Note: This is not starting right after the events of the last chapter. Rather, it will go into the future and reveal gradually what happened before Niklas left.


Chapter 7

Princess Arianne Martell

Sunspear

"The little prince will be arriving any day." Tyene dropped down next to her.

She smiled, "Think the great Prince Niklas is as handsome as they say?"

"I'm sure you wish he was but his looks have probably been exaggerated." her half-cousin replied.

Tyene of all the Sand Snakes was the one closest to her. They were the same age and grew up doing everything together.

"You know handsome men are my greatest weakness." she shrugged. "Especially if they've got a bit of danger to them and he did fight in the war so he has to be at least a little bit interesting."

"Not likely."

She swatted at her and went back to reading her book detailing the rather interesting politics in King's Landing.

"Who cares about his looks, I heard he's an amazing swordsman." Obara strode into her room, apparently having heard part of their conversation.

Nymeria trailed after her, "We'll have to be careful of him."

The two Sand Snakes were as close as Tyene and herself. In fact, it was only Nym who could stand up to Obara and actually be listened to.

"Oh not you two as well." Tyene complained. "He's just a man, how great can he be?"

Obara sat on the ground, "They say that in the war when he joined Tywin Lannister, he was the one to lead the charge every battle. With the sigil of House Baratheon shining on his armor, he cut down waves of men. I doubt anyone exists that is so able but he has to have some skill to have so many stories about him."

"I agree but as careful as we should be, I think I'll keep a close eye on him." Nymeria smiled.

She could tell from her dear cousin's eyes that the prince would have to be careful of a viper slipping into his sheets. Hmm, then again she would be having her own fun as well.

Prince Niklas may or may not be a great hero and royal but he was still a man. And really she had been looking for a new man to entertain her, a former knight and high noble of Westeros seemed the perfect candidate.

"You know if you're really so curious about the prince you could always ask Myrcella." the thought belatedly come to her. "Actually maybe not, she avoids talking about her family because she says it makes her miss them more."

Tyene was blunt, "It's shocking she's a Lannister, what with how pleasant she is."

"Don't go grouping everyone together." she defended her friend. "I'm sure she was too young at the time to be influenced by her mother."

Though, sometimes the younger girl was so smart that it startled her. It made her think that Myrcella wouldn't be a bad ruler if it ever came down to it.

Nymeria added, "You only like her because she idolizes you."

"Oh please, have you met the girl? She apologizes to flowers when she picks them." she countered.

Her cousins laughed and she allowed herself a small smile.

Really, if Niklas Baratheon was anything like Myrcella she would be having quite a bit of fun corrupting him.


Rydan

Sea of Dorne

The stars shone down on the peaceful water as he leaned against the bow of the ship and absorbed the world around him. He needed this moment of peace Niklas had been relentless in making quick time of their journey. That had meant constantly switching horses and barely sleeping for days as they stormed through Westeros to stop at the edge of Rainwood to sneak onto a boat in the middle of the night unnoticed.

Then they had been on this damned boat for two days as the mad captain refused to stop sailing through storms and high tide. Sure they made good time but at what cost? His bowels it actually seemed like. Anyways, with the weather finally settling and their arrival in Dorne imminent he was feeling a bit more relaxed.

"Do you know the main reason why I want to go to Dorne?"

His mentor leaned next to him. He hadn't voice his concerns but Niklas had definitely been off since they left King's Landing. It was hard to put into words but his friend and mentor seemed maybe less, bright?

He replied, "Didn't you say it was for better relations and all that?"

"Yes but the reason I care so much isn't only war but my sister." a dark look flashed across the older man's eyes. "My uncle sent her to Dorne as a peace offering but I feel it's not enough. If things were to go wrong, Myrcella would be in the line of fire and I can't allow it."

He nodded, "I understand and all but couldn't we have used what the witch gave us to travel to Dorne?"

The prince had told him all about Serafina and apparently she had provided some way to travel to Essos immediately. Internally he wondered at what price but didn't question it.

"No, in Westeros there are too many eyes, we have to make a show of travelling to Dorne. In Essos, we'll be able to be more hidden and avoid the information sellers."

"But is there really that many spies in Essos, Ser?"

"Yes, some are loyal to the Spider and some to noble houses but most can be bought out for information."

True, he had spent quite a bit of time in several of the Free Cities and the information markets were throughout the city.

"It's a powerful business." he commented.

Niklas only nodded in response and continued to stare at the bright stars.

He hesitated, "So are you going to actually tell me what happened before we left King's Landing?"

The dangerous look in the royal's eyes told him not to push further but he wasn't stupid, he knew the prince well enough to know his good nature. Even if he directly insulted Niklas, the most he would get was a slap on the wrist or on the head with a sword.

"A situation arose." the prince sighed.

He asked, "Does it have anything to do with your fiancé?"

"Margaery is lovely and anyone would be lucky to have her but…"

"You don't love her?"

"No, I don't, I love Sansa."

He almost fell off the ship in shock but managed to catch himself. Wow Prince Niklas Baratheon engaged to the rumored prettiest women of Westeros, Lady Margaery Tyrell but was in love with his brother's intended Lady Sansa Stark. It was as if it came from some badly written overdramatic play.

It explained things though, what with Niklas' disinterest in Lady Margaery and his lingering gazes at the northern beauty. Maybe that was why Linnea was so protective of the Highgarden maiden. That had to be the reason why Linnea so obviously lied.

"Niklas, why do you love Lady Sansa?"

"I was 19 years of age when I met her that first time in Winterfell. It wasn't quite love at first sight but this feeling that she would be important to me. I fell for her gradually you know? A little bit travelling up to King's Landing together, some that first time we shared a dance, and maybe the most when one night we spoke till daybreak. But to answer your question of why I love her, it's because she makes me feel at ease, I used to always feel the weight of the world on me, but after I met her things somehow lightened."

"I didn't know you were so romantic, Ser."

"Maybe you'll understand one day when you fall in love."

Maybe, but he doubted that love felt the same for everyone. Hmm, he wondered how that fiery girl Linnea felt it. Just the thought of her brownish blonde locks and almost silvery blue eyes made his insides flip.

God, even if he didn't want to admit it he had a bit of a soft spot for the girl. She yelled like a banshee and had a temper like no other but she was gorgeous and had surprisingly sweet moments. He was just a man, of course he'd be weak to a girl like that but he didn't love her. Definitely not.

"Lady Margaery is quite beautiful and pleasant; wouldn't it be easy to fall for her?" he put forth another question.

Niklas' eyes drifted to the ring on his hand, "To be honest, I am quite fond of her and I grow to like her more as time goes on but what I feel for her is not love. More, I have a sense of duty."

He got the sense that his friend was holding back. A man didn't get that look in his eyes unless he had some feelings

"Have you told that to Lady Margaery?"

He didn't expect any woman would take too well to it but honesty seemed rather important to his mentor.

"No but I have this strange feeling she may already know."

Ooh that didn't bode well for Niklas. Didn't matter if you were a fearsome knight or prince, an angry woman could be the death of you.

But other than that he was curious, what did duty and honor really mean? The ideals seemed so foreign to him but meant so much to the prince.

"What is duty, Ser?"

"Do you know my uncle?"

It bothered him when Niklas answered him with questions but his questions always ended up making things clear to him in the end so he would play along.

Niklas straightened, "My uncle Jaime Lannister, everyone in the Seven Kingdoms and across the sea call him Kingslayer."

"Yes."

"Uncle Jaime, as a swordsman I respected him but generally I did not like him much because I believed myself better than him. I thought to myself, what kind of a knight kills his king? And I thought this until I was six and ten years of age."

He felt his curiosity grow at the mention of the renowned knight.

"I trained with my uncle quite a bit, if I had to tell you between the two of us who the better warrior is I would not be sure. During one training day, we came to have a rather explosive argument and I for the first time spat that he was a Kingslayer. He was incredibly upset and asked me what I would do in that position. He told me of the Mad King and how he burned the innocent alive. And how on that fateful day, King Aerys planned to consume King's Landing in wildfire and ordered Uncle Jaime to kill his own father. When faced with saving the people and Tywin Lannister or slaying the king, he made the choice."

He couldn't imagine it, being in that situation. Hearing everything now, it didn't seem as if Ser Jaime Lannister was the power hungry demon that the world perceived him as. Ser Jaime had only killed the Mad King to save the city, possibly even Westeros knowing he would forever be looked down upon.

"The point is, Rydan, duty isn't a singular thing. For knights and anyone, duty means doing the right thing no matter how difficult."

"That's a lot of responsibility."

He wasn't sure he could ever be as dutiful and honorable as Niklas.

"Yes, but I know you are capable."

For once, he felt his doubts melt away and remembered why he had followed Niklas in the first place.


Lady Sansa Stark

Throne Room

She sat next to Joffrey, playing her little role as the perfect maiden. She didn't speak unless spoken to, stood with her back painfully straight, and nodded along with every horrible word her 'beloved' said.

Ever since Niklas' leave a week and half ago, Joffrey had been in high spirits. It seemed his better mood called for rather long meetings in the throne room.

Why did she think of Niklas? Just his name brought too many confusing emotions forward. She was angry with him but at the same time she couldn't be furious. No, she loved him too much.

"Joffrey." Lord Tywin Lannister walked into the throne room.

She noted that Joffrey straightened and wondered if the Lannister head was the only person her fiancé actually respected or more likely feared. Niklas had told her that Tywin Lannister was a cold, unrelenting man and she had to agree.

The Hand of the King barely bowed his head, "Your marriage will be pushed back until the return of Prince Niklas."

She felt as if she could scream with joy but caught herself. She knew what happened if her emotions got the best of her.

Joffrey looked displeased, "Why?"

"It would not be proper for the King of Westeros to be married without his brother by his side. That and Niklas is loved by the people and has close relations with many Houses that will be in attendance."

She would still be marrying the monster but at least the time had been pushed back. A longer reprieve was better than a shorter one after all.

Maybe Niklas had done something to make up for his actions, she wouldn't put it past him but he hadn't said anything when he left. Then again, their conversation had been rather focused on one issue.

"Now, come with me, there are things we must discuss." Tywin commanded.

She watched in surprise as Joffrey raised himself from the ugly throne, albeit grudgingly and followed his grandfather out.

Tywin Lannister truly was a frightening man.


Prince Niklas Baratheon

Dorne

He felt his stiff shoulders relax as the wind hit his face and the horse he had bought rushed forward. Honestly, he hated that boat, the captain had been more than a bit mad.

Yet, a part of him missed the hectic trip on sea. At least there with so much happening he could forget about King's Landing.

But now that he was back on land, his memories seemed intent on coming back.

And remember he did, rosy lips and pretty moans.

"It'll be a few more hours before we get to Sunspear, Ser." Rydan called behind him.

He nodded and turned back forward.

Eventually, he would forget wouldn't he?

King's Landing

Before Niklas' Leave

"To my brother, may he have an enjoyable journey!" Joffrey smirked and raised his glass.

Everyone followed suit and yelled in agreement along the table filled to the brim with the finest cuisine Westeros could offer.

All while he felt his insides sink.

"Are you alright?" Margaery whispered.

He shut his eyes as his fiancé put a warm hand against his cheek. Her touch was almost addicting but he didn't know why.

His eyes fluttered open, "Yes, I'm fine."

"I see you're wearing the ring I bought for you." she smiled.

He nodded, "Of course, it was a gift from my fiancé."

Margaery laughed and gave him a lingering kiss on the cheek. Though, he really wished she hadn't because the jealous look Sansa was shooting made him rather uncomfortable.

And really, the only one he loved was Sansa…

But lately Margaery had been lingering in his thoughts. Her pretty brown locks, her bright eyes, and twinkling laugh. His sudden change of attitude seemed to come after she gifted him the ring that burned his right hand. Maybe, the ring made him feel as if a part of her was with him.

His eyes met Sansa's and he felt his worries melt when she mouthed hallway to him.

Yes, later they had promised to meet after the feast in the secret passageway. The place where they…

Best not to think about it, made him feel a bit hormonal.

The Present

No, he couldn't think back to that night. The emotions and the conflict would eat him up inside.

He had to ready himself to play the part of the perfect prince for House Martell but the thing that worried him was that lately he didn't feel like he could play the part. Before, well, everything he felt as if he was the prince and knight he wanted to be but lately he felt as if he was an imposter.

For he had sinned and while he might forget, the Gods would not forgive.


Prince Doran Martell

Study

His private study was filled with books of history, the history of not only his ancestors but the ancestors of the Seven Kingdoms. When he had lost the use of his legs as a young man he had turned to the very study he rested in.

"Brother, the prince has arrived and met with his sister, he will be arriving here soon." Oberyn walked in. "He's a pretty boy like the Kingslayer."

As family, he loved his brother but as a ruler he found Oberyn only brought trouble. He remembered once how his brother had been found in the bed of a lord's wife and been forced into a duel. Oberyn and the lord had both been injured but his brother's poisoned blade had killed the lord. Despite his love for Oberyn, he had been forced to temporarily exile him.

He worried what Oberyn would do with the arrival of a man with Lannister blood.

Of course, he understood his anger. He himself had been planning revenge on those that dare murder his sister and her children in cold blood. However, unlike his brother, he understood the importance of patience and a plan.

"Thank you for welcoming me as a guest."

Prince Niklas entered the room and bowed respectfully. He noted the grey cloth that covered the prince's face so only his eyes were shown but did not comment.

He bowed his head, "Nonsense, we welcome you to Sunspear, my prince."

"Niklas is fine, I'm not much for titles."

How interesting, a Lannister without overwhelming pride.

Oberyn spoke, "That's a good idea, considering how your titles are undeserved."

"I agree, only a man that has fought for his title may carry it and last I remember I was unborn when my father started his rebellion." the younger man smiled without malice.

He offered, "But you did participate in the most recent war of Westeros, what many call the War of Five Kings. And from what I know, many are calling you a war hero after your exploits in the Battle of Blackwater and in the battlefield."

"I didn't do much, just what any soldier would do."

He noted the surprised glance of his brother with slight amusement. It wasn't every day the Red Viper was surprised by something.

"Rather than playing the usual game of pleasantries, let's be completely honest with each other." Niklas surprised him this time. "I understand that both of you dislike me, no, despise me but I did not choose to be born with Lannister blood. If I'm being honest, I'd much rather I not be associated with the House."

He asked, "What are you getting at, Prince Niklas?"

"I told my grandfather that I worried how your heir would retaliate against House Lannister, but in truth I know it is you who I must be wary of."

"My policies of noninvolvement in war and conflict are well known."

"Yes, Prince Doran but I know no man would so easily accept the death of his sister."

So the boy was wiser than he gave credit for.

His brother slammed his fist into the table, "Watch your mouth."

"Brother." he raised a hand. "Let Prince Niklas speak."

A fiery look came to Oberyn's eyes but his brother held back.

The Baratheon sat across from him, "I know that you had previously planned to join your daughter and Viserys Targaryen in marriage. This tells me that you wanted your daughter to be Queen of Westeros and if they had wed, you would have fully supported a Targaryen rebellion against the crown."

The prince knowing of his former plans did not bode well.

"Some may call that rebellion, a rightful taking." his gaze was sharp.

Niklas replied, "You don't have to be so guarded, Prince Doran. If I was truly a threat, I would have already told Lord Tywin."

"But you didn't." he felt his curiosity grow.

"Why?" Oberyn asked.

The prince paused, "I don't care much for the politics and conflict of King's Landing and nobles in general. I just want my family to be safe."

"Fine, Niklas if you want complete honesty I will give it to you. I may not want war because I experienced it first hand, the dead bodies of my people piling on the street, the hunger, the anger. That is why I will only ever go to war if necessary, as for your family. My anger will only reach those that are deserving, unlike Lannister's my house only punishes those that deserve it."

His message was clear, Myrcella would be safe. He was many things but he had principle, and his principle did not allow girls to be slaughtered in the name of revenge.

Not only because it was a disgusting act but because he believed that being better than your enemies was an important trait.

Niklas stood, "I understand but I feel as if we can help each other. We may be different but we share one important thing in common."

"And what is that?" he asked.

The young prince answered, "We have honor and amongst those of noble blood and houses, that's a rare thing. So I've said my piece, the rest is up to you. I either leave Dorne with a new ally or I leave with nothing. The choice is yours, Prince Doran."


Princess Arianne Martell

Welcoming Celebration

"Wine?"

She accepted the glass from Obara and returned to surveying the party. The open palace and gardens had been decorated with the finest imported silks, tables lined the square filled to the brim with Dornish cuisine, and the square was filled with couples dancing happily. All the nobles of Sunspear and the outlying towns were in attendance. She had already greeted everyone and was currently relaxing at a table with the Sand Snakes and Myrcella.

"So did you see your brother?" she asked.

Myrcella nodded, "I greeted him when he arrived."

"Is he as handsome as everyone says, because I don't believe it?" Tyene cut in.

Her friend pointed behind them, "Why don't you judge for yourself."

She and her cousins immediately turned and gasped at the sight of the prince.

His face was a combination of the almost pretty looks of Lannister men and the strong masculine looks of Baratheon's. The end result was an incredibly handsome face with a square jaw, high cheek bones, and blue-green eyes that glowed brightly. While his face was gorgeous, she couldn't help but note that the prince's tall muscular body was rather attractive as well.

The prince seemed to be making his own rounds around the party to greet the nobles.

"So your brother's engaged?" Nymeria asked.

They all knew he was engaged but she suspected the Sand Snakes wanted to tease her a bit.

Myrcella nodded, "Yes, in a letter he explained he got engaged to Margaery Tyrell after the Battle of Blackwater."

"Did you hear that, dear cousin? He's engaged to your favorite person." Tyene giggled.

Of course, her house disliked Tyrell's historically but her hate for Margaery specifically came about after a childhood incident.

Frankly put the girl was a bitch.

She sipped her wine, "Wonderful."

Her cousins laughed loudly and Myrcella rolled her pretty blue eyes at their antics and walked off.

"Princess Arianne, would you care to dance?" a deep voice asked.

She turned and raised a delicate eyebrow at the Prince of Westeros.

"Most would offer a greeting before they tried to sweep me off my feet." she tilted her head.

Niklas didn't seem affected, "I'm not trying to sweep you off anywhere but the dance floor."

"And he even ignored us." Nymeria said with faux surprise.

He laughed, "I apologize, I should've known better than to approach the famed Sand Snakes without manners. It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Nymeria, Tyene, Obara."

"You're sweet but I'm no lady." her cousin playfully batted her eyelashes.

She rolled her eyes at Nym's flirting but chose not to ruin her cousin's fun.

Niklas replied, "Could've fooled me."

"I like you." Nymeria smiled.

Obara interrupted, "So Prince Niklas, you fought in the war?"

"Yes." the change in topic didn't seem to bother the prince.

Obara asked, "Is it true that you cut down platoons of men?"

"Unfortunately no, I also wish I was so capable but I did as much as any other soldier did." Niklas raked a hand through his brown locks.

This seemed to cause her eldest cousin to stop in thought. Obara always was the one most obsessed with battle.

He turned his glowing eyes to her, "So would you like that dance?"

"Only because I've never been asked by a handsome prince to dance before." she smiled.

They walked towards the dance floor and she was pleasantly surprised to find that Niklas was quite a good dancer.

"The city is beautiful, it makes me wish King's Landing was more like Sunspear." he commented.

She couldn't help her smile at his words. He just wasn't what she expected. What she expected was the typical noble a little too full of himself but he was so nice and gentlemanly. With his personality and looks she was sure he probably had a string of admirers, not to forget his bitch of a fiancé.

Margaery Tyrell was the worst.

Niklas twirled her, "Is there something wrong, princess?"

"No, I was just thinking of how different you are than what I expected, my prince." she met his eyes.

"I get that a lot and Niklas is fine."

"Can I call you Danier?"

She wanted to be different to the prince and by calling him Danier she was reminding him every time she said his name that she was unique.

"Most don't even remember my middle name."

"It's just, I want to call you by a name no one else uses."

"Then by all means, Arianne."

She liked the way he said her name. Maybe it was his voice that was smooth and deep but quiet, as if he didn't need to raise his voice to be heard. Or the way his glowing eyes bore into her.

Niklas flashed a charming smile her way as he easily lifted her.

Yes, he would be a rather high addition to her list of lovers.


Prince Niklas Baratheon

West Wing: Sunspear

He leaned against the balcony doorway as he surveyed the beautiful city of Sunspear. Rather than the grey tones of King's Landing that had its own beauty, Sunspear was more warm colors that eased the eye.

As he stood shirtless and absorbed the warmth of the city he felt a strange sense of calm wash over him.

"I wonder what Sansa's doing." he muttered to himself. "And Margaery."

The more he thought about it, the two were as different as two women can be.

Sansa was naturally sweet, a girl just turning into a woman. Margaery on the other hand had a maturity about her.

With Sansa he felt as if he wasn't a prince or former knight, just a regular man.

With Margaery he wondered if what she wanted from him was his position. It was a hard thought but he wasn't oblivious, he saw the signs. Her light mentions of the crown, how he had abdicated the highest throne.

Yet, more and more he felt his thoughts going to her pretty blue eyes and wit.

"Your breakfast is here, my prince."

He sighed at the loss of the moment and walked towards his door.

He opened the door a crack, careful to show only his head.

"Yes…oh hello Lady Nymeria." he hid his surprise.

She smiled seductively, "What did I say? I'm no lady."

He could only stumble backwards as the woman forced her way into his room. Of all the women he had met in his life, Nymeria Sand might be the most assertive. It honestly scared him more than a bit.

"I'm sorry let me grab a shirt." he moved to where his bag was.

Niklas almost tripped when the Sand Snake put a warm hand on his bare chest. Getting the strange feeling he had been in this position before.

Nymeria moved closer so no space was between them, "I rather like you without it though."

"Thank you but umm I don't think this is proper of me." the back of his legs hit the bed.

She whispered, "I don't know, proper is just so overrated."

Okay, now this was too much. Nymeria was more than just pretty. She had beautiful almond eyes that gave her an exotic look, tanned skin, and a lithe body.

"I agree but…" he tried to reason.

Nymeria's lips interrupted him.

Okay, he had to draw the line somewhere.

"I'm really sorry, you're beautiful and any man would be lucky to have you but I can't be that man." he gently held her at arm's length.

She pouted, "Why not? I think we make quite the pair, Niklas."

"I'm engaged." he answered. "I don't want to hurt the person I love."

He couldn't hurt Sansa…not again.


AN: Next chapter the story will get more into before Niklas left. I promise something interesting happened and I would love to hear what you guys think it is.

Thank you so much for the follows, favorites, and reviews. I'm happy to see that even though I'm still working on my writing and storytelling skills, people are still reading my work.

Also, I've seen this in reviews and gotten several messages and I wanted it to be more a surprise but because it is a valid complaint, I can promise that Niklas will fuck up very soon. This is GoT after all. This chapter had some of the start of Niklas acting slightly off and next chapter we'll see why. In addition, there will be times in the next few chapters that he acts out of character but Niklas is changing. It's not a hugely noticeable change because I don't think anyone vacillates so quickly but it's there and it's growing. Maybe, the world of GoT finally got to him.

Anyways, tell me what you think! I really love getting feedback from you guys.