Thanks to the Guest reviewer for the heads up, IDK what's up with the format but it is fixed now, much thanks and love reviewer!
I don't know what's up with , every time I post the chapter it's normal looking on the Doc Manager but on the link it's a fricking mess. If you check out my AO3 it's on there. I usually post there first now for all my fics.
Chapter Two- A Lost Little Snake
"Greeting, Prince Oberyn, your brother, Prince Doran requests your presence in his study upon your return."
He feels two small hands slip from his grasp, leaving them bereft of his newfound friendship. The sun could be blazing hellfire now, for all he feels is naught but an icy stab of regret in his belly. Odd, Oberyn muses, he rarely feels so strongly for strangers especially of those known to him for a mere afternoon.
He sighs, half in exasperation at the guard's cheek and half in dread of his new friends' reactions. His brother must have received word of his impending arrival from the port master. He grimaces in regret for neglecting his duties the past few days if this is how today of all days, treats him. With a wave of his hand the guards are dismissed and resume their previous positions in silence.
"Prince Oberyn?" The little adventurer drawls, he hears a smile in her voice, as they begin to walk further into the palace courtyard. He notices that she now has her tiny ward on her hip and shortens his stride. In one of his moods, he forgets himself as he quickens his pace.
Raising his hand in a placating manner, Oberyn stops and turns to face them. His lips are poised to whisper sweet words of apologies and little nothings before she steps closer, halting a hand's width away from his chest. Brown eyes glint with drops of honey and knowing.
In surprise and intrigue, Oberyn remains still. Quiet. Interest lights up his eyes and a smirk curls his lips as she begins to circle him. The little adventurer has cornered the Viper. Let us see how well she can charm this snake.
Slowly she makes her way around to his back, her arm brushing against his. A small giggle escapes from Obie, the sound lighting up the atmosphere and his heart.
"Hush, Obie. We're supposed to be vexed at him, aren't we? After all, isn't it the right of a woman to punish a man for his…offense?" Oberyn hears the laughter she's suppressing as her voice carries, her little huff of air felt through his thin robes to the nape of his neck. The scent of oranges wafts in the air delicately. He shivers not from the cool ocean breeze but from her words. Punishment has never sounded so good from lips so sweet.
Apollonia and Obie appear on his left side, whispering to each other in a low tone intertwined with the occasional giggle. The mixture of flowers and vines frame them perfectly in his view as if they've been planted just for them. Black curls and waves of both dark-haired beauties blow in the breeze, tangling and clinging to each lock of hair it can.
Before he can utter a word, he sees Doran and Elia from the corner of his eye, walking on the upper balcony overlooking the courtyard. They cease their walking and talking to watch them from above, amusement and curiosity color their faces.
Her voice breaks him out of their combined gaze of entertainment.
"We've decided, your Royal Highness, your punishment," Apollonia states once they make their way in front of him again.
"Oh, really? So soon? You do not wish to take your time? Perhaps think it over for a night…I am a patient man, I can wait." He smiles, seeing her blush as she holds her gaze steady to his.
Obie grasps handfuls of her aunt's hair and nuzzles into her neck, smiling.
"I'm sure you are. But time is of the essence, my good sir. We've," she nods to the child, "decided that we would like you to take us to the beach."
"The beach? Not a chest of jewels and silks or perhaps a tongue for a lie?" he jests as they both share a look of twin disgust and laughs. Oberyn is baffled, his acquaintances usually wish for such riches when in his company. He indulges them for they are beautiful women and men who deserve to have beautiful things. Their wish to see the beach puzzles him in its' simplicity and innocence.
Melodic laughter bursts out in waves, echoing in the courtyard and warming its occupants like the sun in the sky. His siblings stare at Apollonia in interest and interest, her merriment breathtaking in all its glory. Obie's laughter akin to ringing bells. A feeling of possessiveness fills his being, with a sharp look to his siblings he dares them to try anything.
Calming themselves they step closer. He resists reaching out to grasp Apollonia's waist. Never in his life has he been so intrigued by someone who doesn't wish for a favor or gifts in return for his attention or the passion he readily offers.
She peers up through her lashes to study his face. Her eyes become serious as her merriment fades to a sudden realization. Far be it from him, a prince, to be on the receiving end of pity. He starts to square up his shoulders and plant his feet in response, readying himself for-he doesn't know what.
"Do you think we require more than what we already have, my prince?" she asks quietly, words uttered so gently he almost didn't catch them. Her gaze softens on his face, taking in his strong jaw, high cheekbones, his dark brow, full lips, and his eyes. His youth. His eyes have seen much, but therein lies the truth. Eyes that see much, yes, but know less.
For all his mastery of the arts of the maesters, Apollonia knows that Oberyn has much to learn. After all, being a well-traveled highborn son, second though he is, he has yet to know the gnawing pain of hunger not from deprivation of being a sellsword but of having nothing that anything will be done to feed the ones you love, he has yet to learn of loss not born from a lesson to be learned but from having everything taken on a whim by those with power and status, that when you have nothing, have been told you're nothing and feel like nothing so much that your dark, cold world can only be lifted and warmed by those that stay by your side and give of their own plate and cup. When all have abandoned you and you find those that stay are worth more than all the treasures in the world. They are all you need.
A lone tear falls down her cheek. Oberyn looks past the tear to her eyes that appear to age in front of him. Gone is the blushing seductive young woman, here now stands a woman with worldly eyes that seem to have witnessed the worst the world has to offer and yet…here she is, kindness and purity incarnate.
A small hand wipes away the tear. Obie looks at her hand to her aunt's face, her tiny face scrunched in sadness and looks to him to fix it. Deep brown, almost black eyes narrow at him to hurry and make it better. Eyes that look like his.
Oh.