It was late in the afternoon when Sam was shaken awake by a pair of rough hands.

"My Lady, wake up! We're leaving," she heard a faint voice, and as she opened her eyes, it took her a moment to realise where she was. After weeks of camping in the forests, or sleeping in dodgy inns, she was in a palace again. The Martell's palace in Sunspear. It felt like minutes since Oberyn had left them, and she dosed off into a peaceful slumber, but when her gaze fell on the window, she saw that sundown was approaching.

"I'm up, thank you," she said to Bayard and got up slowly. Her legs were a bit stiff, but her body felt more relaxed than it had in a long time. Oh, the comforts of soft pillows…

Two guards were standing at the door, dressed in riding clothes, and she realised it must be time for them to ride to the Water Gardens. Quickly, she splashed some water from a bowl in the corner on her face, and led her small party outside. The guards brought them back to the stables, where their horses were waiting. They had been taken good care of, and Shadowfoot's coat was shining in a healthy fashion. She reached up to stroke his mane, and pressed her forehead against his cheek. In these last few weeks, their bond had grown ever closer, and she felt more at ease around him than any human.

"You have a strong connection to your horse," a voice came from behind them, and Samaya involuntarily smiled before turning around. Prince Oberyn was standing there, holding his own horse by the reigns, dressed in riding gear himself.

"He's very loyal. Just like me," she said and chuckled as Shadowfoot stomped his hoofs impatiently, neighing and throwing his head up and down in a playful manner. He had always been sceptical when strangers came to close to her.

"And impatient. A trait you both share as well?" Oberyn asked teasingly while tying his black horse to a nearby pole. He came closer with purposeful stride and put his hand on the other side of her horse. Samaya had expected Shadowfoot to throw a tantrum, but her eyes grew wide as the horse seemed to enjoy the man's touch.

"Yes, we do. Though I like to think I have improved on that matter," she replied to his question and smiled at the Prince. She observed with great curiosity as he gained the trust of her animal companion. "Dornish steeds have a great reputation in Westeros. Do all of your countrymen know how to handle horses so well?"

"Yes and no. I find it easier to put my trust into animals than into people. Therefore, they like me better than most men," he said with a grin, but she could make out a dark shadow that seemed to enter his eyes. He had been hurt and betrayed one too many times.

"Sometimes the words you speak are harmless, but the depth in your eyes shows your real feelings, Prince Oberyn," she said quietly, holding his gaze as he looked at her.

"Only people who dare to look so close can tell. And they are usually the same," he replied calmly.

Sam gave him a sad smile. She knew exactly what he meant by his words. All the things she had to hide… All the facets of her personality she had to keep from surfacing… The world expected her to be a mild-mannered, needlework-loving noble lady, but that's the last thing she wanted to be.

She startled a little as a hand touched her cheek. Looking up from the ground, she realised Oberyn had come much closer and gently caressed her face. Unwillingly, she closed her eyes and leant into his touch.

"You are like a rare gem, my Lady Samaya. Beautiful, but raw. I'd like to cut you into a fine diamond. A diamond everyone in the world wants to possess, but it only belongs to the Earth it came from and the master who cut it," he whispered quietly.

Sam lost her breath for a moment. His words were the kindest and most honest anyone had said to her in… she didn't know how long. And they made her feel so… powerful. But power was a dangerous thing. She took a deep breath and withdrew from his caress.

"You live up to your reputation, Prince Oberyn. Though I fear you will not win me over with your flattering. Actions have always meant more than words," she told him sternly and got up on her horse. She held her head high, as she sat enthroned on the majestic animal. Oberyn shifted his weight from one foot to the other, but looked at her with ease and even amusement.

"Careful, Lady Samaya. Your eyes are betraying you," he said casually and made his way back to his horse. Sam didn't know whether to be furious or enthusiastic. He had flattered and scolded her in the timespan of minutes. She felt like a child, but also like his equal. Something told her that she could learn a lot from the Red Viper of Dorne. He would make a unique teacher, standing out from all of her past mentors. The question was just if she should let him teach her, or if she should keep her distance. Only the events of the next few days could tell…

The ride from Sunspear to the Watergardens was a short and pleasant one. They rode in a small group of guards and nobles. For the first time in weeks, Samaya was carelessly enjoying the landscape of Dorne and the striking differences to her home region. Whereas the Reach was green as far as the eyes could see, the dominant colours here were brown and red. Sand dunes mingled with bits of long, thin grass, and the ocean sent its salty air right up the steep cliffs they were riding along. Sam was still itching to jump in the moving water every time her eyes fell on it, and her heart started to ache for it as soon as her nose caught the salty scent.

It didn't matter what her heart longed for, though. She had to serve her house more than herself. As they rode through the stone gate into the Martell's private retreat, she sat up straighter in her saddle and braced herself for the introduction. Stable boys came to take her horses, and Oberyn led them through the lush garden. Sam's eyes widened at the beauty of the exotic flowers surrounding them. It was like a foreign paradise, and she instantly wanted to sit down on one of the many benches and just revel in the serenity of it all. Their party walked on, however, and they reached a big arch, decorated with colourful tiles. Underneath it sat an older man, thin and tired-looking, but very regal. Doran, Oberyn's brother and the ruler of Dorne. In his hand was a scroll, and his eyes were glued to it. The gigantic man next to him gently put his hand on the Prince's shoulder as they approached. Wary eyes looked up and them, and Sam was filled with sympathy. This was the look of a man who was in over his head.

"Brother, I would like to introduce you to Lady Samaya of House Tyrell and her two companions, Ser Bayard Norcross and Ser Willam Wythers", Oberyn introduced them. Sam curtsied with a gentle smile while the two knights bowed deep.

"Welcome to the Watergardens, my friends. I am happy to see the road wasn't too harsh on you. Unfortunately, I am afraid I have bad news," Doran said and held up the scroll. Sam's heart dropped to her stomach.

"Pray tell, Prince Doran. Is my family safe?" she asked him immediately, taking an involuntary step closer.

"Your family is safe as far as I know, but Renly Baratheon has been murdered," he answered in a grave voice. Shock crawled over the faces of the three strangers. That was why they were here. To negotiate a possible alliance.

"What happened?" Sam's question came out just above a whisper.

"They say Brienne of Tarth murdered him. She fled the camp with Lady Stark shortly after his death. However, both women claimed it was a shadow in the shape of Stannis to the guards before they disappeared," he filled them in.

"There is no possibility that it was Brienne of Tarth. I have met the woman, she would have gladly given her life for Renly," Willam spoke up. Sam found herself nodding in agreement. She might not know Brienne very well, but it was quite clear that the woman had adored the man she swore to serve.

"There have been troubling reports about Stannis and this red priestess who advises him… it is not unlikely that something more was at work here than a woman swinging a sword," Oberyn said.

"Very true, brother. There might be some dark magic behind it. Whatever is the case though, Renly is dead, and that brings us to a standstill," Doran looked straight at Samaya.

"I will get in touch with family as soon as possible. I don't know what to do next…" she started, trailing off at the end. The news had thrown her completely off course. For the first time since they met, the shadow of a kind smile graced Doran's face.

"Do not worry, my Lady. You are very welcome here, and I invite you to stay as long as you need. It would be a shame to send you straight back home just shortly after you've arrived. Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy this great country," he said in a lighter tone of voice.

"Thank you kindly, Prince Doran. I do hope this was not the last time we spoke, but I'm afraid I will have to clarify our situation with my family before there can be any more talk of possible action," she replied and composed herself a bit more. Standing up straight, she bowed again and turned to leave. Oberyn stayed behind while the guards showed them to their assigned guest rooms. Once she was left alone, Sam collapsed on the giant bed in her guest chamber. She let out a long breath she hadn't realised she was holding and stared blankly up at the ceiling.

What in seven hells was she supposed to do now?

Next chapter: Sam's big secret gets revealed. Any guesses to what it might be?

As always, reviews greatly appreciated :)