AN: Hey guys! I know, it's been a long time. Life happened, and then Season 8 happened. I wasn't able to look at this story when I finished the series, but I was rereading what I had, and ideas just came flooding back. Since it's been two odd years since I've written for this, we'll just say this is part 2. There is a giant time jump, and this kind of serves as a prologue to our new journey, but I will be writing in what we've missed.
Without further ado, Princess Hot Mess finds herself finally facing consequences.
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I searched the docks, getting closer by the minute, closely. Gared eyed me warily as I stood on my toes and leaned over the deck, to get a closer look.
While the coastline was beautiful, with a beach behind the docks and bright blue-green water, I wasn't interested in the view.
Where was he?
I waited impatiently as we docked, and then nearly fell as I ran down the ramp. An arm wrapped itself around my waist, a deep voice laughing as they helped me stay upright. I flushed and stared at the ground, not wanting to see who had just kept me from falling on my face.
"Lady Princess, it's an honour to see you once again," Prince Oberyn greeted as he stepped back. I smiled tightly, and was sure it came as a grimace, "Prince Oberyn. It's a pleasure to be here, in Dorne." I said back, looking around anxiously.
Where was my son?
"The little Prince is enjoying a visit to the Water Gardens, with my brother and daughters. He loves to play in the pools until his little fingers look like raisins," Oberyn smiled warmly. I looked up at him, finally, and ignored the way my heart skipped a beat.
"When will he return?" I asked slowly, struggling to keep the heartache out of my words. Apparently, the effort was futile, if the sympathetic look in Oberyn's eyes was any indication.
"I'm afraid that shall be determined by my brother, who is in charge of Nathyn's care, now." Oberyn said gently. I bit my cheek against protests, and was saved from responding by Morvin, who asked where he should put the supplies on the ship.
"It seems I have missed much, in our time apart," Gared muttered in my ear as he walked passed me. I blinked at his back, wondering what he had meant.
"Princess, if you are not too tired from your travels, I was wondering if perhaps you could join me for dinner," Oberyn said, taking my attention. I swallowed, "I would be honoured, my Lord."
Oberyn beamed and lead me into the castle. I I vaguely heard what he was saying, as he told me the history of the castle and brought me to my rooms. My rooms were gorgeous. Not as gorgeous as my rooms in Meereen, but beautiful none the less.
"I will have the servants fetch you a bath, and you may choose a handmaiden among them, Princess," Oberyn told me. I looked at him over my shoulder and hummed, "Thank you, Prince Oberyn."
I watched as servants milled about the room, preparing the bath and my new outfit. I felt Oberyn's eyes on me as I took in my new home, and my thoughts turned to Kings Landing, and my good sisters years there.
I suddenly understood why Cersei called Sansa 'Little Dove'.
Gilded cages were beautiful, if you didn't think too hard about it.
