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Chapter Twenty: Making the First Move.

"Your wife looks beautiful this evening," Prince Doran mused sipping on his wine as he looked across the banquet hall where Amara was; he had to admit that he was rather impressed by the young woman. Everything that she had done since she had become a Princess of Dorne had truly been a surprise, Doran hadn't known what to expect from the prized daughter of the Late Lord Cantrell; he couldn't imagine a better match for Oberyn.

When he had heard that Lord Ammett was seeking a match for his sister even before his father was dead and buried; it had surprised Prince Doran and he had almost considered offering his own hand to the younger woman but had decided against it. Amara seemed to be a fine match for Oberyn, she was certainly keeping his brother on his toes and the fact that she hadn't given him an easy ride had been amusing; she was standing her ground against him.

"She most certainly is," Oberyn murmured not taking his eyes off Amara, she was dancing with Ka and hadn't taken her eyes from the man that had been charged with protecting her not to seduce her. He was far from impressed that his wife preferred the attention of the guard instead of his own, no matter what he did she had not looked his way even when he had entered the room with Ellaria on his arm.

The dress that Amara was wearing didn't do her justice and Oberyn couldn't help but think about how beautiful she looked when she wore a carefree smile on his face. He'd quite happily butcher the guard that she was dancing with to have her look at him with that smile on her face; his hands formed fists as he glared at the man who was nothing compared to him.

"You should not worry father. I shall castrate the guard should his hands continue to wander," Obara murmured from her place beside him, she had noticed the attention that Amara was receiving from the guard. A part of her did not understand why Amara would be so accepting of his attentions but given the fact that her father had been so distracted by Ellaria that she had turned to another man for attention.

However, Obara was determined to make sure that the guard could not get her Lady Stepmother with child before her father had the chance to; despite the fact that she was a bastard herself, she would not allow another man to father one to the woman that had married her father. Oberyn snorted at Obara's words, he had no doubt that his daughters had plans of their own to deal with his present issue but they would have to wait. Getting to his feet, Oberyn made his way across the room to where his wife was dancing; his dark eyes fixed on her form as she continued to dance with the guard.

"Your Grace," Oberyn greeted offering her a slight bow when he reached them, his eyes flickering from Amara to the guard who seemed to pale slightly when he realised who had spoken. Amara glanced at Oberyn, her eyes holding nothing but confused at his greeting and she slowly released her hold on Ka; she glanced at him before looking to Oberyn, she didn't know what game he was playing now.

"May I have this dance?" Oberyn asked holding out his hand for her to take, he paid no attention to Ka who stepped back to get out of the way as Amara took his hand. Gently pulling Amara close, Oberyn couldn't help but think of the last time that he had danced with her; the evening that she had told him that she was not his whore and he mused just what it would take to be welcomed into her bed.

Amara had resisted his charms so far, she refused to be treated like the other women that he had bedded; she had insisted that she be treated like an equal instead of just his wife. There was no doubt in his mind that his dearly departed mother would have been most impressed and would have adored Amara of that Oberyn was sure.

Amara reminded him much of the former ruler of Dorne, she was kind to the common folk and her trips down to the orphanages to help the children left no doubt that she would be a good mother when the time came. The music remained lively as the couple danced, the tension remaining light unlike the last time that they had danced; Oberyn keeping Amara close as they danced knowing that her lover was watching.

He had no doubts that she had not taken Ka to her bed, he was sure one of his daughters would have reported such to him if she had. Ellaria watched the scene before her, a frown on her face not knowing how she could retain his attentions when he seemed so infatuated with his wife; she had noticed that things between them had somewhat cooled as of late.

The fact that his older daughters now supported Amara had seemed like the final straw, there was nothing that she could do to act against Amara now with her having the support of Oberyn's daughters. Even her own children had fallen under the spell that Amara had casted since she had come to the capital; only Elia remained untouched by her and Ellaria was relieved her beloved daughter remained so.

"Mama," Elia whispered seeing the look on her face, she tugged on Ellaria's arm pulling her from her dark thoughts; a glance to the floor where her father entertained Amara told her enough. Resolved strengthened within her and Elia turned away from the sight of her father, the music coming to an end and she knew the dance would be over. Amara stepped away from Oberyn, she had no idea what to say to him but this different side of him had caught her off guard; she swallowed almost glad when Herit approached her with Sylva.

"Your Grace," Herit said handing Amara a goblet to drink from, an amused smile on her face at the fact that despite everything that Amara had done to establish herself that Oberyn could have that affect on her. The Prince's eyes lingered on Amara as she moved away with two of her ladies, she didn't dare look back at him knowing that for the first time since they married that she felt like she was the only woman that mattered to him.

Sipping on her drink, Amara was relieved to be able to step away for a moment; she didn't dare look back knowing that she couldn't allow Oberyn to see how he had shaken her. Today he had different, something that she'd yet to see from him; he hadn't treated like she was a whore nor something that he could ignore. Tonight, he'd tried her almost like she was his wife, something that desired his attention and to be treated with respect; she wasn't going to allow him to worm his way in so easily he'd have to work for it.

Clearly her throat, Amara felt like something had gotten caught and she tried to cough to dislodge it; her mouth felt dry and she took another sip of her drink in an attempt to remove it. Amara felt like her throat was swelling shut and she grabbed onto Herit's arm in terror as she choked making her close friend and lady turn to her; her eyes widening at the state of Amara as the colour drained from her face. From the corner of her eye, Amara could see Ellaria whispering urgently with Elia; her rival seeming to pale at whatever her daughter had told her before their eyes meet both knowing what had happened.

"Someone help please!" Herit cried in horror just as Amara's legs gave away, she clutched at her trying to stop her from falling with Sylva's help; she looked around wildly trying to find anyone that could help them. The entire room seemed to freeze and stare at the sight of Amara crumbling to the floor; her ladies unable to keep her standing, the colour gone from her face as she tried to gasp for breath.

Gargling sounds came from Amara's throat and a white foam appeared in her mouth; Sylva jumped back in horror and screamed at what was happening to her mistress. Tears streamed down Herit's face as she continued to plead for help, she held Amara's hand tightly in her own before it was ripped away from her as Oberyn lifted Amara into his arms.

Without so much of a word, Oberyn carried her from the room with Tyene closely on his heels along with Herit who stumbled after them; whispers erupted at the scene that had just occurred. Prince Doren started to bark orders to his guards, someone had tried to murder a member of his family and he would not rest until he knew who had done this to Amara and brought her justice.

Ellaria paled at his words, her hand reaching forward to rest on Elia's shoulder in fear of what might happen should the truth come out; she did not know what Doren or Oberyn would do if the truth was discovered. Looking around wondering who might be able to help her, Ellaria froze seeing the look that Obara gave her; she glanced away from Oberyn's eldest as she conversed with Nymeria knowing that she should have expected this.

Of course, Ellaria should have realised who would be blamed for what had just happened; everyone seemed to be whispering around her and Ellaria could see that they all seemed to be looking towards her and her family.

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