"You are a lucky man, Ser Bronn" Oberyn said with a wide grin, baring his teeth.
"Indeed" Bronn was only giving short answers, trying to hold back his witty comments. He was not dumb enough to provoke the Red Viper.
"Unfortunately for me, I did not shoot was well... but maybe it's a sign of the gods."
Bronn nodded slowly, curious about Oberyn's intentions.
"Aye, it certainly is."
Oberyn paused a moment and watched Bronn sharpening his sword.
"Lady Rebekah is a remarkable woman" He said, stroking his chin and making Bronn more and more suspicious.
"Like you said, I'm very lucky" Bronn shrugged and waited silently.
"Is that the reason you took part in the tourney? Because of her? You don't seem to be in love." Oberyn asked with a dramatic gesture of his hand. Bronn finally looked up from his task.
"Because you only wed and bed women you love, Viper?"
Oberyn Martell was the wrong person to scold him for wanting a woman without actually loving her. Dornish men were known for having an never ending appetite.
Oberyn raised his hand in a defeated gesture: "I'm sorry, my friend, it's just that I thought you were a more... ambitious type of man."
Bronn started to sharpen his sword again. „Aye, that I am."
"In Dorne, we don't look down on people of lower birth. I respect you, truly, although you bend the knees to Lannisters."
"Only to the imp, Tyrion Lannister" Bronn corrected, not really knowing why he even bothered.
Oberyn laughed softly: "The imp, yes... I hear he is much different. Lady Rebekah favors him, doesn't she? She told me once not all Lannisters are the same and she was clearly talking of the youngest Lannister. Tyrion is very protective of the Lady. Don't you think he wants her to make the best match possible? Maybe we could find a way to join our interests..."
Oberyn suggested and Bronn stood up. He was a little smaller than the Prince, but larger than the slim Viper.
"Hired killers like me don't speak such fancy language. You should better explain to me what you desire... my prince" Bronn added with obvious sarcasm and he noticed the dangerous glimmer in Oberyn's eyes.
Bronn was already considering the risks of fighting the Viper in his mind. Oberyn was quick, agile and smart, something he had in common with Bronn. Dirty tactics were not unknown to both of them. Still, Bronn was a bit stronger and much more cool-headed. Oberyn Martell had a heated temper, which was an underestimated weakness.
"You will always be in the shadow of highborn knights and lords, they will never accept nor respect you. So why should Rebekah?
In Dorne they say her eyes are golden because she sees past our appearances and titles, looking as clearly into a man's soul like a cat through the night.
Tell me, Ser Bronn, what will Rebekah find once her golden eyes see what you are? The girl may not loathe you because of your birth, but she is too sweet and lovely to see past your cold, ambitious heart" Oberyn finished, his voice raising as he was carried away by the speech.
Bronn thought for a moment. Cold and ambitious, that may be the truth, yet Bronn had never been that way with Rebekah. All he had done was being nice to her, so Oberyn's accusations were only partly justified.
"How poetic, my prince" Bronn sneered and held Oberyn's hostile glare, "I'm no man of pretty words or galant gestures. I fear that's the only things Rebekah would find in you, my prince."
"Ah, I believe I could please our beautiful Lady much better, in ways you can't even imagine. My offer is simple: You get a lordship and a nice little castle in Dorne, which is everything you whished for. No games at courts, no annoying wife - only adventure, wealth and the pleasures of dornish women. And for that..." Oberyn paused to give Bronn a dazzling grin. „The hand of Lady Rebekah."
OoOoO
"Septa Olene, it's good to have you here" Rebekah and her septa walked through the gardens, savouring the last calm day. Stannis' fleet was almost upon the gates of the city.
Tyrion had worked out a strategy, and Rebekah trusted her friend. The fear of the upcoming battle made everyone in the palace tensed, but it was no comparison to the mood in the city of King's Landing.
Septa Olene, a women in her fourties, had a kind and soothing presence, and Rebekah could speak about their home, Shadowcastle.
"My dear, I missed your presence. Before you came back from Casterly Rock, the air was poised by the quarrel between your brothers and Lord Mycah."
Actually, Mycah had been rather calm since the tourney. As if she'd read her thought, Olene answered: "Lord Mycah is upset because of your betrothal. He and Ser Branston despise Ser Bronn."
"Ser Branston?" Rebekah asked surprised.
"He was quite honest about it my lady," Olene stopped and looked around hastily, "My lady, I would not trust that men. He has a temper that he's hiding from you and Dewan."
This was surprising news to Rebekah. Mycah was the one she feared, not Ser Branston.
"Ser Branston was always loyal to my family."
"That is true, my lady. He loved your mother dearly, but he can't wait to get rid of Lord Mycah. Before Ser Roran went to marry Lady Reyna Corbray, he and Ser Dewan were fighting. Dewan wanted to convince his brother to get rid of Mycah. Dewan is just a boy, he was angry and said hateful things. But Branston overheard the conversation and has been urging him to finally kill Mycah."
Rebekah processed the information. "Ser Branston hates Mycah. So do I." she said carefully.
"Lady Rebekah" a voice interrupted harshly.
Rebekah resisted the urge to flinch when King Joffrey approached They looked down to the Narrow Sea, the waves crushing against the pink walls of the Red Keep. It was early in the day, and the water sparkled in the rising sun.
"What a beautiful morning, isn't it. I trust you are already planning your wedding, my lady" Joffrey mocked. Rebekah and her Septa curtsied in front of the boy King.
"Of course, your Grace. I am still very thankful" She smiled at him, hoping he would be satisfied with her answer.
"Sadly, I can't prepare the wedding quite yet. Bronn is needed for the defence of the city" she added.
Joffrey snorted. He tilted his head, looking at her like she was an fascinating insect.
"Don't worry, my lady. They say Stannis never smiles, but he will have a red smile when I'm done with him."
Rebekah had to hold back a laugh. She doubted Stannis would be impressed by the boastful blonde King.
"You can marry your mecenary husband soon enough. How sad you have to settle with him.
Maybe I should visit you more often. The King's special affections would be a great honor for a Lady married to a low-born" He stretched the words and wiggled his eyebrows, making clear what he was suggesting. Joffrey was clearly enjoying making those empty threats. Because as much as she believed him he would try to sneak into her bedroom, she was absolutely convinced Bronn would teach Joffrey a lesson he would not forget.
"Yes your Grace. I'm sure of it" She said with a forced smile, „I present you Septa Olene, she is a very wise women. She was envious as well when I told her I was giving your Grace bow lessons."
Rebekah was changing the topic and reminding Joffrey of other people's presence at the same time.
"Your Grace, I heared you are incredebly talented. My lady's betrothed is a talented bowman as well. You will get along greatly" Olene said smiling.
It was one of the reasons Rebekah loved her Septa. She was not a stiff old lady, but a sharp-minded friend.
"Speaking of which..." Rebekah sighed as Tyrion approached, Varys and Bronn in his trail.
"Ah, your Grace. I see you are busy planning the city's defence" Tyrion greeted Joffrey cheerfully.
"I have to since you have no plan at all, uncle Tyrion" Joffrey sneered, but Tyrion just shrugged. Vary looked like he was holding back a pityful smile as well.
"I have one, but I need the lovely Lady Rebekah to help me."
"How can she possibly help?"
Rebekah opened her mouth to reply something very sharply, but Tyrion was quicker to answer: "I need her and Lord Dewan's advice on placing our archery. And I have other important matters to discuss with the assistance Lord Tywin sent me."
The name of Tywin Lannister was enough to make even the King back down immediately.
„Lady Rebekah." Joffrey nodded at her and rushed away.
"Has the cunt bothered you?" Bronn asked, casually like always. But his remark made Rebekah frown. He tried not to show, but he actually seemed to care.
She shook her head: „What is it that you need, Tyrion?"
He leant next to the wall, the wind messing with his dark-blonde hair.
"I have worked out a plan to save the city from Stannis. Your brother will command the Waldorf archery. And you...Let's say a certain woman named Valla left an impression. A very valuable impression"
OoOoO
"I knew all along you were the Lady Waldorf." Rona smiled at her widely. Her white teeth stood out against her dark skin.
"Well, this time I return with the approval of the Lord Hand. He ordered to serve food everywhere in the city, but allowed me to come personally for you, mistress Rona" the woman explained politely.
"The girls have been so happy. They were getting too skinny to please men..."
"You really serve a honorable cause, kitten" Bronn remarked, standing behind her, his hand on the swordgrip.
"Stop it, Ser." Rebekah hissed, and Rona grinned even wider. „You give people hope, Lady Waldorf. They see how you treat the low-born. No offense, Ser" She added towards Bronn. „None taken. Shall we go now or do we get to see some of the well-fed girls."
"Bronn!" Tyrion scolded.
"Ser, I was sure you are the sellsword they say is wedding the Lady Waldorf" even Rona was slightly surprised.
"I was joking" Bronn raised his hands in defeat and rolled his eyes.
"Seven Hells, we're not even married yet. Am I deprived of even looking already?"
"You are" Rebekah said dryly.
Rona looked back and forth between the two of them. "So you are the sellsword, Ser?"
"He is." now it was Rebekah rolling his eyes. Suddenly Rona grabbed one of Bronn's hands, making the man step back, taken by surprise. He immediately had his knife at hand, but didn't draw it completely when he saw the women meant no harm.
"The Lady Valla.. Rebekah... she is sent by the Maiden herself to help the common people. She is the defeater of the Mountain. Protect her, Ser, and may the gods bless you as well."
Bronn withdrew his hand, his eyes looking into Rona's dark ones.
"I don't believe in those gods, but I always protect what is mine."
OoOoO
Rona and Oberyn had left Bronn to think about the marriage. Everyone expected him to behave like a brute commoner even though Bronn had never shown the slightest interest in hurting Rebekah.
Especially Oberyn wanted Rebekah for the same selfish reasons as Bronn. Oberyn wanted to bed her and the possibility to show off with the girl who defeated the Mountain.
Bronn had not told Rebekah about the Viper's visit. Maybe he was depriving her of a great future with a Prince, and maybe it was again selfish – but Bronn doubted Oberyn would be good for Rebekah. Oberyn had something very vengeful and hateful hidden behind his charming smile, and Rebekah was far to loyal to Tyrion Lannister to be safe from that hatered.
Oberyn Martell could read fine poetry and please her with wealth and title, but she would suffer under his temper and his intinite want for other women and men.
Again, Bronn scolded himself for thinking so much about Rebekah Waldorf. Luckily, the imp's voice interrupted his day-dreaming.
"Why call me a monkey anyway?" Tyrion lamented. They were back to the Red Keep again, after visting the Pyromancers. Rebekah had been quiet the hole time.
"I better not tell you" Bronn answered lightly.
"REBEKAH!" someone yelled, and Rebekah instantly ducked her head. „What is this attiring, and why are you trailing in the city like a harlot? Just because you marry a filthy commoner doesn't mean you are one as well!" Mycah's voice carried through the yard.
"My lord Hand. Ser." Mycah spat the last word, showing cleary his despise.
Bronn watched the girl sink into herself, losing the fire she had infront of this pity bald men. To him, Mycah was a dog who barked but did not bite. The mecenary reminded himself that Rebekah had a very different way of thinking. She only thought the best of everyone, only to be disappointed in the end. And nothing scared her more than men trying to take her freedom and backing her into a corner. Mycah's broken nose was the vivid prove of it, Bronn thought with amusement.
"I think you just called my one friend a harlot and my other friend filthy. What shall I make of that, Lord Mycah?" Tyrion asked lightly.
"My lord Hand, I am sorry. I was angry about Lady Rebekah's impudent behavior."
Instead of answering him, Rebekah just looked like a beaten puppy.
"My wife-to-be's behavior is none of your business, I think" Bronn told him, seeing the other man's face flush red in anger.
"Don't you dare..." Mycah started, but Bronn was tired of talking. He swiftly grabbed Mycah's throat and pushed him against the wall.
"I get paid to kill people who bother Lord Tyrion and Lady Rebekah, and you clearly bother the latter very much. Shall I kill him right here, my lady?" Bronn asked her with the same tone as if he was talking about the weather.
"No, no, please!" Mycah began to whimper, his eyes widening in fear.
Rebekah watched him anxiously, pale as snow.
"She pays you with my money, so you should better listened to what I say!" Mycah tried to argue, but Bronn just pressed his hands more into his skin.
"It's my parents' money. Lady Kathryna. Lord Darron. You surely remember them..." Rebekah said cooly, her hands clasped in tight fists.
"I was your mother's husband!" Mycah chocked.
"And yet you threatened her only daughter in many ways. You killed her eldest son. You try to steal away her home" Rebekah said, her voice calm and steady. Bronn was satisfied, his kitten was showing claws again.
"I did none of those things! Release me, now!" Lord Kenning cried and Bronn looked to Rebekah, waiting for her signal.
"I know we are not on good terms, Rebekah, but I would never kill your brother!"
Rebekah sighed, then nodded at Bronn, who let go of the man.
"You believe him?" Bronn asked, curious on how the events turned. "No. But I swear on Roran's grave that I will find out the truth. And when I do, Mycah, there will no place in this world you can hide from me and my allies" Rebekah spoke slowly, emphasizing each word. A woman with allies like Bronn, Dewan, Tyrion, Joffrey and the hill tribes of the Vale didn't need to fear a men like Mycah.
Thank you so much for your nice reviews! :) I hoped you liked this chapter, things are heading towards the battle of Blackwater.
I especially hope you enjoyed the little Bronn and Oberyn encounter, because I think it would have been so interesting if they had interacted more on the show.
Have a nice day, xoxo & Liebe Grüße