Arianne I

289 A.C.

Arianne peeked over the balcony of her room in the Tower of the Sun when she saw the first war galley appear on the horizon. It had golden sails with an enormous crowned black stag at its center. Gradually other similar ships appeared by its side and within a few minutes, Arianne could see so many warships that she could not reach to count them. Among them she also spotted some with the sun and spear of house Martell, although they were so few in comparison that they were lost amid the golden sails of the rest of the ships in the fleet. In one of those ships was her uncle Oberyn, who was part of the detachment that Dorne had sent to participate in the war against the ironborn. However, there were fewer ships than those which had docked in Sunspear a few months earlier, when this same fleet had headed for the Iron Islands to end Balon Greyjoy's rebellion against King Robert Baratheon. Despite everything, the royal fleet remained formidable and Arianne wondered if now that the Iron Fleet was in ruins there was any navy capable of withstand it throughout the known world. Perhaps the Redwyne fleet, or maybe those of the free cities of Volantis and Braavos, Arianne thought, but as much as they were similar in size, she doubted that none of them could defeat the Iron Throne's fleet in battle. After all, none of them were commanded by him: Stannis Baratheon, the king's brother, Lord Commander of the Royal Fleet and, in a couple of days, her husband. According to the message which had arrived at the palace a few months ago, Stannis had defeated the Iron Fleet and its commander, Victarion Greyjoy, off the coast of Fair Isle. The defeat suffered by the Greyjoys was such that just a month later, King Robert invaded the Iron Islands with his armies. Eddard Stark, along with King Robert himself, hammer in hand, had reportedly assaulted Pyke, the ancestral fortress of the Greyjoys, ending the rebellion once and for all. The travelers said that the bravest man had been a certain Thoros of Myr, who had been the first through the breach in the walls of Pyke, with a flaming sword in his hand. What a stupid thing, Arianne thought. The bravest warrior had been her fiancé, who had defeated the ironborn at sea like no one had done before. Without him, the Usurper would never have been able to reach Pyke in the first place.

The last time Arianne had seen her husband-to-be was when he docked at Sunspear to supply the fleet on its way to the Iron Islands. He had stayed only a couple of days and Arianne hardly spoke to him, as he was busy managing the fleet for most of his stay. When she saw him, it was as if her childhood memories were back to her. He had barely changed since the previous time she had seen him, when she met him almost six years ago. He was still as tall as he was then, though she noticed him fitter than last time. His eyes were dark blue as the sea, and Arianne could remain self-absorbed looking at them for minutes, though he did not seem to notice. He wasn't the most attractive man Arianne had ever met, that was true. But she didn't care, she liked it that way, fierce men with a certain air of mystery. And she found Stannis extremely mysterious. During the times she had spoken to him, both in person and in the letters she had written him since they were promised, it was hard to make him speak and he used to respond with short sentences and always went straight to the point. But something in his eyes made her think that this man was hiding something, an ambition he kept hidden in the depths of his being, and Arianne planned to bring it to light. Her cousin Tyene used to tell her that while Arianne was still swimming in Lord Stannis' eyes, she would in the beds of all Dorne's men. Let her do whatever she wants, one is enough for me. She had spoken to him for the last time the day the fleet sailed for the Sunset Sea. Arianne had put on her best garments to say her farewells to her fiancé and had given him a silk cloth with the Martell coat of arms to give him luck in battles to come, and for the gods to favor him. "The gods will not decide this war, my lady, it will be the men who will do it" he had replied, but she could still see it tied around his arm before he left.

Arianne covered her eyes from the sun to better see the boats approaching the port and finally spotted it. A large galley of three decks full of scorpions and above them, three masts with large sails where the crowned stag of the Baratheons stood proudly. She had seen it before, but this time it seemed emaciated and damaged by the battles it had just returned from. From that distance she couldn't see him, but she knew that galley was bringing her husband to her.

Arianne dropped a sigh she didn't know she was holding on and called her maids to prepare her for a bath and bring her something to eat before welcoming Lord Stannis and his captains. Is King Robert coming too? she wondered as she brushed her long and curly black hair that fell up to the middle of her back. When she finished, she put on her best clothes and jewels and came down to gather with her father and brothers, although she doubted that little Trystane, who had not yet passed his third name day, would be at the reception. Her brother Quentyn would be, for he had returned from Yronwood, where he had been serving as Lord Anders' ward for a few years as a way to repair the blood debt between the Martell and the Yronwoods. Her mother had protested vigorously against it, but her father did not relent. This fact, together with Arianne's marriage, had strained the marriage so much that Lady Mellario had returned to Norvos shortly after Trystane was born. Arianne cried a lot the day her mother sailed for Norvos and, although she understood her mother's departure, she knew that the decisions her father had made regarding his children's future had been made for the sake of Dorne and its people. Someday, it will be my turn to do the same.

When she arrived in the main hall of the palace, her father and brother were already there, dressed in their best clothes. There were also most of his vassals: Lord Anders Yronwood, Lady Blackmont and her daughter Jynessa, Quentyn Qorgyle, Lord of Sandstone and she also distinguished several Manwoodys and Ullers along with men from almost every house who had sworn allegiance to the Martells. Behind her father was Areo Hotah, the captain of his father's personal guard, who had decided to stay in Dorne instead of returning with Lady Mellario to Norvos. Arianne was glad that he had decided to stay with them, for she had always had him in high regard. Her father was sitting on one of Dorne's thrones, which was adorned with the Lance of house Martell. The other, in the shape of a sun, was empty. It might seem that Doran Martell was sitting there to show power to his guests, but Arianne knew it was not the only reason. Master Coleotte had diagnosed her father with gout a year ago. It was not serious yet, but the master had recommended her father not to move his joints too much, so as to try to slow the rhythm of the disease.

"Father, " said Arianne after bowing and kissing his hand.

"Arianne" answered him gently. "Sit next to me, daughter."

Arianne looked at him in amaze. According to tradition, only the ruler of Dorne and his consort had the right to sit on the twin thrones, those where Nymeria and Mors Martell had once sat.

"Someday you will take my place, Arianne. You're no longer a child, it's time for you to start understanding what it means to govern."

Arianne obeyed and sat on the throne. She had always imagined what it would be like to sit on the throne of Nymeria, but once she had done so, it did not seem very different to any other seat. In fact, she felt a slight chill as she sat on the cold stone and the throne seemed somewhat uncomfortable. Next time I'm going to order a cushion before I sit in it...

She thought it wouldn't be long before the newcomers showed up, but it took hours before the royal entourage finally arrived. Her father was sitting stoically, but she kept stirring impatiently in her seat. What is taking them so long?

At last, the palace's gates were opened, and Arianne could see many faces she had not seen before. She saw several knights of the Stormlands and the lords of the Narrow Sea, but, although she had studied and knew the coats of arms of the different houses, she did not remember who the head of each of the houses were that day. Other faces were familiar, such as that of her uncle Oberyn and his squire, her friend Daemon Sand. Arianne was glad they had returned safely. Ser Daemon now. Her uncle had anointed him knight after the war. She also saw the onion knight and Stannis. Behind him was a tall and very handsome young man, with black hair and blue eyes wearing a beautiful gold doublet with the Baratheon sigil stamped on it. King Robert? No, he's too young to be him, he doesn't look much older than me. Nor can it be Prince Joffrey, he is too old. She was relieved to see no one carrying the golden lion of the Lannisters. From what people said, a tournament was being held in Lannisport to celebrate the victory, so all the Lannisters must have been there.

"Welcome, noble knights. All Dorne is proud of your victory over the ironborn raiders and pillagers," her father said.

"It hasn't been much brother" laughed her Uncle Oberyn. "We smashed their boats as if they were made of paper. And all thanks to this man!" he roared as he raised Stannis Baratheon's fist in victory. The room erupted in applause, though the expression on Stannis' face did not change the slightest. It was clear that those words made him very uncomfortable. The truth is, he could smile a little now and then. He'd look more handsome. Arianne missed a beat when she saw that a garment of orange cloth was tied in his raised arm, it was worn, but it was the same one Arianne had given him when he left. So, you've kept it all these months after all.

"I've heard that it was a great victory," her father said. "Rest gentlemen. You'll be tired of the long journey, and tomorrow is an important day. I'm sorry your brother won't be able to attend your wedding, Lord Stannis."

"My brother had more important matters to deal with," Stannis said with slight contempt. "I apologize for his absence."

"Luckily your other brother has been able to come," the man behind him said cheerfully. "I've always been told that I look like Robert when I was young, so at least one of the handsome Baratheon brothers will be present at this wedding," he continued, making many of the present laugh. So, this must be Renly Baratheon, the king's younger brother. He was handsome, it was impossible for Arianne to deny him that, although she noticed some arrogance in his tone that made her distrust him. Her uncle Oberyn was arrogant too, but when he bragged about something, it was because he had actually done it. She hadn't heard anything from Renly Baratheon that could impress her.

The dawn of the next day came much earlier than Arianne would have imagined. Her maids had woken her up early and given her a hot bath and had rubbed her from head to toe. It was Sylvia Santagar, her childhood friend, who brushed and wavered her dark hair. Then she took several bottles of perfume for her to choose from. I wish my mother was here. I'm sure she'd know which perfume to choose. She forced herself to keep her tears at bay when she noticed her eyes getting wet when she thought of her mother. Does she remember me? ¿Does she know that, half a world form where she is, her only daughter is about to marry? In the end she chose a sweet fragrance with a certain lemon touch.

The bridal dress she had chosen was made entirely of silk, as he feared that if she had chosen a different material, she would end up cooked before the wedding ceremony was over. Orange and gold silk threads were intertwined forming intricate designs. The sleeves were very short, leaving her arms covered in jewels for all to see. The skirt, on the other hand, was long and wide to facilitate her movements.

"You look very beautiful, princess," Sylvia told her when they finished dressing her up. "Lord Stannis will not be able to stop looking at you once he puts his eyes on you."

"Yes, won't he?" she was dying to see Stannis seeing her in that dress. He'll want me. As soon as he sees me, he'll want nothing else but to wrap me in his arms and never let me go. "Bring the cloak".

It was a long cloak of orange velvet with ruby ornaments. It had embroidered the red sun and the golden spear of the Martells. It was the same one her father had wrapped her mother with years earlier. It had a thin golden chain with which to fasten it around the neck. She contained the curiosity to put it on and see how she looked in it. After all, it was not meant for her. She folded it in her arms and waited for her father to take her to the sept.

"Please leave us alone" said the prince when he appeared through the door. He looked majestic in his golden garb. The others left the room while her father approached her and took he by the arm. "The maester told me that I would better use a cane today so as not to force my knees too much, but I think I still have the strength to take my daughter down the aisle," he said with a smile on his lips. Suddenly he grabbed her hand tightly and his face overshadowed. "I know I've never asked you your opinion regarding this marriage, but I'd like to ask you now before I force you to do something I can regret for the rest of my life. If it's your wish I can cancel this wedding immediately."

"No, father" she answered. "We must do our duty."

Later she would not remember going down the stairs of the tower or crossing the courtyard to the palace's sept from how nervous she was.

She advanced by taking her father's arm towards the altar, where they awaited the septon and the man with which she would share the rest of her life. Stannis Baratheon stood next to the altar dressed in an elegant black doublet with gold motifs. He wore high boots up to his knee and a cloak of gold fabric with the crowned stag of the Baratheons embroidered buckled around the neck with a thin gold chain. As she progressed, she saw her uncle and cousins staring at her with eyes like plates. Areo Hotah was also present, as were Lord Renly and twenty others. When they finally climbed the stairs to the altar and her father handed her over, she could see how tears were about to burst from his face. Is it because of the pain caused by gout, or because of the one that causes you to give up your only daughter in marriage being so young?

The seven vows were formulated, the septon invoked the seven blessings, and the seven promises were exchanged. Once the wedding song was over and no one rose to prevent marriage, it was time for the exchange of cloaks, although, due to the conditions that his father had put to the marriage, the protocol was going to be somewhat different.

Lord Renly approached his brother and removed his cape with a somewhat mocking gesture while Arianne unfolded the cloak that was bent in her arms with a slight movement. Arianne suddenly realized the difference in stature between the two of them. While she favoured her mother and was considered short for her age, Stannis was so tall that he towered almost two heads over her. Wow, this is going to be a little embarrassing, she thought while holding the cloak restless. She was about to ask for a stool, but Stannis suddenly knelt down, allowing Arianne to place the cloak about his shoulders and fasten it around his neck.

"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lord and husband!" cried Arianne in a rumbling voice.

"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you as my princess and wife!" replied Stannis drawing her closer to him and giving her a long kiss on the mouth, even though he was somewhat shy and it lasted less than Arianne would have liked. The septon declared that Arianne of house Martell and Stannis of house Baratheon were one flesh, one heart and one soul, now and forever.

Areo Hotah led the procession that led them out of the sept and preceding them was her cousin Tyene dressed entirely in white, who threw rose petals to the ground as they advanced. Arianne did not turn, but she knew that after them came her father and uncle, Lord Renly and the rest of the witnesses.

Before moving on to the bridal banquet they walked through the gates of the palace wall to see the people who had gathered there. She could hear the applause and cheers even before she walked through the gates. She knew the people loved her so much that they were willing to accept even a Baratheon as her husband.

"This is your people, my husband" she said as she greeted the crowd. "Look how they love you."

"I think it's not me whom they love, but you princess" her husband replied. "They will never love a Baratheon, let alone me."

"Well, we have time to fix that, " replied Arianne still smiling.

The banquet was held in the throne room of the Old Palace. There must be nearly a hundred guests, counting those who had attended the ceremony, many more than any other in which she had ever been, most were vassals and allies of house Martell. She and Stannis occupied the seats of honor under the twin thrones. Upstairs, the gallery was crowded with musicians with flutes, violins and drums.

Arianne never thought her wedding would be so boring. Her husband ate and drank little. He listened to all those who rose to make a toast and occasionally thanked them with a dry nod, but otherwise his face seemed sculpted in stone. She tried to start a conversation with him, but they rarely went past three or four sentences.

"Excuse my dear brother, it's hard for him to deal with women and much more if they're as beautiful as you, princess" said Lord Renly, who was sitting next to her. Stannis was talking to her father, so he didn't seem to hear his brother's comment.

"He'll have to get used to it. After all, we are one soul, now and forever, right?" replied Arianne.

"Surely he'll be heading to your bed tonight just as he would if he went to a battle, with his usual shadowy face and ready to do his duty" laughed Lord Renly.

"And how do you go into battle, my lord?"

"Ha, ha. you got me there, princess. I'm sorry to tell you that I haven't been involved in any yet. Robert's rebellion caught me being very young, and the King's Hand didn't want me to go to the Iron Islands with my brothers. The old man didn't want to risk that all the Baratheon brothers could die in battle. In the end the two returned safely and full of glory, while I stayed ashore, bored to death."

"Why did you come with the fleet then?" asked Arianne curiously.

"I was in Lannisport to participate in the tournament, but Robert decided that he didn't want to travel that far to go to a wedding, so he ordered me to go in his stead. And here I am. The truth is, knowing my brother, I thought the wedding would be more boring."

"Luckily for you, it was my uncle who organized it, although I imagine you'd rather be in Lannisport."

"Well, I'm sure I'll find something interesting to do before the night's over" Renly said while he averted his eyes. Arianne saw that he was looking at a young squire not much older than her brother Quentyn who was sitting a few tables far from them. Is he his lover? Same-sex relationships were the order of the day in Dorne, but she knew that in the rest of the realms they could be a disgraceful scandal for a noble house.

"My lady" said her husband, taking her out of her thoughts. "Shall we open the dance?"

Arianne took his hand, smiled and let herself be carried away by the music. Stannis tried to follow her at the dance as best he could, but dancing was clearly not his strong point. As soon as the song was over, her husband sat down again, but she kept dancing. She danced first with her father and then with her uncle, her brother and with Lord Renly. Daemon told her that she was radiant, Lord Uller wished her many children and Sir Davos, many years of happiness.

As soon as the music stopped, she heard Renly's loud cry.

"Time for the bedding!"

Other men joined the cry and swirled around the stand, the drunkest were the first. For the first time in a long time, Arianne felt afraid. She knew exactly what was going on at a wedding, hers wasn't the first one she attended to. She knew what the rite of bedding was and had helped undress other grooms, but things changed when she was the protagonist. She wouldn't have minded if only her uncle and childhood friends were there, but most of those present were practically unknown to her and she knew the freedoms some guests took during the bedding.

"There will be no bedding!" spoke Stannis. "I have spoken to Prince Doran and considered that we can do without it." She had to restrain himself so as not to hug Stannis and her father at that very moment. I can't look like a weeping little girl. Stannis took her by the hand, and they left the room as she heard the complaints from some of those present.

By the wedding night they had been given a bedroom at the top of the Tower of the Sun. When they entered, Stannis closed the door sharply and locked it.

"This way we won't be disturbed by any drunks," Stannis said, his voice not much louder than a whisper.

When he turned around, Arianne had taken off her dress and her jewellery was the only thing covering her naked body. Stannis seemed so impressed that he was unable to articulate a single word.

"Stannis, shall we begin?" said Arianne with the most seductive tone she knew.

"My lady, " replied Stannis nervously.

"Arianne" she said as she grabbed her hands and kissed her on the lips. "Call me Arianne."

I wanted to reflect that it was matrilineal marriage in the wedding ceremony but, as none is described in the books so far, I decided to make Arianne place the cloak of the Martells on Stannis instead of the other way around.

Onto other things, many of you noticed that Cersei was pregnant too early, as Joffrey was born a couple of years later. As you deducted, she was pregnant with Robert's child, the one she will miscarriage (And that she has still miscarriaged in this story), so Joffrey will be the same age here as in the books.

I don't know which the next chapter will be, as I'm debating whether to do a last timeskip directly to the A song of Ice and Fire events or not.

See you in next chapter.