She was born almost nine months after the tragedy at Summerhall, her father, grandfather and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard all died in the great fire, she was named Helaena Targaryen by her grieving mother. The little girl's birth should have been the symbol of good things for her family, but she was a disappointment to the new king, King Jaehaerys II.
Her mother Jenny of Oldstones had been a peasant when her father Duncan had met her and married her without his family's consent. As such, she was not seen as one of the highest regarded ladies of the land. Duncan had abdicated his throne after the marriage, but the damages were done and her father's decision had caused a rebellion, led by Lord Lyonel Baratheon whose daughter would have married Duncan if Duncan hadn't broken the betrothal.
Jenny was simply known as Lady Jenny, she passed away shortly after the child was born and some of the courtiers said she passed away from a broken heart. Helaena was brought up by servants in the Red Keep; she was hidden away like a secret only to come out when it suited the king. She had a cousin, Rhaegar who was at her age, but she never got to see him or be with him, as he and his parents were staying on Dragonstone.
Helaena was a happy child, she had grown up with servants and they had been her caretakers, playmates, and friends. She had one special friend who never left her; he had been with her as long as she could remember his name was Death and she loved him dearly. He was her protector, tutor, friend, and companion. He taught her about her heritage, taught her how to speak High Valyrian, taught her how to protect herself with her magic and how to manage an estate. Lessons that she was never taught by her ordinary tutors who thought she would never become a Lady of anything. He also made sure that the servants never questioned why things floated to the small girl or why things broke when she was mad.
She was growing into more beautiful by the day before the court's eyes, she had her father's silver curly hair, pale porcelain skin and her mother's green eyes with silver flakes. When the servants assigned to her care, began gossiping about the beautiful little girl, she was ordered to the new King Aerys immediately.
She was dressed in a red dress worth more than her entire wardrobe, the servants brushed her curls and made sure she was presentable, as a girl of ten she was to meet her cousin for the first time since she was but a toddler. She was excited but also very scared, what if she did something to offend her cousin, the king would he hate her and send her away.
"Stand still little Lady, all will be well." Death said to her he had taken the form of a man today instead of his usual form as a ten name-days old boy, his dark eyes twinkled, "The king wants to look at you and see if you can be used."
Helaena frowned, she didn't like the sound of that, but the king must be obeyed so she was taken from her rooms in the Maidenvault and paraded through the halls to the throne room. She felt her hands start to shake.
"Easy little one," Death placed his hands on hers, "I will be with you, remember you are a Lady. You are the daughter of the Prince of Dragonflies, a Lady filled with magic these poor men do not comprehend. So keep your head held high, focus on walking to the end of the hall and never let anything they whisper get to you."
"Thank you," Helaena whispered she knew by now that no one else could see her friend, so she was careful not to raise her voice too much.
"Lady Helaena Targaryen!" the Herald called out and every eye in the hall turned to the doors where she and her servants stood.
Helaena gathered her courage and began walking towards the throne, she did as Death had said to her, kept her head up and didn't let any of the whispers get to her, and there were many whispers.
"So that is the daughter of Prince Duncan and Lady Jenny."
"She looks like a Targaryen."
"Look at her eyes!"
"They are nothing like a Targaryen!"
"But she is a pretty little thing." A woman whispered
She got to the throne and curtsied with an elegance that earned many awed stares, "Your Grace, I am honored to be in your sight and I hope that I please you." Her voice was soft with a firm undertone even through her nervousness with every eye in the Throne room looking at her. She behaved as a proper Princess without even being educated.
King Aerys let her stand there for a long time before he rose from the throne, "It pleases my wife and me that you are here, in your family's home little cousin."
After his words, a member of the Kingsguard ushered her away and into a new apartment, where she would stay from then on. She was dressed, every day, in beautiful expensive dresses and was forced to stay with the Queen, whose eyes were sad every time she looked at Helaena. Queen Rhaella tried to love her, but it was painfully obvious to Helaena, that she was not happy about this situation and her inability to produce a second child. For the next two years, she was trained in the womanly pursuits: sewing, beauty advice, dancing, singing, gossip and of course managing a household for her future husband.
Helaena hated those lessons, she was smart and knew what she wanted in life, in her former life she had been the Head of the Auror Department as Harry Potter. She had been strong and capable, why did she have to be reborn as a girl? Death tried to assure her and tell her that she would play an important part, but she just couldn't see it. She was spending day after day, getting dressed as a doll and being taught by the Queen and her Ladies before being returned to her rooms alone, she didn't even get to talk to her cousin.
Her former servants had also been replaced and the new ones had no interest in playing with her or indulging her in anything. Her only friend in this new place was the Kingsguard assigned to her he was also a Prince, Prince Lewyn Martell. He told her stories of his home Dorne, of Sunspear and of the Water Gardens. He understood her when no one else did and he was her only human contact outside the Queen.
"Prince Lewyn?"
"Yes, Lady Helaena?" Lewyn smiled at her when they walked in the gardens, it was a rare treat for her.
"Please call me Hela? Do you think I could ever go to Dorne and see the Water Gardens?" she smiled softly as she imagined the tranquility and beauty of the garden.
"Very well Hela," after two years he finally gave in and called her by the shorter name her first servants had given her, "I would take you there myself if I could, but sadly I don't think the king will let you slip away."
She sighed, "I am sure he will not, I just feel so useless here." She was turning three-and-ten soon, and she knew that many would expect a betrothal to be announced soon. She would also flower soon and she had heard some maids speaking about it as if it had been the main topic discussed by the servants for a while now.
"You are not useless Hela, any Lord would be lucky to have you in their house."
She looked at him with a grim smile, "You don't have to spare me, I know what they say about me and what they call me: the Peasant Princess." He grimaced, "And I know that the other knights ridicule you, they say that you are on babysitting duty."
"They should not say that and you should definitely not believe them!"
"But it's true, my mother was a lowborn peasant and my father abdicated his throne to marry her. I will never be a true Targaryen in their eyes and the same is true for the King and Queen, they will never see me as a full member of their family." She sighed, "So much for marrying out of love."
"They are all wrong Hela, you are a beautiful, intelligent and kind Lady and if they cannot see that then they must be blind as a bat," Lewyn said with a smile that froze when Ser Oswell Whent walked by with a teasing smile and a whispered comment.
Hela sighed, "Let's go back to my rooms."
"But you were allowed by the Queen to stay out here all day if you wanted."
"And I don't want to be ridiculed by people; no I will go to my rooms and stay there so you can go to White Sword Tower and show the other knights that you are not a babysitter." Hela turned and began making the trek back to her rooms with Lewyn following her.
As she was finally alone that night, she looked into a mirror "Mother, Father I don't know what to do, I'm the shame of the Targaryen family but they will not let me go. I wish to be free to see someplace else, I can't believe that this is the future you would have wished for me if you had known me." She closed her eyes and wished that she could feel her father's embrace just once or hear her mother's voice. "Why do I have to suffer like this? Why do I always end up an orphan?" tears gathered in her eyes and she sat on the floor and buried her face in her knees.
"Hela," Death hesitated as he reached for her but he placed his hand gently on her head running his fingers gently through her hair, "You don't deserve this but I wanted to give you a good life. I didn't know it would happen like this, I promise you that you will never be alone."
"You can't possibly promise me that!" Hela mumbled, "Death has too many responsibilities, he can't stay with a young girl all the time, no matter what he claims."
Death sat beside her, "I'm here now, and I will stay for the night."
"Will you hold me?" she asked in a small voice looking up at him with her emerald green eyes that sparkled with silver.
"I will," he helped her up and tucked her into bed and then he lay on top of the bed and held her close, her eyes closed and she fell asleep with tears still clinging to her eyelashes. "You are mine and I am your's little Mistress, I hope you will be happier in days to come." He whispered as he waited for morning, a silent guardian that kept all her bad dreams away.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Red Keep, Aerys was arguing with his wife Rhaella, the topic of their discussion was Helaena. "She is not a proper bride for our son!"
"She will flower soon and then she will be a woman."
"I will find someone else to take the girl from our hands there are others for our son."
Rhaella sighed, "Who else? I have not given you any daughters!"
Aerys growled and began pacing the floor, "She is descended from peasants–"
"And from our uncle Duncan. She is a Targaryen everyone can see that."
"I will never allow it! It will be as I say, woman!" Aerys hissed and Rhaella took a step back fearful of her husband's temper.
"Who will she marry then? She is at the proper age to be promised to a man."
Aerys nodded, "I know this and I have thought about this for many days, she will marry the young Prince Oberyn Martell."
"To Prince Oberyn?" she frowned delicately
"Yes, it will bind our houses closer together, connect Dorne even closer to Westeros and he is not an heir to the Dornish throne so he will gladly take her," Aerys said gleefully.
"Has Princess Mara Martell agreed to this match?" Rhaella asked curiously.
"No, but she should reply soon. If she doesn't want her," Aerys hissed, "Then she can be promised to a Stark I know that Lord Stark has two boys that haven't been betrothed. While we wait for answers, we will continue as if nothing has happened."
"Yes, of course." Rhaella sighed, her husband had ordered that Rhaegar and Helaena should be kept from each other at all times, lest they met and fell in love. But Rhaella had a plan and she needed her son's friend and Kingsguard, Arthur Dayne's help. She caught him the next morning, on his way to training and instructed him immediately. She also met with Prince Lewyn and made sure he brought Helaena to her rooms that afternoon.
Rhaella dismissed her ladies later in the day, with the explanation that she wanted some time alone with her little cousin, Helaena curtsied as she arrived.
"Come now Helaena, there is no reason to keep that up when we are alone, come sit with me."
Hela didn't know how to behave now, the Queen had told her they didn't need to keep their courtly manners up, how should she act towards the Queen? "What are we doing today your Grace?"
"Please call me Rhaella, we are cousins after all."
"We might as well be strangers," Hela whispered crossly, but to the Queen, she smiled and said, "As you wish Rhaella."
Rhaella served refreshments and they sat together, "The King has thought a lot about marriage these last few days, have you given it any thought?"
"No more than any other girl, I suppose, why has a husband been chosen for me?" Hela watched as the Queen poured a drink for her.
"Not yet, but I hoped that you would want to get married."
"I am not sure I want that, but if the King wants me married, I will marry the man he chooses." Hela looked down into the spicy drink she was handed.
Someone knocked on the door and Rhaella bade them enter, "Mother?" Rhaegar Targaryen walked inside with a small smile, "You wanted to see me?"
"Oh," Rhaella seemed puzzled but then her eyes lighted up, "Yes, of course, I have something for you my Silver Prince just wait here. This is your cousin Helaena, Helaena this is my son Rhaegar." With those words, the Queen excused herself to another part of her rooms.
"Prince Rhaegar." Hela rose and curtsied.
"Princess." Rhaegar kissed her hand.
"I'm not a Princess, your highness, simply a Lady of the court."
They both took a seat and Rhaegar frowned, "You should be a Princess, your father was a Prince until the day he died."
"No, I will never be a Princess and that does not bother me." She smiled, "How are you today?"
"Good, better now that I met you Helaena."
She blushed, he was very handsome with his long silvery golden hair and those dark indigo eyes that seemed to hold sadness, mirth, and strength, "You are a flatterer, shame on you Prince Rhaegar!"
"Just call me Rhaegar; I will never be a Prince in your company."
"Then you must call me Hela," she laughed, "What do you like to do?"
"I like reading, playing my harp and riding. What about you?"
"I enjoy being outside, reading and a bit of singing." Hela smiled, "I would love to go riding someday."
Rhaella watched them unbeknownst to the two young ones, they were cute together. Her son was clearly taken with the young beauty and she was not rejecting his advances. Rhaella knew she ran a great risk doing this against Aerys clear commands, but she wanted her son to have a happy marriage, with a woman he wanted. Her hope was that he wouldn't end up like her, in an unhappy union with a woman he couldn't stand. She knew she had to hurry before someone noticed the two guards that shouldn't be together outside her rooms.
"Here it is!" she breezed into the room interrupting their conversation, she was holding a dagger of Valyrian steel, "I understand that you needed a new dagger, my son."
Rhaegar smiled, "Yes, thank you mother," He unsheathed the dagger and tested it, "it is a splendid weapon."
"Only the best for my Silver Prince." She kissed his cheek.
"I must get back to my training, thank you mother take care," he bowed to his mother and then he turned to Hela, he held out a hand and she placed her small hand in his, he kissed it, "Until we meet again Princess."
"Until we meet again, your Highness." She curtsied and watched as Rhaegar walked out of the room.
"That was my son; I don't believe you have met before." Rhaella smiled, "He is handsome isn't he?"
"Very handsome, your Grace."
"Rhaella dear, I told you to call me Rhaella. Now let's sit and have our talk." She gestured to the chairs and they both found their seats again, "What were we talking about before we were interrupted?"
"Marriage, we were talking about marriage," Hela said with a sigh.
"Oh yes, the King wants to marry you into a great House while I want to marry you to my son." Rhaella wanted to be blunt, this girl seemed to be far removed from the courtly intrigue. She almost seemed a bit thoughtless and almost stupid at times.
"Then I must do as the King commands." Hela's silver-green eyes found Rhaella's lilac ones, the steel in her eyes shocked Rhaella, "The King is my sovereign, the head of my family and I must obey him. I know what happens when one marries for love, I'm the result of that. The Peasant Princess they call me."
Rhaella was stunned this girl, who seemed to the world like she just waltzed through life with a small smile, had noticed everything going on around her and had still kept up a mask of happiness. She had to be intelligent and firm, "But I know you could be happy with my son."
"Of course I could," Hela said with a small frown, "But it will not happen! I will not do what everyone expects!"
"And what do they expect you to do?"
"They expect me to fall in love with someone and then marry them, without a single thought about the consequences, but I will not give them the satisfaction of knowing that the daughter of the Prince of Dragonflies, followed in her father's footsteps." She said with a careless wave of her hand, "for what else could they expect from a peasants daughter! May I go now?"
Rhaella nodded and watched her leave, Rhaella had misjudged this girl, she was a credit to her family name and she would be a glorious Queen but it would not happen unless Rhaella persuaded Aerys that a marriage between their son and cousin was right.
Two weeks later Hela was summoned to the royal apartments in Maegor's Holdfast, she was dressed in a dark red dress and her curls were braided into a single long braid, that fell down her back, wisps of hair escaped the braid and framed her face beautifully.
Lewyn was as always trailing behind her, she wanted to talk with him, but she also knew that if the King should hear, she would be separated from her guard. After all, he was her jailor and a guard at the same time and a jailor shouldn't be friends with the prisoner. She knocked on the great carved doors of the royal apartments, and she entered when she was told.
"Helaena, come and sit," Rhaella said with a small smile while Aerys just looked at her.
"Thank you, your Grace, what can I do for your Graces today?" Hela sat gracefully on her chair and waited for their instructions.
"I have found you a husband," Aerys said with a smirk.
Hela nodded, "I'm happy you have thought about my future, may I inquire who my future husband is?"
"He is a Prince of Dorne, his name is Oberyn you will be sent to Dorne to stay with his family until you flower and then you will be married," Aerys said with a decisive nod.
"I see, thank you." Hela had an urge to throw things, to use her magic to rage against his decision, but she forced herself not to react, as it would surely only make Aerys satisfied to know he got under her skin.
"You will not be going as Lady Helaena, but as Princess Helaena Targaryen, daughter of Prince Duncan," Rhaella said with a smile.
"As a Princess?" Hela frowned
"Yes, you are a princess, and they will treat you like one." Aerys said with a sneer, "Or I will personally teach them some manners. That is all; you will travel in two days, from here to Sunspear where a guard will lead you to your new home. Prince Lewyn will travel with you to see you wed and then he will return. One of your maids will also travel with you, so chose one and order your servants to pack."
"I will thank you, your Graces, I will do as you both ask of me." Hela curtsied and walked out of the room with all the dignity she could muster.
She hurried to her rooms and ordered the servants to pack as she was going to Dorne, in her mind, she was screaming and raging against the unfairness of the situation, but nothing could be done. She ordered a new light cloak that could keep her covered and cool even in the Dornish temperatures, and a few new dresses made from silks and other light fabrics again more suitable for the Dorne.
She chose a young woman named Alina to go with her; Alina had been born in Dorne and would be comfortable there. And she was more like a friend than a servant, something Hela knew she would need. She made the Ladies go away and then she sat on her bed and cried, no matter what she had told the Queen she had wanted to marry for love. But now she would be married to a man who, if the rumors were to be believed, already had sired several bastards.
Two days later a ship was waiting for her, she had said goodbye to the King and Queen. Her departure was watched by every eye in King's Landing; her cloak covered her head and shielded her face from view. Lewyn followed her and together they boarded the ship, which would take her to her new home, she was nervous but also excited for the journey, hopefully, she would see new things on her way there.
She was shown to a cabin; she was delighted that she had gotten many of her things with her, like her father's sword: Firebreath. No one knew that the sword was made from Valyrian steel, as no one could pull the sword from its scabbard unless they possessed magic. They sailed from King's Landing, it would take them roughly two weeks, ten days if they were lucky or longer if they were unlucky, if the weather was fair.
Her future husband would be waiting for her at Sunspear; she looked out over the ocean it was beautiful, a clear dark blue color. They would sail past Dragonstone, a place her house was deeply connected to and a place where her father Duncan, had spent most of his time before he abdicated the throne. She had longed to see Dragonstone, but now that she sailed past the island, she saw how lonely it lay in the middle of the salty sea and it was bare in a way that shocked her.
"That is Dragonstone Princess," Lewyn said with a smile as he got nearer to where she stood on deck.
"I know," she smiled at her friend, "It seems more ordinary than I expected."
"What did you expect?"
"I don't know, some sign of my father or a small glimpse of something that would show me a part of him."
"Your father hasn't been here for many years and he enjoyed spending more of his time exploring the Trident and the old ruin of Oldstones, or so I was told." Lewyn explained, "I believe your mother loved the Riverlands, and her love rubbed off on your father."
Hela smiled, "I like to think they enjoyed their life together and that she loved him."
"They loved each other deeply; your father gave up his right to the throne for her that alone is proof of how much he really loved Jenny." Lewyn smiled and offered her his arm, together they walked to her cabin.
"I guess I will finally get to see Dorne, you must also be excited to see your nephews and niece."
"I am," he smiled, "They will be grown by now, I look forward to seeing them all, Elia is a year older than Oberyn, she is said to be a sweet girl with a mild temper."
"I will look forward to getting to know her," Hela told him happily.
It had taken them almost 16 days, they had not had fair winds nor had they been favorable, Sunspear was certainly very different from King's Landing. The two towers that rose far above the city greeted them and the whole town was walled in and placed by the sea. Different styles had made their way into the buildings and she saw hints of different symbols.
A palanquin was ready for her and she was escorted to it by Lewyn who grinned, he was happy to be home. Hela already knew she would suffer from the heat until she got used to it, different and exotic smells greeted her, spices, perfumes, and flowers. She couldn't wait to see what Sunspear had in store for her, she wanted to explore the narrow streets and see everything so she would know her new home.
She was taken to the Tower of the Sun, shown to her rooms to freshen up. She was prepared by Alina, dressed in a red dress, along with the coronet that had been made for her before her departure. The coronet was made of silver and a single ruby was nestled upon her forehead. Her curls fell around her shoulders, she looked at herself in the mirror, she could have looked better but she had just had a long journey.
She was as ready as she would ever be, Lewyn was waiting outside to escort her to the Hall with the Seats of Dorne. Together they entered the room, it was a dark room only brightened by torches that hung along the walls. The sigil of House Martell was carved into the wall behind the thrones, the thrones were made from wood, polished by years of use and suns decorated them.
Princess Mara Martell was seated in one of the thrones, she was a beautiful woman. She had dark skin that all Dornish had, her hair was black with grey and white hints. Her eyes were golden and intelligence shone in her eyes. Prince Lewyn bowed, "Princess Mara, I present Princess Helaena Targaryen, Daughter of Prince Duncan."
"Brother," Mara greeted Lewyn with a small nod, "Princess Helaena, welcome to Dorne and Sunspear."
"Thank you, Princess Mara," Hela curtsied, "I hope to see more of your beautiful country."
Mara pursed her lips, she seemed almost disappointed, "My son, your future husband, is not here yet. This is Doran and his wife Mellario."
Doran and Mellario greeted her, Doran was tall and slender he had dark brown eyes and black hair. Mellario was supposed to be from Norvos, one of the Free Cities and their marriage had been a love match. Something that was almost unheard of, she was beautiful. She had olive skin, her hair fell in black curls around her shoulders, she was wearing silk that hugged her curves and her hazel colored eyes took in every detail.
"Doran will take care of you," Mara said, "Lewyn will of course stay and guard you, do you need anything?"
"No, I am sure I will be fine." Hela curtsied again.
"Good," Mara nodded to them all, stood and almost floated out of the room, she was elegant and her age didn't change that at all.
"Welcome again to Dorne," Doran smiled, "I hope you will enjoy your time here."
"Thank you, Prince Doran."
He waved her words away, "Just Doran, we will be family soon."
"Doran," she smiled, "Then you may call me Hela."
"Hela," he nodded, "Mother has instructed that you are to stay at the Water Gardens, until your wedding. She has prepared a room for you and Oberyn will, of course, come by to see you often."
"Thank you," Hela felt like she was being hidden away like a criminal, she wondered if she would ever be allowed to visit the city or even walk the bazaar that Lewyn had spoken about."
"Nephew, would it be permitted to take Princess Helaena to the city?"
Doran seemed almost reluctant, "Yes, but only with a proper guard and with my mother's or my permission."
"Understood," Lewyn nodded, "Will we go immediately?"
"No, tonight you will both rest. Tomorrow you will be escorted to the Water Gardens." Doran told them.
Mellario sighed, "Welcome," she kissed Hela's cheek, "It is good to see you here, Good-sister."
"I'm happy to be here," Hela felt like she could learn to love Mellario, she seemed to be a good person, "I hadn't heard that you and Doran were married yet."
"No it wasn't planned," Mellario smiled, "We had a small ceremony and it was just attended by the closest family. Your wedding will, of course, be bigger and more formal."
"Bigger," Hela swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Yes, we have to plan a grand wedding so the King doesn't think we treat you as less than a Princess." Mellario grinned.
"I see," panic rose in her, she hated crowds and a big wedding would no doubt draw big crowds. She also detested being at the center of attention, it made her want to attack and run away. The joy of having lived a life as a child of abuse… the scars were still there even if she was a new person, she still remembered her time as Harry Potter.
"Come," Mellario took her hand and led her back to her room, "Do you have a dress to wear for tonight?"
"I have a few, but I'm not sure it's suitable for this weather."
"Don't worry," Mellario winked, "The nights can get chilly here, I will help you."
Together they looked at the dresses she had brought, Mellario looked at some of them and then chose one, it was a silk dress, made from red silk and it had just cap sleeves. The bodice was embroidered with dragon's breath flowers, but the skirt fell simply to the floor. It was still more like the style she usually wore than what Mellario was wearing but it would work.
"I will make sure to send some fabric and some seamstresses to you, so you can dress for the climate."
"Thank you Mellario," Hela squeezed her hand gently, "I have never been anywhere besides the Red Keep."
"Not even into King's Landing?" Mellario frowned.
"No," Hela shook her head, "It was forbidden, I was ordered to stay within the Keep. The only time outside was when I was in the garden, or when I went to the ship that carried me here."
"That is…" Mellario began what could only be cursing in another language, "Why would they treat you like that? You are their cousin, they should have let the public see your beauty and grace."
"Thank you, but I'm nothing special."
"Nothing special?" Mellario blinked, "You do not know the effect you have on men?"
"What effect?" she frowned.
"Seven preserve me, you are innocent. Poor Oberyn, he will not know what to do with you."
"I don't understand," and truly she didn't, why would her innocence be a problem? Didn't all men want a maiden bride? And what was that about having an effect on men?
"Sit down dear," Mellario sat beside her on the bed, "When a man wants a woman he shows it quite clearly…" she made a gesture that made Hela blush hotly, "You are a woman, and a woman must use all her gifts to control and direct her husband. She always lets him think he is the one who decides everything but she will direct him."
"How?"
Mellario laughed, "By using her grace, gentle words, small touches, kisses and her body against him. Oberyn expects you to know about using your body, he expects you to throw yourself at him, I can't wait to see how he will react to a maiden."
"How will he react?" her voice shook with nerves.
Mellario hugged her, "Don't worry dear, it will be fun. Just be yourself, I think he will enjoy the chase. Don't give in to his advances, let him chase you and have fun." Mellario stood, "Now I will let you bathe and prepare for dinner, by then Oberyn should be back."
Hela sat on her bed for a while, she would follow Mellario's advice. Hadn't Harry seen that before, women who teased their husbands, made them do what they wanted? Perhaps she could do the same, control Oberyn with her gestures and her smiles.
Alina helped her bathe, she was massaged with lavender oil which softened her skin and made her smell lovely. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant twist where some of it fell in curls from the twist her dress was fastened and silk shoes finished the look. She wore the coronet again and a simple necklace with a black stone, it had been a gift from Death.
Alina and Lewyn walked with her down to the dining room, it was a bit more informal than the great hall but it was still attended by many of the Dornish nobles. She curtsied as she entered, Doran walked over and offered his elbow, he led her to a man only a bit older than herself.
"Oberyn this is Princess Helaena Targaryen, Hela this is Prince Oberyn Nymeros Martell your betrothed."
Hela curtsied, she looked down afraid to see what kind of man would be her future husband, he was dressed in a golden tunic. A hand entered her sight and gentle fingers cupped her chin and she rose from her curtsy. Black eyes met hers and she almost gasped in shock, he looked like Death. The black eyes were so similar that she almost couldn't tell the difference. He was tall, slender, had olive colored skin and black hair, a beard was beginning to grow on his face. There was something wild about him and Hela was intrigued to see more.
"Welcome to Sunspear, Lady Helaena."
"Thank you, Prince Oberyn." She smiled softly.
He offered her his arm and she was escorted to her seat beside him, many new dishes were placed on the table and people began taking what they wanted. No one was served, people just served themselves, bread was being piled with meat and then devoured. It was so foreign to her, she was used to being served just one meal and it was all for her.
A gentle hand was placed on her arm, "Just try a bit and I will arrange for a plate to be brought to you later," Mellario whispered.
She nodded silently and tried a bit of the fish with bread, the fish was spicy and the bred was buttery. It was delicious but she just couldn't get over the difference, she should have prepared herself but she had not asked Alina about this. It was a stupid mistake and she wanted to curse herself for not thinking about it.
"Try some of this," Oberyn held out a piece of bread with some meat on it, she blushed.
"I couldn't," she shook her head, "It wouldn't be proper."
Mellario snickered, Oberyn looked puzzled, "It's just a bit of bread."
She frowned and Lewyn stepped forward to place a firm hand on Oberyn's shoulder, "Not now nephew."
Oberyn looked lost but nodded and ate the bread himself. Luckily the dinner didn't last long, soon they retreated to a comfortable solar, Mellario sprawled out on a chemise almost indecently. Hela looked away, she couldn't watch that and it got worse, Doran joined Mellario and they kissed in front of her. Her face felt hot, and she didn't know where to look.
"How do you like Sunspear?"
"I don't know," Hela said softly, "I haven't seen much of it yet."
"Then I must show you the city." Oberyn's smile was filthy.
"Oh," she understood what he wanted but she would do as Mellario had told her to do, "I don't know, do you have a guard prepared? Lewyn you will come with us right?"
"Of course Lady Hela," Lewyn nodded with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Mellario, will you come as well, you could show me some fabrics and some different styles."
Mellario nodded eagerly, "Of course, if your betrothed wants to show you the markets then I will come."
"Um…" Oberyn seemed lost for a minute.
"Thank you for offering to show me the city, I can't wait. Now I will retire," She hugged Mellario nodded to Doran, curtsied to Oberyn and left the room.
"What happened?" Oberyn asked as the door closed.
"You agreed to show her the market and help her buy the things she needs." Mellario laughed.
"What? I didn't, did I?" Oberyn asked confused.
Hela sighed as she laid down in bed, finally, she was able to take in all of her impressions. Dorne was different and she wasn't sure she would ever find a home here, but at least Doran and Mellario were kind to her. Oberyn was… different.
"Well done Mistress," Death grinned as he appeared, "Very well done."
"Death!" she jumped out of bed, hugged him and he kissed her forehead, "I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"Of being in this place, they are so different. I am not used to their ways."
"You will be, everything will be fine. Just let it happen…" Death assured her.
"His eyes are like yours," she looked into Death's eyes, "Calm yet ferocious like the sea."
"He is one of mine," Death told her, "I chose him when he was just a boy; he was a fierce little thing, to think that he was destined for you all along. Truly it is lucky,"
"Lucky?"
"I think it's lucky for him, you will be able to temper the storm inside him. Throw yourself into this culture; let yourself enjoy your experience. Oberyn will learn to care for you."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, now sleep little mistress, tomorrow will be a brighter day."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise." Death laid her in her bed and kissed her forehead, "Sleep well, dream of all the good you will do."
"She is not ready yet, she will be useless for a while." A second voice sounded out.
"I know…" Death sighed.
"You place a heavy burden upon her shoulders, all for the life of those who would be slain."
"I had to."
"To meddle with fate is a dangerous business."
Death turned, "You should know, Love."
She giggled, "I should, but I do love to provoke our sister."
"She will be ready."
"Perhaps…" Love mused, "Perhaps if Oberyn loves her, she is not interesting enough for him."
"She will be," Death declared, "She will be."
"How?" Love shook her head, "You are not the ruler of his heart, and you are not associated with love so how would you know?"
Death pulled a cloak around himself, "She is mine, he is mine and he will love her."
"His heart has never been interested in marriage, he enjoys the pleasures but he will not love." Death turned and looked at Love, "Fine, I will try… try only, she has to capture him."
The two figures faded leaving the sleeping girl alone.
Oberyn was… confused; he was to marry a Targaryen princess. She was still very much a girl when she arrived, her silver hair and pale skin were very exotic in Dorne. In the market the day after they had met she was the focus of every man, in her hand she had carried a basket and in the other a strange device she called an umbrella, which shaded her from the harsh sun. She had not noticed the men staring lustfully after her when the men in the stalls flirted she just ignored it or laughed it off. Almost as if she couldn't see what was happening around her, Oberyn had seen such behaviors in the Pillow Houses but that was always for show, Princess Helaena was sincere.
Mellario fell back to walk beside him while Helaena and Lewyn discussed something, "She is endearing isn't she?"
Oberyn frowned, "What do you mean?"
"So innocent, and still so sweet."
"I don't appreciate your manipulations, speak your mind."
Mellario stopped him, she leaned in to whisper in his ear so no one else would hear what she said, "She told me she had been a… prisoner for lack of better word." Mellario had a firm grip on his arm to prevent any reaction from him, "She has never even been outside the Red Keep since she has been born, her mother died after her birth and she has been alone in the Keep. Imagine how she has been used and abused for their pleasure."
Oberyn closed his eyes, "How is she still so innocent?"
"I guess she just closed her eyes, imagined something better. Your uncle Lewyn may have a better understanding of what happened in the Red Keep." Mellario smiled at him, "Ask him about her, you will be married as soon as she flowers so you might as well begin to know her."
Oberyn sighed, "I will try… I never imagined I would be married. I have never even dreamed of it, why did mother have to promise me away? And to the Peasant Princess of all people."
"Hush," Mellario looked around them, "Don't ever call her that, she is to be Princess Helaena Nymeros Martell, you shame yourself by calling her that. Besides, it is a great honor to be chosen by the Targaryen King. We were the first ones asked, an honor and Mara knows this."
"To be sold like a slave for a marriage."
"Shut up," she hissed, "At least you don't have to leave everything you know and love, she had to leave everyone she knows just to do King Aerys' bidding. Have some respect, she is here and she is not hiding as Mara expected. I think she is stronger than she looks."
Oberyn looked at the girl again, she laughed at something Lewyn told her and hurried over to another seller to see the seashells. There was something childlike about her, but her eyes… those amazing silvery green eyes they watched everything as if she expected to be attacked at any moment.
Their trip ended early and soon Helaena was on her way to the Water Garden, where she would stay until their wedding. Oberyn went to visit her just a few days later, he asked the nearest servant where she was and was told that the Princess was resting. He walked towards her room and saw Lewyn standing outside as a guard.
"Uncle," Oberyn greeted.
"Nephew," Lewyn looked away from him.
"Why will you not look at me?"
Lewyn's eyes met his, "You disappointed me, and you hurt Hela, something she didn't deserve."
"Hurt her? I haven't spoken with her since she left Sunspear!"
"I know you didn't," Lewyn hissed, "But you are not stupid, who else is staying here? Who has a room here?"
"Many people stay…" Oberyns eyes widened as he understood, "She met Obara."
"Yes she met the little Sand, and she didn't know whose child she had rocked to sleep before the babe's wetnurse came to feed her. Imagine her hurt when she shares a home with her future husband's bastard." Lewyn growled, "She is a kind and thoughtful girl, she has been shielded from the world and you hurt her. If you were not my nephew I would run you through with my sword, she has been shielded from harm her whole life and if you hurt her again I will impale you."
"I'm sorry," Oberyn sighed, "I couldn't leave Obara in Oldtown, she is my daughter."
Lewyn shook his head, "You are lucky that Hela is kinder than most women… go on." He opened the door and showed Oberyn inside.
Oberyn wondered what that meant, he heard soft humming, Helaena was sitting with a babe in her arms. She was rocking the babe gently while humming a sweet song, she began singing softly.
"Those born to the sea, with its roll and its swell,
Know the faces and names of those patterns so well,
And each night on the ocean's a story to tell,
But the only observers are stars."
She turned and saw him, "Prince Oberyn," she smiled at the babe.
"You've met Obara I see," she nodded, "Beautiful song, is there more of it?"
She nodded, "There is."
"Will you sing it to us?" Oberyn leaned down to kiss Obara's head.
"And those born with the fire within, burning bright,
Are inspired by moonglow, so cool in the night,
And the fiery passionate sun shares her light,
But there's no lady gentle as stars.
So to those of low bearing, and those born to fly,
To those who sweat, sing and sail under the sky,
As we're born and we love, we grow old and we die,
Watch impassive, eternal, the stars."
"Beautiful," Oberyn said softly, "You have a beautiful voice; I actually came to speak with you."
"Oh?" Helaena placed Obara in a crib beside her bed, Oberyn raised an eyebrow in question, "She sleeps in my room, she is your daughter and soon to be my stepdaughter."
"Thank you," Oberyn couldn't believe how well she was taking this, "I am in a spot of trouble…"
"Trouble," she sat down and offered him a seat on the chair beside her.
"A few weeks ago, I… I was caught in the bed of a paramour of Lord Edgar Yronwood, he challenged me to a duel."
"You won." It was a clear statement from her, not the exited phrases the women in pillowhouses would have spoken.
"Yes." Oberyn swallowed his throat seemed dry suddenly, her eyes studied him, "It was only to first blood, but the wound became infected and… he died yesterday… Mother wants to send me to Lys."
"For how long?"
"Until mother can appease House Yronwood… she had to promise that the first male child of Doran would be fostered with House Yronwood."
"I see…" she closed her eyes, "Then you must go."
Oberyn was surprised; he had expected her to scold him. "You are taking this very well."
"I am, but you must promise to write to me at least once every moon. I will, of course, write you back and tell you about Obara and how we get along." She caught his eyes and held them with her piercing stare.
"I will, I promise I will write."
"Good." She nodded, "Return to us safe and sound, go pack."
"I will," he rose, "Goodbye Helaena."
She stood as well and took his hand in hers, "Keep your eyes open, beware of your enemies, protect yourself and return home." She wrapped a leather armguard onto his arm; it was engraved with a serpent and the spear and sun of House Martell. There were also some symbols engraved that he hadn't seen before it looked like letters.
"Thank you."
"It will protect you when you fight," she looked up at him, "I don't plan on becoming a widow before I even marry."
"You won't," impulsively he hugged her and kissed her forehead, then he rushed from the room before he did something he would regret.
Two years later, Hela had still not flowered and many wondered why. At five-and-ten, she should be old enough to become a woman but still she did not bleed. She had begun to enjoy her life in Dorne, she enjoyed visits from both Elia and Mellario both of them were kind and helped her understand the way of life in Dorne. Doran had taken over when Princess Mara had died quite suddenly, he was a more distant figure in her life but she understood. Ruling was hard and could take a toll on both time and mind.
Finally, it happened; Hela woke up and found blood on her sheets. She had finally flowered, soon she would be married and Lewyn would leave her in Dorne. She would miss him dearly but she had gotten good friends in Elia and Mellario.
"Hela!" Elia rushed into her room, "Have you heard?"
"Easy Elia, heard what?" Hela was tightening a slim leather belt around her waist. She was wearing a gauzy dress that showed off her new curves.
"Oberyn is arriving; he came home earlier this morning."
Hela smiled, "The Seven has an odd timing."
"What?" Elia asked confused.
"I flowered today."
"Oh, Oberyn will be pleased. And I can get more nieces and nephews!" Elia cheered.
Hela laughed, "Let's just worry about getting me married first. Do we know when to expect him?"
"Expect who?" the male voice shocked them both, they turned to the door and Elia squealed, she ran to him and hugged him excitedly.
"Oberyn!"
"Sister," he hugged her back and Hela noticed that he had gotten taller and more defined. He was beginning to grow a beard and he was very much a man now, where before he had been on the cusp of manhood.
"I will leave you both to greet each other." Elia smiled and left the room.
"Helaena."
She smiled, "Oberyn."
He walked over to her and tilted her head up, "I'm home, safe and sound as you made me promise."
"I'm happy to see you," she smiled, "Where is she?"
Oberyn sighed, "With her wetnurse, will… will you…"
"I can't wait to see her." She smiled, "Thank you for telling me when it happened."
He nodded, "I didn't mean for that to happen, I didn't mean for it to…"
"Hush, it's fine. We'll work it out, now may I see her?"
Oberyn nodded and opened the door, a woman placed a babe into his arms and he walked back to her, "My daughter Nymeria."
She looked down, already the girl was a beauty, only a few moons old and she would surely become a great beauty, men would pursue her with passion, "Nymeria… Hello sweet child." She touched Nymeria gently.
"Do… do you want to hold her?"
"Yes," Hela took her gently, "Oh hello sweetness."
"Hela!" the young voice called loudly.
Hela grinned, "Your daughter is calling me," she turned to the door when Obara ran into the room, "Obara, my sweetheart. What is it?"
Her eyes swept over to Oberyn and looked curiously at him, "Are you, my father?"
"I am," Oberyn bowed playfully.
"He isn't a snake…" she whined.
Hela laughed, "He isn't a real snake, but he is known as the Red Viper of Dorne. Just as you are a little snake."
"A Sand Snake!" Obara claimed seriously.
"A sand snake," Hela agreed, "Come meet your sister."
Obara made her way over to Hela who kneeled carefully, Oberyn smiled as he saw Obara's face, "She is so small… can she play with me?"
Hela shook her head, "No, she is too young but soon, my sweetheart, soon she will big enough. Did you have fun today?"
"Yes!" Obara smiled, "Lewyn showed me how to use my knife."
"What is the most important rule?"
Obara sighed, "My knife is dangerous and I mustn't wave it around. I have to leave it in my room, unless I'm training."
"Good girl," Hela kissed her head.
Oberyn chuckled, "She trains?"
"She trains," she confirmed, "She wants to become a knight after she saw Lewyn train. I let her begin with a small knife."
"Perfect," Oberyn smiled, "I want her to be able to protect herself, I can't thank you enough for being there for her."
"I do so because she is yours, but no more Oberyn… I can't…" she closed her eyes forcing tears back.
"I promise, I won't father any more bastards… I promise you."
Hela sighed, "Thank you."
"When we marry, you will be my only lover."
Hela blushed, "Hush, not in front of the children." She scolded him.
He grinned, "I can't promise anything, I came to see if you wanted to go to the bazaar with me… if you can pull yourself away from motherhood."
She glared at him, "Motherhood? No, no I don't think I can… motherhood is just too strenuous on my poor weak body."
"But what a body," he leered, "Come with me."
She rolled her eyes before nodding, "Very well, we need some things for the children anyway."
He blinked, "You have a big heart."
"I know," she hugged Nymeria close to her body, "too big… people hurt me too easily."
"I promise to protect you," Oberyn called the wetnurse inside, she took the babe from Hela and he offered his arm to her, "Princess."
"Prince Oberyn," she laughed, "Lead the way."
They walked outside and he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I have a gift for you."
"A gift?"
"Yes, close your eyes." they were just in front of the doors outside, she shook her head but closed her eyes, he led her outside and when the sun hit them he said, "Open them."
Hela gasped; there in front of her were three of the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. One of them was as black as the darkest night with a red mane and tail, Oberyn was patting that one affectionately, the other two were red and snow white. "They are beautiful."
"Doran told me that you have learned how to ride," she nodded happily, "So I bought a horse for you… if you want one."
"For me? Which one is mine?"
"The one you want," Oberyn said with a smile, "Both of them are mine."
She looked at them both and nodded happily, "I want this one," she caressed the nose of the red one.
"She is a beauty, I understand." Oberyn nodded, "Uncle, do you want the white one?"
Lewyn shook his head, "You know as well as I do that I would love to have one of our sand steeds, but I need to wear armor all the time and that would ruin the poor beast. Keep it, breed them and show them care and love."
"I will." Oberyn nodded seriously, "Are you going to ride with me or just pet the horse all day."
"What's her name?"
Oberyn blinked, "She doesn't have one."
"Heartfire," Hela said, "Your name should be Heartfire."
"A fine name Princess," Lewyn smiled as he mounted the white horse, "What about this one?"
"North, she is as pale as snow and I believe she would be as cold too."
Oberyn laughed, "What about mine?"
She grinned, "Helios."
"Helios?" Oberyn seemed to taste the word, "what does that mean?"
"Sun," she said simply, Helios was, of course, the Titan god of the sun something she remembered from her time as Harry.
"Fitting," Lewyn nodded.
"Helios… I like it." Oberyn claimed.
Together they mounted their horses, they rode towards Sunspear. It took Hela's breath away again; there was something about this place that made her feel at home. She was beginning to think of the Water Gardens as her home, she wondered where she would live when she married Oberyn. Perhaps he had a set of rooms, and she would move into them or a small house somewhere.
They were greeted by the guards and Oberyn led the way towards the Keep where they left the horses, Doran and Mellario met them, Mellario had her hand on her growing belly, soon she would give birth to the heir of Sunspear and House Martell.
"Welcome back Hela," Doran greeted her with a kiss to both cheeks.
"Thank you Good-brother," Hela smiled, "How are you Mellario, is the babe fine?"
"We are both perfectly fine," Mellario smiled as they hugged each other.
"I was taking Hela to the bazaar today."
"What a good idea brother, we need to prepare for your wedding." Rumors traveled fast and Doran had properly known it the second a maid had been in her room.
"Wedding?" Oberyn blinked, he turned to Hela who blushed and looked away, "Ah, I see."
"Yes, do think about who you want to invite. We have arranged a bit of it already." Doran told him.
"Already," Oberyn smiled weakly.
"I had to do something while you were away," Hela defended herself; "I hope it is good enough."
"I'm sure it is… I don't really care all that much, I just want good food and our family there then it will be fine." Oberyn told her honestly.
"Oh," she blinked, "I understand."
Mellario hit Oberyn playfully, "Idiot!"
"What?" Oberyn whined.
"She wants to make it perfect for you too… she has been worrying herself sick wondering if she did the right thing." Mellario hissed.
"Oh."
"Yeah, oh," Mellario looked at Hela who still seemed lost. "Tell her it will be perfect."
Oberyn nodded, "Hela," he touched her arm pulling her out of her thoughts, "With you by my side it will be perfect, I will just add a few of my favorite dishes, if you haven't already added them, and then it will be as perfect as it can be."
"Thank you." She smiled happily, "Shall we go? Before too many people get there."
"Of course," Oberyn offered her his arm and together they walked out into the crowds of people, "I want to invite a friend of mine," he told her.
"Who?"
"A friend."
"Tell me," she asked gently.
"It is a woman."
Hela nodded, "Yes… her name?"
"Ellaria Sand… the daughter of Harman Uller the Lord of Hellholt."
"Ellaria Sand…" Hela nodded, "Is she beautiful?"
"Hela…"
"Is she?"
"Yes… at least I think so. She is a gentle, strong and brave woman. A friend only."
"But you wish for more," Hela stated, "Invite her if you wish, I want to meet the woman my husband finds so interesting."
"Hela I promised you, no bastard will be sired by me." Oberyn stopped her so she looked up at him, "I swear to you I will keep our marriage bed."
"Yeah?" her eyes were filled with tears, "I still want to meet her, and she can become a companion for me."
"It will be as you ask, don't cry," he hugged her close, Lewyn glared at Oberyn who nodded silently, "I have made a promise and I will keep it."
Hela nodded and together they continued their walk. Meeting Ellaria Sand was not as horrible as Hela had imagined, Ellaria was a gentle soul with a sweet smile. Hela liked her, even if Oberyn's eyes dwelled on Ellarias stunning looks, she still liked Ellaria. In the end, she had accepted Ellaria as her lady-in-waiting and friend. They spend many days just talking and laughing together enjoying planning the wedding.