AN: Hello my lovelies, I know I took some time, but here is the next chapter. It finally features Margaery and Loras, and I would be delighted to get your feedback.
And I would also like to thank you for the 100 Favorites! That is huge, I am over the moon so many people are interested in this story! Thank you for sticking with me :)
The reunion between Margaery and Samaya was a joyous sight. It was still early in the morning when Sam rounded a corner of the vast gardens, on her way to break her fast with Olenna Tyrell, and she happened upon her younger sister. Margaery started cheering and hugged her tightly, while Sam remained notoriously unfazed. Two guards patrolling the area stopped to point and smile at them, but Sam shot them an unamused glare.
"Why are you in such a foul mood? What's wrong?" Margaery asked concerned, holding her sister by the shoulders. Sam raised her brows and gestured at herself.
"Look what she made me wear. And this!" she answered in a high-pitched voice and pointed at her face, which was heavily coloured. The dress was almost the exact same one as Margaery's, with a deep neckline, and a tight fit.
"You look radiant, sister. All the Lords will be chasing you at my wedding. Oh, how exciting it all is!" the younger girl said happily. "Now, walk with me and tell me your tale. You know I was very disappointed that you left Highgarden without as much as a farewell. Mother nearly fainted when she was told of your departure."
"It was grandmamma's decision. I just followed her command," Sam answered as they started walking.
"Oh, yes, we all do her bidding. Sometimes I wonder if the whole of the Seven Kingdoms know she is ruling us, or just our family."
"I think they know. Our dear Lord Father is not known for his wits as much as she is," the two shared a knowing look.
"Well, then? How was it in Dorne? How are the people? And the Princes Martell? You know there are many stories here at court about Prince Oberyn, especially. I heard he arrived with you?" Margaery pushed on. Samaya huffed.
"He accompanied me for the most part of our journey, but I have not actually seen him since I entered this city. He is many things, but most of all, he is hungry for life," she answered.
"Hungry for life? That is an odd way to describe someone's character, dear sister. Would you care to elaborate?"
"You will find out soon enough. I am sure he will show his face at court sooner or later," Samaya said as they arrived at the edge of the garden, where their grandmother was seated underneath a big, ornate canopy. Food and drink was decorating the heavy table before her, and she eagerly waved the two girls to join her.
A long, long time later, Samaya was exhausted to the bones. She slowly meandered back to her chambers when the sun was way past mid-day. After Margaery and her had set down to break their fast with their grandmother, Sansa Stark arrived and told them some interesting stories about Joffrey. Sam's jaw tightened thinking about the words of the timid, young girl. She was shy, and cautious, and without a doubt, gravely disturbed by her treatment here after the death of her father. However, she was telling them the truth; that much was clear. And if Joffrey really was such a monster as Sansa made him out to be, Samaya had to stay alert. She would not let anyone harm her sister or the rest of her family, and it seemed that they were in much more danger here than they realised.
She was making her way down to the training grounds, following the directions one of the guards had given her, when she found herself alone in a long, dark corridor. Not knowing whether she had taken a wrong turn, or was on the right track, she continued slowly. Something about this place felt too eerie for her taste.
Samaya kept her hand on the dagger strapped to her thigh, as she carefully walked on. She did not know if her imagination was playing tricks on her mind, but she thought she heard a shuffle of clothes. She instantly lifted up her skirts to free the dagger, but a big hand closed around her mouth from behind. Before she could raise her weapon, her attacker kicked it out of her hand. Her heart was racing, and she wriggled in his arms, but his grip was like iron.
"Now, I don't like it when women struggle to get out of my arms. I prefer it the other way around, Lady Samaya," an all too familiar voice said close to her ear and Sam stopped fighting.
"Where are your guards?" Oberyn whispered into her ear, releasing his hand from her mouth, but planting it firmly on her hip.
"I did not think to take any with me. I am on the way to visit my brother Loras," she replied.
"Do not be so foolish and think this place is safe. I could have been anyone," his hands started wandering from her hips to the front of her body, while his lips were skimming over her neck. Sam closed her eyes for a moment to revel in the sensation his touch installed upon her body. She was too exhausted to argue with him.
"What a fortunate situation that is was you then. I am still alive, and well," she replied lazily while leaning into him. Despite all her frustration, it was nice being held like that. He made her feel wanted, and she enjoyed it massively.
He sighed noticeably and did not move for a few more moments before releasing her slowly. Turning her around, he gave her a long look.
"One night in this wretched place and you already look nothing like yourself," he commented on her appearance.
"I have to be careful here. There are still people who remember the past. This is just a distraction," she answered vaguely.
"I see. It pains me still, though, to see you so changed. If only I could take you back to Dorne. Keep you safe," he said.
"Are you offering marriage, Prince Oberyn?" Samaya smirked at him. His face, however, did not show any sign of amusement.
"Your family would never agree to that. If Trystane were not betrothed to the Lannister girl, I would suggest him as your future husband. Oh yes, I think that would be a fine alliance," he answered and started smiling. Samaya looked at him with surprise. She had meant it is a jest, but he seemed to be serious. Slowly, they started walking.
"You would marry my nephew, give him an heir or two, and when these duties are fulfilled, you could share my bed every night. He would take some other lovers, and so could you. Hmm… maybe I ought to suggest it to Doran?" he continued while Samaya walked stiffly next to him.
"I would never agree to that. It might be acceptable in Dorne to behave that way, but I would never be able to bear living like that," she finally said. He stopped and looked at her again, his brows furrowed. She took it as a sign to explain.
"I would not share my husband. I believe that marriage can still mean something besides a powerful alliance of two houses. You are not just husband and wife, you are partners. Whatever comes, whatever obstacle life throws at your feet, you have to work together to overcome it. We are only strong if we stand in union. A single rose does not make a garden, Prince Oberyn," Samaya explained fiercely.
"A single dragon can conquer a kingdom, though," he replied instantly.
"And he will be a lonely dragon for it," Sam concluded and walked on. She had no intention discussing this with Oberyn out in the open. The corridor might seem deserted, but they said that in King's Landing, every wall had ears.
"And what do you fear more, Lady Samaya? To be alone, or to be a shadow of who you could be?" the Prince clearly was not content with her answer.
"I do not think we know what we fear most, until it happens to us. Maybe that is the dilemma in the first place," she replied.
"Wise words. Fear nothing but fear itself. It suits you," Oberyn said and linked his arm through hers. She smiled courteously and they walked the rest of the way in silence. Two knights in shining armour were sparring heavily when they finally arrived at the training grounds. Sam instantly knew her brother. She had trained with him, she knew how he moved, lunged, attacked better than she even knew her own style of fighting. In a matter of minutes, his opponent lay defeated on the ground, and her brother removed his helmet, grinning.
"Do all your opponents here hand you victory, brother? It seems to me you need a challenge," Samaya said loudly as she walked down to greet him, Oberyn still accompanying her. Loras Tyrell turned her way and started smiling, white teeth shining, at the sight of her. With long strides, he closed the distance between them and gave her a gently kiss on the cheek.
"My dear sister, it is good to see you unharmed. We were quite worried for you," he said and put his hand on her cheek.
"I think we both know that I can take good care of myself. Besides, the Martells were gracious hosts," his sister answered and smiled at the Martell next to her.
"Loras, this is Price Oberyn of House Martell. He has become a valued companion and true friend of mine," she introduced the two men. Loras took a close look at him, his eyes resting on his hand, which was casually placed on her hip.
"Your reputation proceeds you, Ser Loras. I do hope we can compare our fighting skills soon, I've heard great tales of your swordsmanship," Oberyn said and gave an appreciative nod. Loras still looked suspicious, but he repeated the gesture.
"Likewise, Prince Oberyn. I think that would be an interesting fight to watch," he said and smiled gently. "Now, if you'll excuse us, it has been some time since I last saw my sister, I think we ought to catch up."
"You're still in your full armour, Loras. I've come to invite you to dine with me tonight. No need to hasten away from your training. I'm sure you can use the extra practice if you're planning on taking on Oberyn Martell," Samaya said playfully, which elicited an angry frown on Loras' face. He had always had a short temper when it came to Sam mocking his fighting skills. Before he could reply, Oberyn spoke up with an easy tone in his voice.
"In that case, I will guide the Lady Samaya safely back to her chambers, if you don't mind. Your sister did not think to bring guards, you see," he added with a knowing look. That brightened Loras' spirits a little bit.
"My sister likes to think she is the best warrior in a room, but that will not safe her if someone ever decided to stab her from the darkness," he said arrogantly. Samaya huffed at him.
"Please Loras, let's not bicker in front of the Prince. I will see you tonight, I hope. Farewell until then," she gave him a nod and then turned to leave. Oberyn was by her side in a moment.
"He feels very threatened by you," he whispered as they walked on.
"My brother still remembers the time when I trained with him every day, from sunrise to sunset," Samaya explained. "I beat him in almost everything."
"And these times have passed?" Oberyn asked curiously. When Sam just nodded, he looked surprised. "What happened?"
Samaya stopped in her stride, paused for a moment, and then looked him straight in the eyes.
"My mother remembered that I was to be a Lady, not a Knight."
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