice…"
"Don't spread it around…I have a reputation to keep."
"I've heard of your…reputation…it's not that great."
"I like this one…"
"Daemon…"
"What? She's the only woman I've ever had the pleasure of meeting that doesn't fall at your feet and calls you out on your horseshit."
Visenya's laughter filled the room and Daemon felt rather proud of himself for getting her to laugh. They remained there for some time, even after Gendry decided to call it a night. Visenya told the two Dornishmen of her childhood with her brothers, Robb and Theon, and how she saw Theon as a brother despite him not being blood. They let her relive all the happy memories with her father and held her when she cried, letting her grieve in whatever way worked for her. Oberyn knew the pain of losing one you loved so dearly.
"Tomorrow I announce that you are under my protection and we will send word to your family. For tonight…you need rest. This lovely maid will see you back to your chambers, and I will see in the morning at breakfast. Sleep well little one."
"Rest easy, Lady Visenya, no one will dare harm you here. If it would ease your mind I can guard your door tonight."
"That won't be needed…goodnight Prince Oberyn, Ser Daemon."
The two men watched her leave, her pack in hand and her wolf at her heels, and then sat heavily in their chairs, sharing a look that spoke volumes between men who had been friends for many years, and repeated lovers as well.
"Well…something tells me our lives are about to get a lot more interesting."
"I agree…but I do believe it will be a good thing for us all. For now though, her secret stays with us…for her safety."
"Agreed."
A/N: Hope you all enjoy the twist this story is taking now. I love the show but I don't want to rehash the show with an added character in this one…plus Oberyn's character was robbed so I'm going to have fun playing with him…and that sounded much less dirty in my head…
