Chapter 36

Everra could see the moon from the small cracks in her blinds. It was the shape of a fingernail, thin but still managed to light the night's sky. She could see the stars twinkle in the sky as well from where she lay on her bed on her side. It was quiet. Eerily quiet.

The only sound beside's her breathing was a small breeze that fluttered through the air every once in a while, but other than that there was only silence. Silence was something she had always welcomed. Silence meant being alone, or at least feeling as though she were alone. Everra shifted onto her back, dragging her eyes away from the view. Her black hair was undone and fanned behind her head on the pillow. She could feel Andromache's weight near her feet, could feel her warmth radiating out towards her.

While the feeling was familiar— it was no longer the weight she was used too. No longer the body she had become accustomed to being on her bed. Andromache's weight was familiar and welcome but Everra could not deny the feeling of how. . .wrong it felt.

I could have loved you more than life.

Everra closed her eyes tightly, willing the image of his wounded blue eyes to leave her. Her hands clutched at the linen beside her as she banished all thoughts of him. It had been a week since he had left her, and the silence that had followed afterwards was almost deafening. The lump that had formed in her throat had not quite left just yet, and she still felt slightly shaky in her bed. As though the ground beneath her had suddenly tilted and she was still learning how to walk on the uneven ground.

Her eyes lingered at the closed door and she almost expected him to quietly open it as he had previously done. She almost wanted him to come back and—

Stop it.

She let out a loud sigh and turned her back to the window. She could still feel the imprint of his arm around her waist, and could almost feel his breath on the back of her neck.

I could have made you happy, because I know you.

She buried her head in the pillow again and tried once more to rid herself of the words and images.

"Ships."

The word was haunting and its effect was immediate. The room had gone deathly quiet at Oberyn's word. He was right, they all knew that but they were helpless in the situation.

"You are right," Everra announced quietly, locking her eyes with his, "We do need ships if we are going to defeat the Lannister's. They will not leave King's Landing and meet us in the field. The only option we have is too sail to Kings Landing but the issue with that is we have no ships and the only Lords who have ships aren't on our side. Baron Greyjoy is only staying quiet because we have his son, they Tyrell's have sided with the Lannister's and the North has no ships."

"Dorne has ships," Oberyn started, before taking a long pause so that he could look at Robb, who was staring at him, his eyes unreadable.

"Yet Prince Doran will not give us his fleet and even if he did, the Dornish fleet is not enough to carry nearly fifty thousand soldiers," Robb said, and even to her it sounded a little too harsh for a King and one of his subjects.

"I wasn't only talking about Dorne," Oberyn replied, and he looked as though Robb's agitation amused him.

He had not even looked in her direction. Had not even acknowledged her presence when she had entered the room with Jon. Something in her chest had tightened whenever she looked at him, though the only sign of Robb's slight discomfort was his obvious irritation with Oberyn. Besides that, he looked fine. Catelyn was also in attendance as well, perhaps so that she could keep an eye on Oberyn, or whatnot. Everra had not asked about her about her sudden appearances.

Robb quirked at eyebrow at Oberyn, "Who else?"

Oberyn's eyes then flickered to her's, and there was a glint of amusement in his dark eyes as he appraised her.

"You travelled throughout Essos for most of your life did you not?" He questioned. Everra nodded, though she remained quiet. "You must have made some allies?"

Suspicion and wariness crept into her heart and she resisted the urge to snap.

"Indeed I did whilst I was there but I am there no longer. The leaders of Essos are backstabbers and traitors and will turn on us the moment they get even a whiff of someone who can give them a better offer that is why—"

"That is not your decision to make, lady Everra," Robb cut in firmly, his blue eyes blank yet strong. Everra turned to look at him, her expression unreadable.

"Your grace with all due respect you don't know these people," she told him, her green eyes pouring into his blue.

"Surely you must have met a few people who have connections," Oberyn interrupted. She turned her gaze towards him, and it hardened.

"Of course I have," the way she said it made it sound as though she thought he was an idiot, "it's what those people do with those connections is what matters, Prince Oberyn."

There was a few moments of silence before Robb spoke.

"Write to a few of the men or women who you know who you deem trustworthy enough," Robb commanded, "We need all the help we can get. If they want gold, give it to them. If they want power and glory, promise it to them. I command it."

There was a few beats before Everra nodded—reluctantly.

"As you wish, your grace."

Robb slammed the door to his chamber shut, and finally felt as though he could breath once more. His chest had felt constricted, his throat was felt unbearably tight the longer he stayed in that room with her.

He paced across the room, sliding his furs off his shoulder and tossing it onto the bed. Greywind watched him from where he lay on the ground licking his paws, and Robb did not stop pacing. She hadn't even seemed bothered.

As though nothing had even happened he thought bitterly. But that was not the only reason for his discomfort and stress. The pressing matter of ships still lingered in his mind, causing a deep throb to start. He winced at the feeling, and finally stopped his pacing so that he could sit down on a chair. He buried his face in his hands and could feel his hands brush the curls on his forehead.

Robb did not know how long he stayed like that before a soft knock echoed through the door.

"Come in," he called out dully, sitting back upright in his chair. Greywind slowly came over to his side, and propped himself down by his feet. The door opened slowly to reveal his mother, looking at him warily, her blue eyes tight.

"Mother," he welcomed, his voice sounding dull even too his own ears.

She smiled at him softly, though it did not reach her eyes. She stepped into the room, the door closing behind her. She stood there aimlessly for a moment, wringing her hands before saying, "Robb. . ."

His heart tightened in his chest.

"Mother," he returned, watching her closely. She calmly walked towards him, her blue eyes never leaving his own, and they were surprisingly tender.

"When your father died. . .I—I didn't know if I would ever be happy again, and I walked around with this dead look in my eyes, a sight I now see in you, my son," She was cupping his cheek in her gloved hand by then, and Robb's heart had shrunken in his chest. He let out a ragged breath as she finished, his bitterness leaking out of him.

"I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it," he admitted, shying away from her hands and running a hand through his curls.

"You were, except for some moments," she said gently, and sat in the chair next to his, her eyes patient. "You once told me that nothing. . .romantic had ever happened between you and Lady Everra." Robb visibly stiffened under her gaze, "I suspect that has changed."

Robbs' hands clenched. This is the only life I will ever know she had told him, before she had promptly ripped his heart out of chest, and let it bleed on the floor. I guess that's it then; I guess it is.

"What happened?" his mother asked lightly, her blue eyes focused on his face. Robb swallowed uncomfortably before speaking so softly he wondered if his mother had heard it, "I—she. . . " he let out a breath, "She was with child, my child." His mother's eyes widened so considerably Robb thought they would slide off her face.

"What?" she whispered incredulously.

Robb was not offended by her horror and her disgust. His mother had never shied away form expressing her disapproval and dislike of bastards and she had even condemned men who slept with other women when they were betrothed. It was the one thing she had never forgiven his father for.

"She got rid of it, without even telling me about it," he whispered, pain slashing through his chest. His mother had looked as though she did not know whether to reprimand him or comfort him but know her stern features had softened with sympathy. "I ended it with her, because I couldn't. . ."

"Robb I'm so sorry," his mother said, her voice laced with—

"I'm not angry with her for getting rid of the child. I was when I first found out but I understand her reasons now. No, I'm angry because she wasn't even planning on telling me. That she decided to get rid of something that we had both created and didn't even tell me she was with child in the first place. Perhaps she was right too keep it from me however, chances are I would have. . ." his voice trailed off as his throat constricted with emotion.

His mother seemed conflicted as he looked at her, and though he knew she had his best interests at heart, he could see the underlying thoughts behind her eyes and it made him angry.

"You judge me for getting involved with her when the two of you have already conspired with each other," he stated, his voice hardening.

"How did you find out?" she asked him.

"Does it matter?" Robb returned.

There was a moment of silence before she replied, "No, I guess it doesn't."

Everra stares down at the blank piece of paper below her with a cold eye, her grip on the quill tightening. There were only two people she remotely trusted enough to come over to Westeros and a handful of pirates who owed her a favour or two. Is that enough? she wondered, it had to be.

She pressed the quill down on the paper and began too write. A long while passed and she was finishing the final letter, though numerous crumpled pieces of paper were tossed upon her desk. She had finally settled on the two letters she was going to send off.

She was signing her name when the door flew open and Catelyn Stark came marching through the door, causing Andromache to begin to growl at her from where she lay under the desk by Everra's feet. Everra did not look up from her letter as the woman walked towards her, and did not even spare her a glance.

The door shut quickly, leaving the two of them alone in her chamber. The only sound in the room was of Everra's pen on the paper.

"How could you?" Catelyn asked, exasperated. Everra paused mid-sentence, her hand still curled around the quill, "How may I help you Lady Stark?"

"How may you—How may you help me?" Catelyn questioned, her voice breathy, "Why you—"

Everra laid down her pen and glanced at Catelyn Stark, whose face was flushed red with anger. Her gaze was cold and calculated as she commented, not really surprised, "He told you." She didn't have to clarify who he was.

Catelyn let out a small, bitter laugh, "Yes, he told me."

Everra let out a small breath at that, yet masked how uncomfortable she felt.

"And?"

"I knew you were a cruel woman," Catelyn started, her voice venomous, "But Robb didn't come crying to me about his pain, which you undeniably caused. You want to know how I guessed something was amiss?" Everra knew that wasn't a question she was meant to answer. "It was the look of complete and utter heartbreak on my son's face whenever he thought you weren't looking."

The lump in Everra's throat had never been more evident.

"When this war is over, you will leave his side and take your corrupting ways with you and leave him alone. He will be much better without your influence—"

"Your son would be dead by now if it wasn't for me, Lady Catelyn," Everra snapped sharply, "And never presume to tell me what I should do ever again."

A tense silence followed after her words.

"You don't know that," Catelyn said tersely.

Everra let out a small sound of bitter amusement, "But I do."

Catelyn frowned at her, her eyes growing suspicious. "Wh—"

"Leave, Lady Stark," Everra told her, picking up her pen and turning her attention back to the letter, "You have said everything you needed to say and now you may go."

"You don't dismiss me my lady."

"I wasn't dismissing you, Lady Stark, I was merely suggesting that you get out of my sight, now." She could feel Catelyn's glare on her skull, but she did not look up. With a loud sigh, the older woman turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

Everra dropped the pen the moment the door closed, and buried her face in her hands.

Everra watched the ravens fly off into the sky from the battlements, watching as they soared higher and higher. The sky was a orange canvas mixed with yellows and purples. A soft breeze shifted through her, tousling her long, raven locks.

"My lady," a voice called. Everra stiffened as she realised who it was, her peace broken.

"Prince Oberyn," she acknowledged, turning to face her betrothed.

He was handsome, she had to admit, in a peculiar sort of way. Oberyn held himself with a certain. . .elegance that she did not often see in a man, though Everra had not seen much of him over the course of the week since he arrived. She had seen even less of his lover too.

He sauntered over towards her, a sly smile planted on his face as he grabbed a hold of her hand and kissed it, before intertwining their arms. "My lady, I was wondering if you would give me a tour of your home. I have seen so little of it since I arrived, and Ellaria spoke to me of its beauty."

When you weren't fucking her? Everra thought, regarding the Dornishman carefully. They began walking across the battlements, their pace slow and even. They walked in silence for a while, before Oberyn spoke, "My lady, I must say your home is the most peculiar looking place I have ever visited."

"Am I supposed to thank you for that attempt at a compliment?" she asked coldly, looking ahead.

"I'm not too sure that was meant as a compliment, my lady. Your home has a dark aura to it," Oberyn retorted, his accent thick as he spoke.

"I wasn't aware that you believed in ghosts, my lord."

"With all due respect my lady, your castle, while impressive, has been the subject of many dark events. " They had a clear view of the main castle, and the two triangle-headed towers on each side of it.

Everra regarded Oberyn, her eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly, "You've heard the rumours." It wasn't a question.

"I heard that you butchered one of your bannermen in what is known as the 'blood feast'. I heard that you poisoned his son right in front of him and his wife, before your pet bit his face off and you butchered his wife in this very castle and on your homecoming. You must have had a very hard time making people love you."

Everra stopped in her tracks, and disentangled their arms.

"You can't make people love you but you can make them fear you." She took a step closer to him, her eyes cold and her voice threatening, "Never presume to lay your hands on me again without my permission, is that understood?"

Oberyn's eyes sparkled with slight amusement as he looked at her, but he also looked contemplative as he stared at her.

"We are going to be doing a lot more than touching in a few months," he commented lightly, yet did not move to touch her again. Everra snorted slightly at that, before walking ahead of him.

"The same way you and the King do a little more than touching." Everra halted in her steps, her eyes narrowing before she whirled around to look at him and stalked towards him, fury boiling in her veins.

"What did you just say?" she asked quietly, her eyes unreadable.

"You heard me," Oberyn said uncaringly, "You and the King have a . . . relationship. I must admit I was surprised too find out that the rumours were true—" at her blank look he let out a small laugh, "You haven't heard them? Beyond this castle they call you the Queen without the crown. They saw that though Robb Stark is betrothed to another that you are the true Queen."

"That is not true," Everra said calmly, "I have no such relationship with the King." Not anymore.

Oberyn stared into her eyes intently, before letting out a small sigh, "Whatever you say, my lady. I would still like for you too give me a tour of your home."

They had moved down into the front courtyard when Oberyn finally broke the silence that had formed between them.

"Tell me," he commented, "How old were you when you first killed someone?"

Everra shot him a glance from where she walked next too him, and asked carefully, "Why do you want to know?"

Oberyn shrugged and replied, "I've heard that you killed someone whilst still in your crib. I was merely curious as to whether or not I am marrying some freakishly strong women."

"I was younger than most," Everra vaguely replied, before taking a turn to the left, to the path leading towards the back courtyards.

"And you trained for how long?"

"Several years," she replied shortly, "My father believed in early schooling."

Oberyn let out a small chuckle at that, as though he found what she said amusing, "Ah, your father. Horrible man. I never liked him."

Everra shot him a glance and replied, "Not many did." Everra wasn't surprised too hear it. Her father had been an avid supporter of Robert Baratheon's in the war.

"I was surprised too hear how he died," he commented, shooting her a glance, "I heard that you were there with him when he was killed by that assassin. They said you were injured as well."

"I was a child when it happened," Everra said sharply, "I barely remembered what happened." The lie was a familiar one and it slipped easily from her tongue. The truth was she remembered very detail from that night. From how her father's eyes had widened in surprise when she first stabbed him to how lifeless they had looked when he crumbled to the floor, dead.

"Yes," Oberyn agreed, "Indeed you were."

There was a pause before she asked him something, "Do you think your brother will join us?"

There was a slight shift in Oberyn's eyes then, something very akin to guilt, "I know he will."

"How?" Everra asked suspiciously.

"Lets just say I know he will."

Everra had taken him all across RedRun's grounds when Oberyn finally asks her to take him to the dungeons. She agree's easily, though she is slightly suspicious as to why exactly he wants to go down there. The air was cold at the bottom of the castle, and it was dark the only source of light being the torches hung on the walls. Dorv was there to greet them, and Everra shot him a second glance as she noticed how surprised he was.

"Why do you look so surprised?" she asked him harshly.

She could smell his stench from where she stood and resisted the urge to school him on the benefits of taking a bath.

"The prisoner seems to be very po'ular m'lady," his words were slightly slurred, "The red-haired one. Seven hells, the King visited her just a few days ago."

Everra's eyes narrowed, and grew substantially colder.

"Did he now?" she questioned, ignoring Oberyn's look.

Dorv now looked uneasy as he stared at her, and he nodded reluctantly.

"Take me to her," she commanded, waiting impatiently as Dorv got a hold of the keys. She walked briskly down the dark hallway, a few steps in front of Oberyn and the jail keeper. Dorv opened the door quickly and with just a sharp look from Everra he practically ran back up the hall, leaving only Oberyn and her in the cell, along with Melisandre.

Everra looked down at the red-haired woman, who was gazing at her with a smirk plastered on her face.

"What poison did you tell the King?" she asked brusquely. Oberyn shut the door behind them, yet stood quiet behind her.

Melisandre tilted her head to the side and her gaze flickered to Oberyn.

"I am surprised you agreed to marry her, Prince of Dorne," her voice was deep when she spoke, "I know you have heard of the Legrath family curse. Each Legrath Lord will be cursed to have only one child from a random woman, whether they are highborn or lowborn does not matter. Until the day a girl is born and—"

She was promptly cut off by Everra slamming her fist across her face, causing blood to dribble down her chin.

"What did you say?" Everra ground out, her eyes blazing with fury.

"I merely told him the truth," was all she said in return, and she looked at her triumphantly, as though she had won.

"I wouldn't look so triumphant," Everra told her, "If I see your lips curled into that smile ever again you will no longer have lips to smile with."

The triumphant smile slipped from the witches lips slowly and soon they were both glaring at each other.

"I killed your King," Everra commented coldly, watching her features.

"And the Lord of Light will punish you for it," the red woman returned.

"Will he?"

When they finally make their way up to the surface of the castle, Everra's heart is pounding in her ears. Oberyn had been naturally quiet as they walked up the stairs, and when the finally made it outside Everra let out a loud breath.

"You've met her before?" he asked.

Everra nodded, a few strands of unpinned hair blowing into her face, "She tried to kill me."

They stared at each other for a long moment then, and something very akin to understanding was evident on Oberyn's face. They were standing near a corner of the hallway, which led to another one. Anyone would merely have to turn the corner to immediately come upon them.

"Your a good liar," he commented, taking a step towards her.

Everra raised an eyebrow at him.

"What did I lie about?"

He raised one in return, "I think we both know what precisely you lied about."

Everra's gaze narrowed slightly as she stared at him, but she didn't say anything for a moment.

"There is nothing going on between the King and I," she told him.

Oberyn raised both eyebrow's then, his dark eyes flashing before he said, "Well then you won't mind if I do this." Before Everra could even ask what exactly he meant, he had cupped her face in his hands and kissed her hard on the lips. His lips were dry against her soft ones but it was not unpleasant. She drew away from him quickly and took a step back, rubbing her hand across her lips.

"What was that for?" she asked him angrily.

"Confirmation," he replied, glancing at somebody behind her. Everra's heart sunk in her chest as she swallowed, yet she was careful to keep her face unreadable in front of Oberyn, who she was looking at carefully.

She turned on her heel and was met with the instant sight of Robb standing a few meters in front of her, his eyes filled with shock.

"Your grace," she said, trying to sound normal.

His gaze flickered between the two of them, and Everra noticed how his hands were curled into fists at his side.

"I will leave the two of you," Oberyn said from behind her, "I believe you both look as though you need to talk." She heard him shuffle around behind her, but she waited until his footsteps echoed away from them before she said anything.

"Robb. . ." she drifted off, staring at him. He looked as though he was still having difficulty processing what he just saw. He was blinking rapidly, his blue eyes wide; it was as though he were trying to unsee what he saw.

"You two are getting along well," he said, his voice hard.

Everra glanced down at the floor quickly, before glancing around to see whether or not anyone was watching them. There was a door a few steps behind Robb and she glanced at it meaningfully and started to walk towards there, Robb at her heels. Once they were safely inside the room she started, "What you saw wasn't—"

"There is no need for you to explain yourself," Robb interrupted, "It is perfectly normal for people who are betrothed to develop feelings for one another—"

"I do not have feelings for the Viper—"

"I forgot; You don't have feelings for anyone," Robb snapped at her, his blue eyes finally showing all the hurt he was feeling.

Everra let out a small sigh at that, her eyes focused on his face. That's not true. The words were on the tip of her tongue but something always held her back. Her eyes drifted down to his lips for a moment too long, but by the time she had returned her gaze to his eyes she realised he was doing the same with hers. They stared at each other for a long moment, the empty room suddenly feeling very hot.

"I wouldn't throw myself at another man so. . .soon after—after what happened," she said, the words were like fire in her mouth.

"Why wouldn't you?" Robb asked, frustrated, "because one mo—"

He was cut off by her lips descending onto his.

The boy was frightened. A man-boy many called him; a boy on the verge of becoming a man. He had never left his homeland before and with good reason. He had been locked in the room for a little over a week and no one had told him why. Everything had been fine and happy when he arrived, but the happiness had disappeared as quick as it had come.

He was shaking as he stared at the large wooden door, which no doubt was guarded by numerous soldiers. Not his ones. They had most likely been slaughtered, he realised. The thought made his heart clench in his chest, and make the shaking grow.

I must be strong, he thought, remember your words; Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken.

He had left Dorne with a heavy heart, but knowing that he would return one day, hopefully with a bride of golden hair. Now, he was doubtful he would ever see his home again, that he would ever see the sandy beaches of Dorne once more, or taste the sweetness of fresh Dornish wine. He would never be able to walk in his gardens ever again, and the thought brought him such sorrow he nearly collapsed onto the ground.

He sighed loudly and it was then that the door flung open, and two gold cloaks barged into the room. He had barely opened his mouth when they stalked towards him, grabbing both of his arms roughly and practically dragging him away.

"What is going—"

The one on his left slammed his fist into his cheek, and he felt the instant taste of blood in his mouth. His cheek throbbed with a pain he had never felt before but he refused to let out any sign of his pain.

Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken.

He let his body grow limp as they dragged him into the throne room, and his gaze was plastered to the tossed him in front of the throne, causing him to land painfully on his knee's, to the laughter of others. He slowly dragged his head upward, so that he was now staring at him. Joffery Baratheon. He was a slimy, disgusting character who was the worst person he had ever met. With his slimy smirk and cruel eyes, Joffrey Baratheon was the epitome of everything bad in the world.

He glanced to the side of him, where his mother, Cersei Lannister sat, but he found no sight of Tyrion or Tywin Lannister. She looked anxious, abnormally anxious as he looked at her son. His gaze drifted off more to the left and he caught the eye of Sansa Stark. She was a depressed girl, yet her beauty was undeniable, and her sadness was not without reason.

"Trystane Martell," the king announced, his words gleeful. Trystane tried to hide his fear, and managed to compel his limbs to stop shaking. Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken. I don't want to die, he thought, please gods I want too grow up.

"Your grace," he returned, his voice sounding surprisingly steady.

"You are charged with conspiring to commit treason," Cersei Lannister said, her voice as sharp as knives.

"I know not of what you speak," Trystane pleaded, blood dribbling down his mouth as he did so, "My father sent me here to negotiate an alliance, nothing more—"

"Liar!" the king yelled, his voice shrill and his words echoed across the hall.

"Your uncle has conspired with the Young Wolf and Lady Everra Legrath, and has openly declared for them, therefore becoming our enemy. What treason did you plan to commit here?"

"Nothing!" Trystane cried, "I have committed no treason, nor did I ever plan too."

"You lie," she accused, her green eyes cold. She glanced towards her son, who now had a sadistic smile painted across his face.

"Guards!" he yelled, "Kill him."

His eyes widened with horror and his mouth opened in a plea before the guards yanked on his curls, titling his head back to expose his throat. Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken. I'm so sorry father, he thought, before the knife was pressed to his throat and then he knew nothing.

A/N HELLO EVERYONE! Its been a while. I just got back from vacation like a day and a half ago, so thats why its been so long. This chapter was kinda hard to write. Don't know why but it was. I hoped you all enjoyed it, I know a lot of you were wondering about Everra/Oberyn and I hope you guys found their dynamic interesting. AND OMG Your response to last chapter was amazing. We are almost at 300 follows and over 150 reviews! Wow guys, thank you so much. Tell me your thoughts about this chapter, and if you have nay questions, please feel free to PM me.

Until next time,

Fionakevin073