Chapter 34

The meeting between Daenerys and the Dornish lords had been put on hold after Orin had requested for a moment alone with Arianne. It seemed rude to ask, but the queen had been very gracious in giving the two time to speak alone after so long.

So here they sat, the two with no one around, staring at each other thinking it wasn't real. It was hard for Orin, just as it must have been for Arianne as well, to see someone he never thought he'd see again.

The day he left Starfall he had no intentions on ever returning. At the time he thought he'd eventually help Robb's cause and see where things went from there, but that unfortunately never came to be. Then with everything that happened in Kings Landing, to washing up on shore in Essos, the day seeing Arianne's beautiful smile seemed like a distant dream. Yet here he sat, his hands in hers, as she gently stroked her fingers across his injured hand.

"What did they do to you?" She whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. It was a side he'd never seen from Arianne before, even if he knew it was there all along. "Did she do this?"

Orin knew whom she meant. "The queen had nothing to do with that."

"And this?" Bringing her hand towards his face, she caressed his cheek tenderly, brushing her fingers lightly over his scar. "I'll kill whoever did this to you."

Amused at her anger, Orin rested his hand against hers. "He's dead, I assure you."

His assurances did nothing to calm her as she eyed him sadly. Orin hated the look of pity from most people, but not her. He'd known her too long to know it wasn't pity in her eyes, but sadness. Gently, she closed the distance between them, hugging his head into her shoulder, as she held on tight.

"I'm so sorry," Arianne whispered.

Orin had accepted his wounds, but nodded in understanding. "It's okay."

"It's not." Holding back more tears, Arianne took his face in her hands once more as she stared, eyes never blinking. "I know what happened. To your mother…"

Even thinking about his mother's death made it all the more real. She'd been gone for some time, but a small part in Orin's head believed if he never mentioned it, it'd never be real. All of it would soon be gone when he returned home and he'd find his mother back at Starfall. A fool's errand to be sure.

"I should have never left Sunspear," Orin whispered, remembering that day. Every second was burned into his memory. "I should have stayed with you."

"No," Arianne shook her head. Her hands squeezed onto his neck; almost to be sure he was really there. "You were right to be angry. But there is no chance that any of this is your fault. You loved your mother Orin; I know this because I've seen it. You did everything you could, and there is no one to blame besides the people responsible."

Orin heard the undertone as he searched her eyes. "I'm sorry about your uncle. I wish I could have fought in his place."

"So you could die at the hands of the mountain?" The name was almost venom from Arianne's mouth, as she tried to remain calm. "My uncle made a terrible mistake, but one I imagine he'd make again if it meant getting justice for his sister. His anger towards the Lannisters is unlike anyone I've ever seen. Until now."

His anger must have been quite obvious. "I want justice for them Arianne. You know that. For my mother, for your uncle, for the Starks…"

The moment the family name was said, Orin noticed Arianne's change of mood. For so long he'd expected she'd known about his true name since he'd left Sunspear but he was never sure. Oberyn had known, which mean Prince Doran probably knew as well. Orin knew the relationship Arianne had with her father and expected his secret to be among the things they shared.

"Did you know?"

Her eyes never faltered as she shook her head. "No. I only found out after you left."

"I assumed you knew," Orin admitted. "Seems like everyone did."

"They did it to protect you." Arianne could here the resent in his voice. "Do not resent them."

"I was angry. For so long," Orin remembered. The last few days with his mother had been the worst in his life. "But no more. I will not let hate decide how it ends. My family deserves better then having me die for vengeful purposes."

Whatever he'd said must have startled the girl as she pulled back and regarded him in a new light. She stayed quiet, giving Orin the chance to really look at her. Arianne's usual playful demanding demeanor was gone, replaced with a serious confident look. Command suited her, even if it looked strange on someone so beautiful.

Shouldn't be too surprised. Orin thought of Daenerys.

"You've changed," Arianne mumbled.

For a moment Orin thought she was sad at the idea. "Have I?"

Smiling at his doubt, Arianne smiled. "You've always been so serious Orin. Doing the right thing, saying the right thing, no matter for your own self-interest. It's one of the many things I was drawn too. But now I feel like this is the first time I'm really seeing you. You're a man now, and not just in body, but in mind too, and an honorable one at that."

Orin smiled gratefully, unsure what to say.

"Is this change all because you love the dragon queen?"

The words had Orin gasping for air as he coughed violently, shaking his head hard. "I do not love her."

"Don't you?"

"No I don't," He pressed.

Arianne's playful smile had him remembering a simpler time. "Good. I've been on a boat for quite some time, and could use the company."

"Arianne I don't think…"

"Shhh, you still talk too much," Arianne teased, remembering their last encounter. Grabbing his good hand, she gently pulled him up. "Now come along, we have much to discuss with the Queen of Meereen. Then I plan on having another discussion with you alone when we're finished."

Deciding against using the throne room to address the visiting Dornish Lords, Daenerys had chosen her council room to discuss current events with her guests. Orin stood nearby close to the open balcony as he watched the table with great interest.

Arianne sat comfortably, regarding the queen with curiosity and what looked to be mischief, although Orin hoped the latter was just misleading. Now wasn't the time for Arianne to act rash and playful like she tended to do on occasion.

On each side of her, Tyrion and Varys sat, while Daario stood behind his queen with watchful eyes. None of the three men had said a word, instead sizing up the situation. Perhaps the biggest surprise, besides the Dornish guests, was Ser Barristan standing beside the queen as she sat, staring intently.

Orin admired the man's will, as even in clear discomfort, the knight fulfilled his duty in protecting his queen. He imagined Ser Barristan would have walked out the room during the attack on Meereen had it not been for the two guards watching over him. The man would die for his queen, an act people took for granted.

Lastly, Orin's eyes rested on Daenerys, who sat watching Arianne with great interest. They hadn't spoken since he and Arianne had come back, but he could tell the queen had many questions. She was obviously curious as to why the Dornish fleet had sailed so far east, as well as how Orin knew the princess who sat across her.

"I did not expect to greet the princess of Dorne today," Dany started.

"Today is full of surprises," Arianne agreed. She subtly looked over at Orin before smiling at the queen. "Some better then others."

Dany noticed the look but decided on asking. "Why are you here?"

"I thought that was obvious."

Tyrion cleared his voice as Arianne turned to him. "Obvious doesn't exactly describe the situation we are all in. You brought the Dornish fleet. Nearly all of it I imagine."

"Half."

Tyrion smiled. "Why?"

Orin noticed the hard stare Arianne gave Tyrion before she answered. "Many years ago, my aunt was to be queen to Prince Rhaegar before she was brutally murdered, along with her children. Now, not so long ago, my uncle died at the hands of the same person responsible."

"You want justice for your family," Dany summarized.

"Justice?" Arianne repeated. Shaking her head, her usual smile was gone. "My father for many years refused in acting against these terrible crimes, but his brother's death destroyed the last bit of resolve he had. Dorne will no longer sit idly by as it's people continue to be raped and murdered. You plan on taking back the seven kingdoms; Dorne is one of those kingdoms. Help us bring those responsible for my families suffering to justice, and you will have are support."

Dorne wasn't as powerful as some of the other kingdoms, but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in their ability to kill. Orin had read many stories growing up on the dangers many Dornish possessed, and knew that having Dorne in the fold helped a great deal in the queen's cause.

"Your father…" Dany began.

"Prince Doran."

"Prince Doran." Dany's tight smile gave Orin all the evidence he needed on how to queen viewed Arianne. Her personality was a unique one to handle in the beginning. "How does Prince Doran wish to proceed in this alliance? I understand you brought many ships and men as a sign of fealty. What exactly does your father wish for in return? Besides killing all his enemies?"

Arianne looked slightly annoyed as she spoke. "Unfortunately, my fool of a brother decided to fall in love with Cersei Lannisters only daughter, putting us at a disadvantage seeing as how you have no other bloodline in which I could marry to solidify are alliance."

"I am short on relatives."

"And soon so will I," Arianne added. Her eyes drifted around the room, first from Tyrion, then towards the queen, and finally resting on Orin. He saw the mischief in her eyes and hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid. "It's quite the group you've managed to obtain. Lannister and Stark, standing behind a Targaryen. I see great potential in other ways of solidifying a bond that could be advantageous for all of us."

Both Tyrion and Orin eyed each other before looking back towards the queen. Daenerys understood enough to know where the princess was heading for, and smiled in response.

"I'm sure when the time comes, we can discuss ways in finding a solution."

"His head would do," Arianne gestured towards Tyrion, who eyed her in shock. "Although I imagine that would be an inconvenience."

"For my head yes," Tyrion mumbled.

Daenerys tried a more diplomatic approach. "I understand your trepidation on some of the families represented in this room…"

"Some?" Arianne repeated. She eyed Tyrion hard. "This man is partly responsible for my uncle Oberyn's death."

"I had nothing to do with it…"

"He was fighting for you!"

"He was fighting for himself!"

"Enough!"

The room fell silent as everyone eyed the queen. Her look of annoyance was evident as she stared hard at the two squabbling guests. Her ability to quiet a room and convey such a look fascinated Orin. It was the look leaders possessed, and a rare one to control. Instilling fear was easy, but using that to make sure no one ever turned on you was the difficult part.

"The Lannisters have wronged all of us," Daenerys began, looking at each of them. "All of us suffered at the hands of Tywin Lannister, yet none of us had the hardship of ever knowing the man personally. Lord Tyrion dealt with his father's cruelty all his life, and because of him, we no longer have Tywin Lannister as an enemy."

Tyrion had done all of them a great service, but as Orin eyed Arianne, he knew she didn't see it that way. House Martell despised House Lannister for so long, that it was difficult for them to see anything but an enemy.

Doing her best to remain calm, Arianne smiled. "I don't trust him. To be honest I'm not sure I trust you, but my father is keen on the matter. But I do trust Orin. I know him well enough to know that if he's standing by you in the wars to come, then it's the best chance of getting justice for all our families."

Orin could feel Daenerys eye's on him but stared forward, unwilling to meet her gaze. He didn't need the added pressure of knowing he was all that stood between an alliance between both parties.

"House Martell will fight alongside you your grace," Arianne rose from her seat. "You will have the support of all the other Dornish houses as well. Together we will bring an end to our enemies and peace back to the realm. If you'll have us."

Surprised at her willingness, Orin turned towards the queen for her response. The struggle was obvious as she eyed her advisors. Each of them most likely had different views on how to handle the situation, but Orin knew it only came down to one. Daenerys walked a path that usually ended with her own choice, and she would not find it in any of her advisors words.

"You'll have an answer by tonight."

Arianne seemed amused at the response. "Are you so well prepared for a fight that you could insult a great house?"

"I insult no one," Dany insisted, standing as well. "I am Queen of Meereen. Which means I am responsible for everyone in this city. I will not make a haste decision for personal reasons without taking into consideration their well being. You will have my answer tonight."

Daenerys answer proved much of what Orin already knew about the queen and her willingness to do the right by her people. It was what many kings lacked in past experience, but one the queen took to uphold amongst everything else.

The queen's response had even Arianne slightly impressed as she nodded. "Then tonight I shall wait."

Giving a slight bow to the queen, Arianne turned towards the hall. She gave Orin a quick smile before exiting the room, leaving everyone else wondering what to do. Orin for the most part remained still, wondering what Daenerys would decide. It seemed obvious to choose the alliance, knowing more men would rally to her cause, but the fear of not knowing where the alliance would go was enough to worry her.

"What will you do?" Daario asked.

Orin turned towards the others, quickly noticed the look the queen was giving him. "I'd like to speak with Lord Stark alone. Now!"