Arianne Martell had married for love. Of all the things the princess of Dorne had done that many laughed at, that was the first. She had married a man of lower birth and of little wealth. It was an insult to her family and to her station, or at least, that was how it appeared to those outside Dorne.
But to the Dornish it was a great act of love. Her husband was one of the most loved men in Dorne and on of their best warriors. He was the bastard of Godsgrace, Daemon Sand, now and her lord husband. He was known throughout the desert kingdom as a kind and good man, who loved his wife and daughter fiercely and would do anything to protect them.
Their daughter, Tyene Martell, favored her mother's looks. She was small and slight with olive skin and the most glorious dark black hair that curled down her back. She was only 14 years old and yet men always seemed to watch her with unconcealed lust in their eyes. Tyene didn't fear them, for she knew that none of them would touch her without her permission and she knew that should any of them try to her mother would have her revenge.
Tyene however lacked one thing of great importance to her at present time, her sea legs. She rocked back and forth as she headed down the center of the ship, slipping several times as she made her way toward her mother. Arianne felt perfectly at ease on board the ship, unlike her daughter, and was standing halfway down the ship at the rail, watching the waves.
The Princess let out a little laugh as Tyene reached her, "Come now, child, it's not that hard to walk on a ship."
Tyene glared at her mother, "Maybe for you, but I have never been on a boat before, you cannot expect me to master it right away."
Arianne shook her head and smiled, "You can throw knives and swing a sword nearly as well as your father but you cannot walk on a boat. I must say I am a little confused about that."
The girl shrugged, "I'm not perfect mother, despite what you may think." She paused and looked around the ship, rubbing her arm nervously "Mother, I'm worried," She murmured.
Arianne looked at her out of the corner of her eye, "You've never been to Kings Landing before have you?"
She shook her head.
Arianne nodded and turned to face her daughter. "I won't lie to you child, we are on our way to a very dangerous place. I would not do not trust a single person at court who is not from Dorne, and I have no desire to stay there for an extended period of time, let alone to live there"
Tyene sighed, "But once I'm married I won't be able to come back home will I."
Arianne shook her head; "The Targaryen's have made it very clear that they want you and Aerion where they can care for you. They want you to stay in the capital until you have a child. Of course, the minute you have I child I will arrange for your passage out of the capital. The faster you are with child the faster you will be home."
She sighed looked out across the water, "The faster I can stop being a hostage you mean." She muttered under her breath, but her mother heard her and smiled. Neither of them were under any illusions as to why the King and Queen wished for Tyene to remain in the capital with her husband. Something had been nagging at Tyene for several days now, and finally taking a deep breath, she voiced her fear. "What if I don't have a child?" She asked, "I'm only fourteen, I know you were the same age but I can't help being worried. I don't think I want to be a mother right now, I don't know if I could handle it"
"I know, and if I had it my way you would wait a few more years before you got married, but the King and Queen are looking to marry off their sons as fast as possible." She smirked, clearly amused by something that Tyene did not understand.
Tyene looked up at her mother, "But why?"
A small smile played across the princess's lips. "Well if my spies are correct, Sansa Stark broke a secret marriage contract between herself and the crown prince by laying with another man, specifically Sandor Clegane, a sworn sword of Tyrion Lannister. They want their other son married before you can give them a similar scandal."
Tyene laughed, "The bigger scandal is marrying me into the royal family, I take after your cousins and uncle more than anyone else." She turned and watched the waves for a few moments in silence before speaking. "Then who will be marrying the other prince, mother?"
Arianne looked out across the waves and shrugged, "I don't know, and I doubt the King and Queen have any idea either."
Loras Tyrell was one of the most beautiful girls that Cersei had ever seen. Her curly brown hair was rather common but her eyes were stunning. They were golden and had tiny flecks of green. Nobody who looked into those eyes could help but be entranced by the girl, and when she smiled they lit up like a thousand stars.
Cersei looked her over again from her perch on the edge of the balcony. While her elder sister favored low cut tight green bodices that exposed far too much for any proper lady, her little sister Loras favored simple dresses that clasped in the front and opened below her belly button to reveal a complementary underskirt. Her capped sleeves always exposed delicately tanned arms.
Cersei watched as the girl made her way through the courtyard a floor below her before turning back to her husband.
"I just worry about how a girl who is that timid will survive this place." Cersei was continuing an argument that they had been having for several days. Ever since a year ago when the wedding arrangement with the Stark girl had been broken Rhaegar was desperate to find a new bride for the prince. Tyene Martell had already been called to the capital to marry Aerion, and now they need to formally announce a bride for their older son, fast. The capital had been flooded recently with almost every noble family with a girl between the ages of 12 and 30 trying to make a match with the Crown Prince.
Of all the prospective matches, Rhaegar had picked the second Tyrell daughter, who was far more beautiful than her recently wed sister, but also far quieter. Cersei had been worrying for days about what the capitol would do to a girl like that, it would most certainly not be good.
Rhaegar shook his head in exasperation, "Cersei you're being ridiculous. Let's face it; that girl grew up with two older brothers, not to mention that sister and grandmother of hers. She is a Tyrell, whether or not we like it she has been raised on politics."
Cersei crossed to room to stand directly in front of her husband with her hands on her hips. "I'm telling you this place will destroy her. Just look at her! She's so young, and she doesn't have the claws- or thorns- to make it here!"
"And I'm telling you that she's the right choice. We need her family tied to us, they are the second richest family, they have the best farmlands, tactically, and they are the best choice."
Cersei walked away from her husband wringing her hands before finally turning and looking at him. She knew he was right, had known it for a while, but she didn't want to admit it to him, "Fine! But we will wait at least two years before the wedding. The girl is only thirteen!"
Rhaegar shrugged his shoulders in consent.
"And," Cersei added, "I want her to stay here at court where I can teach her what a Queen should know and so that her and Aegon can at least get to know each other."
Rhaegar nodded again, before he smiled. "I'm guessing you also want to keep her away from that grandmother of hers, goodness knows what she'll do when she learns of this engagement. I'll arrange for a meeting with Willas, he's Mace's heir and is staying in the capitol. He can sign the agreement for his father."
She nodded and turned making her way to her other balcony which overlooked the gardens. Below she could see Sansa Clegane sitting in the shade of a great tree holding her baby Cella. Loras was sitting next to them and moving her hand in front of the child's face to amuse it. As much as Cersei fumed at the Stark girl for breaking the marriage she had to admit that Loras would be a beautiful bride and she appeared to have no problem with children. In the next two years Cersei was hopeful she could mold her into a capable and confident Queen.
Rhaegar sat in his solar reclining in a large chair sipping wine. Across from him was a simpler empty chair that would hopefully soon hold Willas Tyrell. Rhaegar knew that had there been any other Tyrell here, Willas would not have come. The Tyrell's were all social climbers; with the exception of the young man he was about to meet with. Rhaegar was very happy to be meeting with the only sensible Tyrell. Hopefully he would act to benefit his younger sister. The hand of a prince was very rare for a younger daughter, though even Cersei had admitted to the young girl's beauty, which meant she was stunning indeed.
The door opened and the page entered announcing the arrival of Tyrell. The man himself walked in shortly after. He had the classic curly brown hair that seemed to accompany all the Tyrell's yet his eyes, although brown like a Tyrell, had much more of an educated look to them, as if they were thinking deeply at all times. He walked with a cane due to his injured leg and yet as Rhaegar rose to greet him he waved him aside.
"Please your Grace, there is no need for formalities and I must meet my sister for dinner soon."
Rhaegar sat and observed the man, he liked that he didn't follow traditional customs. "When do you and your sister depart for the Reach my Lord?"
"After the wedding your Grace, though I am hoping to find her a husband before we leave."
Rhaegar examined the man, "But she is rather young isn't she? Only 13 years."
"Yes she is younger, but my dear grandmother," he said the name with a faint sneer, "Is rather insistent that she should at least be betrothed, with Margaery's recent marriage Olenna and Mace are looking to expand our influence even more." The Tyrell's voice was dripping sarcasm. Clearly he didn't think his family was in need of any more influence.
Rhaegar laughed. This conversation was going where he wanted without him even having to direct it. "Well, it was actually your sisters marriage that I wanted to discuss with you." Willas arched an eyebrow. "You see as you know our son Aerion is getting married soon, and Cersei and I are hoping to see our last child at least betrothed not long after."
Willas was glad he had such a good poker face, and he kept it as blank as he could, only continuing to arch a single eyebrow. "Are you suggesting, your Grace, that Loras marry Aegon? The Crown Prince?"
Rhaegar shrugged, "I am, if you are here to get her a husband than you can sign the marriage contract. Cersei has even requested that she stay at court to learn what her life would be like and to get to know her betrothed."
Willas was in complete shock. Loras was the younger sister and as a result they had been expecting a marriage lower than Margaery's, and this was completely unexpected. It would mean that the Tyrell's would have Queen and later a King. There was no way he could refuse. If he did both his father and grandmother would eat him alive. Though he would have preferred to give Loras to some kind Reach lord, or even a Dornish man (Oberyn had written with several suggestions), he had to admit that Loras would make a good Queen.
"You had better get a contract drawn up." He said reclining in his chair and smiling. Rhaegar smiled too.
Loras Tyrell was playing with Sansa's baby under the trees in the gardens of the Red Keep. She kept her hair swept out of her face in a simple half up style to ensure that Cella Clegane didn't pull it, again.
She had grown up surrounded not only by older siblings but also by the sons and daughters of various families from about the Reach. Her dearest friend was Alla Tyrell who was a cousin and had always been at her side. Alla was in Kings Landing with Loras and both girls had the same mission, find a husband. The problem was they were both rather shy and preferred to spend their time with Lady Clegane, whom they had quickly befriended, than with anyone else. At dinner each night the girls had been placed next to eligible Lords but neither had been content with any. Loras knew that Alla was in love with the son of a wealthy man of Braavos she had met two years ago in Old Town and that the two were maintaining a correspondence, but she would never spill her secret. He would come to King's Landing soon to request her hand.
Loras wished that she could find a husband as easily as her sister and be as happy as Sansa, who had married for love, yet she doubted either would happen. She was a rather shy girl and although she knew she was pretty she felt uncomfortable in her own skin and tended to blush a lot.
"Loras!"
She raised her head to see her brother striding toward her down the path. He reached to two women and gave a quick bow.
"If you don't mind Lady Clegane, I need to walk with my sister for a bit."
Sansa smiled and rose, "It is no problem my Lord, I should take Cella inside soon anyway, I don't want the heat to get to her."
Willas nodded and bowed again to Sansa. Once he had left he took his sister by the arm and led her into the gardens. After a short time he dropped her elbow but continued to walk until they were deep in the gardens and had come to a small patio with a fountain bubbling up in the middle.
Willas walked to a bench in the sun and took a seat, patting the spot next to him. Loras swiftly sat down.
Her brother did not speak for a minute but appeared lost in his own thoughts. Loras did not disturb him, but sat looking at the fountain. Finally her brother broke the silence.
"Tell me sister, what do you think of King's Landing?"
"Well," she paused, considering her answer carefully, "I like Baelor's Sept, how beautiful it is, and I like the majesty of the Red Keep. I enjoy all the different sights and smells in the city, and everything that I can see and buy and do." She smiled, "I...like it rather a lot."
Willas nodded, "And would you like to live here?"
Loras smiled a little, "Yes... I think I would. I do enjoy court, though I know I'm not Margaery. I didn't spend all my time with Grandma, but I learned from her and I do enjoy the politics, watching it if not playing a part."
Willas gave her a long and calculating look before he continued to speak, "Would you like to play the game?"
This gave Loras pause. "I don't know, why are you asking?"
Willas took a deep breath, "Loras not long ago I… I signed your marriage contract."
Loras gasped. She gripped the arm of the bench struggling to breath for a few seconds, until finally she was able to draw enough breath to ask, "To whom, might I ask?" Although giving her brother's questions she had a feeling that she knew whom.
Willas looked at his hands a little embarrassed, "That's just the thing. You are to wed Aegon Targaryen, the Crown Prince of the Seven kingdoms."
Loras turned to stare at her brother for a second, than a tiny smile formed on her lips.
"So you like the match?" inquired her brother.
She shrugged, "I don't know the man that well. I know that he is six years my senior and very handsome." Her smile grew, "I'm happy because I've beat Margaery." Then she threw her head back and laughed for real. After a few seconds Willas joined her. They sat like that till the laughing died, but the mirth still glittered in both their eyes.
Willas turned to his sister, "So you really aren't mad at me?"
Loras shook her head, "How could I? I am going to be a Queen and my son will be a King and Margaery will have to be nice to me and bow before me and pretend that she is happy for me for the rest of her life! I couldn't be happier." Then she gave her brother a hug and asked the other question she had, "May I tell people?"
Willas shook his head, "You, Me, Queen Cersei, King Rhaegar, and Prince Aegon will be the only people who know. It will be announced a few days before Prince Aerion and Tyene Martell's wedding."
Loras nodded and gave her brother another hug, "Thank you." She whispered in his ear again.
The gardens of the Red Keep were known for their beauty. They held many different plants and something was always in bloom. As Tyene wandered through she couldn't help but stare at the winter roses that had recently come into full bloom. She shivered again and pulled the slim clock she was wearing a little closer to herself.
The sound of the sea drifted through the trees along with another noise that made Tyene pause. Somewhere not far away someone was practicing swordplay.
She hastily moved toward the sound and as she drew closer she came upon what appeared to be a large open green used for practicing. In the middle there were two men sparring.
One appeared to be about 5'10 and had on the simple white armor of the King's Guard. He was losing to the other man, who was tall, at least 6'3, although she couldn't quite tell from where she stood. His armor was black and although it had no design on it, it had been polished so it shone. She watched as he effortlessly beat the man he was fighting three more times, than the shorter man saw her.
He held up his hand and the other man took a pause, moving to a table set with water and pouring himself a drink. The other man removed his helm and waved Tyene forward. When Tyene saw his face she gasped.
The knight smiled, "Am I really that scary, my Lady?" asked Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning.
Tyene stepped forward and smiled, quickly curtsying before she answered. "No, it's only that you bear a remarkable similarity to your sister and nephew, Ser Arthur."
The Knight smiled, "And you Lady Tyene have the look of your mother and grandmother. Tell me how is Dorne?"
"Peaceful as always, the children play in the Water Gardens and the knights race across the sand, it is perfect."
The Knight laughed and was about to proceed when the other man called out from behind him, "Arthur, I hope you are not talking the young Lady's ear off!"
Arthur chuckled and turned to the other man, "No my Prince, but come and meet our guest."
The other man walked toward the two Dornish people. He had removed his helm and Tyene was struck by his looks almost instantly. He was tall with a strong jaw and short silver hair. Tyene noted his eyebrows, they were darker than his hair and seemed rather intense. His eyes, however, were to her the most fascinating; one was emerald green, the other lilac purple. The glittered with something she couldn't quite place, it had a bit of mirth in it, but there was something else there.
Arthur smiled as he reached them, "Prince Aerion, may I present to you Lady Tyene of House Martell."
Aerion looked down at the woman who stood before him. She was about a foot shorter than he, as his eyes traveled further down he noticed she was slim but with large breasts. He cast his gaze back up to her face and found delicate olive skin. Her eyes were deep pools of darkness that matched her long dark curly hair. Aerion smiled and licked his lips. His betrothed was rather attractive.
Tyene was also assessing the Prince. He was about a foot taller than she and had large muscles; the way his armor was made was proof enough of that. His hair was shorn close to his head in a rather un-Targaryen-like fashion. She couldn't stop looking at his eyes. The different colors were both startling and rather attractive. As she watched his gaze travel down her body she didn't shift, nor did she blush or lower her gaze. She may be a maiden but she was not inexperienced. When he once more returned to her face she watched him lick his lips. In response she simply arched an eyebrow.
At this point Ser Arthur clearly felt the need to intervene. "Prince Aerion, why don't you go change and then take the Lady for a walk in the gardens."
Aerion smiled, and nodded his agreement. While he was gone Ser Arthur and Lady Tyene conversed about Dorne and shared memories of its different sights.
The Prince returned wearing simple brown doe skin pants and a loose white shirt that showed off his strong build. Tyene thought that he was handsome, but she could tell that he knew how he looked and was not the sort of man with any humility. She had yet to form any opinion of his personality. She knew that whatever he thought of her and whatever she thought of him, it would make no difference, they would marry no matter what.
The Prince took her arm and led her back into the gardens. Ser Oswell Whent replaced Ser Arthur as the guard, but Tyene knew that he was now as much an escort as anything else, there to make sure that they maintained propriety. Something told her that was a necessity with the younger prince by her side.
"Tell me Tyene," the prince hummed, at last breaking his silence, "What should I know about you before we are wed?"
"What would you like to know your Grace? That's a rather open ended question." She was tempted to bat her lashes at him, but she realized that he wouldn't take her seriously if she did. She would demand the respect of her husband-to-be.
"True, true. I must confess that I want to know you before we wed. Let us stop here and talk." They had come to a low wall of the garden that overlooked a lower section as it moved toward the wall of the keep. They were in a grove of lemon trees and Tyene noted that the thick leaves would save them from any prying eyes other than the guard. Here they could be alone.
The Prince turned to look at her, "Are you really named for a Sandsnake?"
Tyene chuckled, "Yes my mother named me for her favorite cousin, Tyene Sand, daughter of Oberyn."
"And tell me, are you as adept as the Sandsnakes at killing?"
"That depends," Tyene moved closer, "are you trying to figure out how hard it will be for you to turn me into an innocent bride with no will? Or are you trying to decide if I'll make a good partner for sparring?" She had a feeling that he wanted neither of these things, but she wanted to push him.
Aerion arched his brows, "Do you want to be a bride with no will?"
"No." Tyene did not hesitate. She knew what she wanted. She also didn't miss that he ignored the second part of the question but let it slide.
"Good, so are you as adept at killing as the Sandsnakes?"
Tyene held his gaze for a moment, surprised, and then nodded, "Yes, though I favor knives as Lady Nymeria does."
"And how many knives are you concealing?"
"I think it is my turn to ask a question," she smiled, avoiding the question as he had done hers, "Don't you agree?" the Prince shrugged, a small smile playing across his lips. Tyene was distracted for a second about how kissable those lips were. "Good," she said, collecting herself quickly, "Now, Prince Aerion I must know, who do you favor more, the Lion or the Dragon?"
Aerion laughed, a full, big, broad laugh, "So, asking if I am crazy or crazier!"
Tyene felt indignant, "Yes I am asking exactly that."
He leaned so was far to close and whispered so that only she could here. "I am crazy in the sense that Aegon the conqueror was crazy."
"Oh, so you wish you could have married your sister?"
"No, I have a desire to be someone who everyone remembers." He whispered.
"So you have the Lannister madness?"
"Mayhaps, although I do not care for wealth the way the Lannisters do."
Tyene examined him again. She could tell that he was rather cocky, yet she could see that underneath there was a far kinder young man. Part of her wanted to hate him for taking her away from Dorne, and part of her rather liked him. She could tell that he would be a good man to rule her home.
Tyene met his gaze, "Then I can see that we will get along well."
He smiled and nodded in agreement. Aerion rather liked this girl, she had a fierceness to her and he doubted she would ever be a tame and dutiful wife, but he liked that. He could never stomach the women who did whatever their husbands wanted without any consideration and without any power, something he knew others blamed on his own willful mother. He could also sense that she would never give him control over Dorne, and she was fiercely proud of her home, almost to a fault. But then again most Dornish were, and he was not marrying her with the intention of taking her lands.
He offered her his arm and continued on the path moving through the gardens. "Now Tyene, you must tell me about Dorne."
The gardens of the Red keep were always full of people and it could be hard to find a quiet spot to sit. One of the first things that Loras and Willas had done when they arrived was find themselves a little pavilion off to the side where they could be alone with just those who came from Highgarden with them.
Loras was sitting beneath their pavilion trying to embroider. For the past few days Loras had been trying to figure out how to embroider a dragon without it being too noticeable. Loras knew she couldn't tell anyone, but Willas had agreed that she should start preparing herself for the eventual marriage.
She could hear the girls giggling around her about all the different Lords and Knights that they had met. All any of the girls could talk about recently was the coming marriage. In just a few days Aerion Targaryen would marry Tyene Martell. There would be a ceremony in the Sept of Baelor and latter a feast in the grand hall of the castle. Everybody was excited for the royal marriage and more than ever people were speculating about Aegon's marriage.
The announcement of Loras's impending marriage would be announced later than was originally planned so as not to steal the attention from the other wedding. Queen Cersei had instructed Loras, however, that since the announcement would be made that night, after the couple was taken for the bedding, she needed to wear at least some of the Targaryen colors. Loras had commissioned a simple black skirt to wear under a new gown in her favorite style of green with gold embroidery.
Loras was examining the golden dragon she was laying over a black field when she heard the girls around her quiet. Tyene kept working until she felt Alla nudge her; Tyene raised her head and was met with the sight of Aegon Targaryen.
He was standing just before the pavilion in a simple black tunic top without any embroidery or vestment. He wore his hair at shoulder length like his father and his mismatched eyes were bright.
He smiled and bowed for the ladies, as did Ser Arthur Dayne who was guarding him. Aegon smiled nervously as he spoke, "Lady Loras, would you mind accompanying me for a walk?"
Loras blushed as she nodded. Carefully she folded her embroidery and rose to her feet. Aegon took her arm and lead her away from the pavilion. As they left Loras heard the girls chatter pick up excitedly, and she knew that the whole city would know she went for a walk with the prince by evening.
Aegon was silent, and Loras was far too nervous to speak. She wished she could think of something to say to break the silence, as she wanted to get to know this man before they married. Loras thought of something and immediately began to speak, just as Aegon started to say something at the exact same moment.
Both paused, "You first Your Grace." Loras blushed.
Aegon was clearly just as nervous as Loras as he spoke, "I was just going to ask how you were finding the capital, my Lady."
Loras blushed a deeper shade of crimson. "I rather enjoy it Your Grace, there is such a vibrant mix of life here and so many different people," she replied quietly.
Aegon nodded, "Yes, it is rather different from any other place in the seven kingdoms. Now your turn, what were you going to ask me?"
"Oh, I was just going to ask if you were excited for your brother's wedding."
Aegon nodded, "I am happy to see him wed, he was always rather reckless and willful, I think a wife is exactly what he needs."
Loras nodded, unable to think of anything else to say. Aegon didn't say anything either and so both kept walking in silence. Eventually the young prince spoke.
"My mother says we are not to marry for another two years."
"Yes," she replied, "She wants time to teach me the responsibilities of being Queen and to give us time to get to know each other."
"Yes, and given your age I am glad about that."
Loras blushed again, "I'm sorry, Your Grace."
"Why are you sorry?"
"For being so much younger than you, and making you wait two more years for your own wedding when your brother is to be wed in just a few days time."
Aegon turned and looked at her, "Loras that is not a reason for you to apologize to me. I do not mind waiting to get married. I would much rather marry a girl who I have had the time to get to know than some stranger the way my brother is. This is a good match and the fact that you are younger does not bother me if it does not bother you."
Loras nodded and took his arm again as he offered it. They continued to make their way down the paths, neither bothering to speak and yet as they continued to walk Loras felt a little less nervous about the match.
The day of the marriage dawned with a sky of clear blue and little clouds scuttling across its vastness. The people of the capital gathered in the square the way they had years ago for the marriage of King Rhaegar. The Martell's had not only brought a new Princess, but they had also brought food from Dorne that they had been distributing since their arrival in Flea Bottom. Many people had seen the Princess of Dorne and her daughter walking on foot through the streets. They had bought pastries on the Street of Flour, watched Daemon Sand try out swords along the Street of Steel, and bought fabrics all over for dresses. As it was the people of the capital were in love with the soon-to-be Princess.
Tyene herself woke up from a peaceful sleep. She felt no fear for the day ahead unlike most women, and unlike most she did not fear the marriage bed. Although she was still a maid, she was not inexperienced. From the age of twelve she had taken different lovers of sorts, learning all she could while protecting her maidenhead. Her mother had warned her that the Targaryen's would not take her if she were not pure.
Arianne Martell arrived soon after to dress her daughter along with Tyene's aunt Dany. The formally Targaryen Princess had married Quetyn Martell and they had moved together across the narrow sea to Braavos. There they were happy to represent Westeros in many important affairs and lived contentedly without any children. Together the two women helped Tyene dress for the wedding.
Tyene had favored a more Dornish dress. She wore a purple halter slip without a back and a streamlined skirt. It flowed with the delicacy of water yet had none of the cumbersome petticoats that others favored, giving her the ability to move freely. Over it she wore a robe of loosely knitted myrish lace. It did nothing to cover up the skin that her gown left exposed. She wore her hair down, but pulled back in the front and clipped with a small bronze sun. Her robe had two clasps, both bronze. One was in the shape of the sun and spear of Martell; the other was the dragon of Targaryen. Arianne thought that her daughter looked like a true Dornish Princess. She looked like Myriah Martell come again. The fierce Dornish Princess marrying a Targaryen Prince.
When Tyene looked at herself in the mirror she was impressed with what she saw. She was a pretty girl but she had never believed that she could look like this. Dany had always said that she could match any other lady in the Seven kingdoms with her looks, but given her stature and dark complexion she had never really believed it, until now.
She rode through the city streets to the Sept. Litters were for the weak and the timid in her mind. She took great pleasure in letting everyone see her and touch her and being able to see everyone at the same time. The people cheered as she rode towards them, they remembered the last royal wedding and although this one would be slightly less extravagant than either of the previous two, it would still be a day to remember. Tyene couldn't help but laugh. Kings Landing was filled with a variety of people that she would never find in Dorne; she loved the capital and its people nearly as much as her own home
The ceremony was simple and quick, Tyene had never cared for Septs and their septons but she made herself stay calm through the whole thing. She could not wait for the rest of the evening; she may be a maid but had been with men in other ways and was rather excited for the evening to come. Besides, as much as Prince Aerion was cocky and pompous, he was also exceptionally physically attractive.
They rode back through the city together. Tyene on her sand steed and Aerion on his great black stallion made quite a spectacle. Both spent most of the ride joking with the other and laughing at any little slip up the other made. Aerion had noticed the fact that his bride wasn't wearing a corset; he had also noticed the blade that she had strapped to her inner thigh. Although he couldn't say he loved her, he had to admit that he liked her easy ability to challenge him, something very few people outside of his family did.
By the time they reached the keep both were breathless with laughter. It took far too much self-control for both of them to sit through the receiving of gifts. Exchanging pleasantries with random Lords and Ladies was hard for the two, both were fighters and hated sitting still for any long period of time. Last of all to come with gifts were their families.
Dany came first with Quentyn, they gifted the couple with a great ship to do with, as they liked. Aerion smiled eagerly but Tyene grimaced at the idea of more time aboard a ship.
Daena came next with Robb Stark. Tyene had only seen the northerner in passing and now took a moment to study his face. He was clearly proud and Tyene had to grant that he was attractive, though not in a way she was used to. His wife was quite obviously her mother's daughter, and Tyene noted that of the three Targaryen children, Daena was the one that bore the closest resemblance to the Lannister half of her heritage, though she looked far more northern now than she must have before her marriage. Daena smiled and presented two identical daggers. The hilts were of a white wood and carved to show a dragon encircling a sun, the blades themselves were of dragon glass and gleamed. Tyene admired the blade while Robb explained that according to legend dragon glass could kill the Other.
After that came Aegon. Loras Martell was at his side. Although the engagement had not yet been announced, they had been spending time together to try and get to know each other. Aegon gave them two intricately carved goblets of silver set with rubies in one and amethysts in the other. He gave the rubies to Tyene however and the other to his brother. Upon closer inspection the rubies formed a sun and the amethysts a dragon.
Arianne and Daemon came next with a pair of saddles of the gentlest worked leather.
Daemon smiled, "They will go perfectly with the sand steeds we have waiting in Dorne."
Tyene could understand the meaning behind thy well enough. They must return to Dorne as quickly as possible.
Last of all came the King and Queen. They were dresses in alternating Targaryen colors. The Queen wore a gown of sweeping red with long bell sleeves and bare shoulders. The king was dressed in a black doublet of leather. Tyene could easily see where her new husband got his looks. Rhaegar stepped forward with a smile on his face. Cersei came up beside him. Both carried silk packages, one long and the other shorter. Cersei gave her smaller package to Tyene while Rhaegar gave the larger to Aerion. The newlyweds exchanged a glance before opening the gifts. Inside was a pair of elegant scabbards. They were of black, supple leather inlaid with alternating silver and bronze studs and designs of rubies and amethysts. The images formed were dragons and suns chasing each other across mountain ranges and rivers. Within each was a blade. Tyene received a short sword while Aerion received a bastard blade. Both were delicate steel folded with different colors, red for Aerion and purple for Tyene. The hilts were of dragon bone and were simply carved.
Tyene marveled at the sharpness of her steel while Aerion examined the length of his. Both were stunning blades and even if they weren't made of Valyrian steel they would be deadly.
The guests returned to their tables and the feast was served. They had chosen simple salads to start with, fruits and nuts mixed to perfection. This was followed by the soup, a delicate creamy broth with mushrooms floating in it with an added thin crust of cheese on the top. Tyene and Arianne had only wanted one dish per course in order to keep costs down, but also because it was a custom in Dorne, both wanted to remind the guests that this was still a Dornish wedding. What had surprised them the most was that the Queen had not protested their request. The lamb leg was covered with potatoes and rich wine sauce. They ended with pigeon pie, a recent staple at royal weddings. Aerion fed Tyene off the tip of his knife, to all those watching it would appear the two were infatuated with each other. Both were flirting with the other, yet neither was truly enamored with other, they were only putting on a show.
Eventually Aerion pulled his bride to his feet and announced that they were off. Nobody batted an eye that the bedding ceremony was forgone, as it was almost expected in Targaryen weddings since Rhaegar's own. As they left Rhaegar rose to his feet and toasted to the new couples health and happiness. After a pause he announced the betrothal of his son Aegon to Lady Loras Tyrell, the young girl turned bright red as the entire hall turned their gaze to her, but nobody could tell.
Upstairs Aerion was watching Tyene. When they had entered the room she had moved to stand by the fire, turning her back to him. He didn't want to push her so he walked to a small table where a pitcher of wine was set out waiting for them. He poured himself a glass and turned to observe his bride.
She was facing away from him, her long dark hair curling down to the small of her back. He could not deny that he was rather attracted to the Dornish Princess, at least physically. She may be a good foot shorter than him, but he had to admit her dark skin and curvy body were rather arousing. He watched her staring into the fire and wondered what she was thinking.
Tyene felt Aerion's gaze on her back, she knew he wanted her to turn but she didn't. She was watching the dancing flames, fire may be the symbol of house Targaryen but Tyene would always find more fear than beauty in the flames.
She felt a pair of strong arms slip around her waist and a headrest on the top of her head. Aerion drew her close and they stayed like that for a few minutes.
Eventually Tyene spoke, "You know the last person who rested their head on mine came out a hand shorter."
Aerion laughed, "Don't worry, I think I can keep my hand."
Tyene rolled her eyes and turned to face him, craning back her neck to look into her husband's eyes, over a foot above her.
Aerion laughed, "Having a little trouble there?"
Tyene glared at him, "I'm fine." She was nothing if not stubborn.
"Why don't we sit down?" the Prince asked.
Without waiting for a response he took a few steps back, pulling her along with him and collapsing into an armchair that had been behind them. Tyene fell so that she was straddling one of his legs. Her hands shot up to catch herself against his chest, preventing them from crashing together. She pushed herself up into a sitting position and glared again, this time willing daggers to shoot out of her eyes and kill him.
"What?" He asked feigning innocence.
"Don't do that again!" She hissed.
He leaned close, "Well you are a bit smaller than me, and I had to rectify that."
One of his hands moved to the small of her back and he drew her close, his other hand finding the back of her head drawing her effortlessly to him. Tyene slipped her arms around his neck as their lips met. Her mouth opened to him with ease. This kiss was probing but gentle, as she carefully explored his mouth while her fingers moved back to his chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath. He shifted, pulling her till she was pressed up against his chest, his head tilted back to meet her kiss. At once both changed, kissing with more passion. Tyene moved her tongue into his mouth and explored. His hands were running up and down her sides and as one brushed over her nipple Tyene let out a little gasp in the back of her throat
Aerion pulled away and grinned at her. With swift skilled fingers he undid the clasps of her robe. Tyene shrugged it off her shoulders with ease. He found the clasp of her dress at the base of her neck and snapped it free, pulling it forward and down, exposing her breasts.
Tyene leaned back and flicked her hair off her shoulder, watching his reaction. He took in her round full breasts with their large, dark nipples, a smile spreading across his face. He cupped one and gently ran his finger over the nipple feeling it stiffen at his touch. He bent his head, taking it in his mouth, sucking. Tyene moaned, a deep one pulled from the back of her throat. Aerion smiled and continued at his work, alternating between sucking, nipping and scraping his teeth across her skin. Tyene gripped his head and pulled him closer, unable to get enough.
She felt his hands move to the hem of her skirt, which had slipped up onto her thighs, while his lips moved to the base of her neck and she smiled. He continued to play with the base of her skirt but Tyene made him wait. She could feel him growing frustrated, but she didn't care. Eventually his lips found their way back to hers. This time he was more forceful, asserting himself with ease. Tyene, too, was losing her patience, she was done playing and she could tell Aerion was too. She pulled back and pushed him into the soft pillows of the chair.
Sitting back against his thigh Tyene pulled the dress over her head. She saw surprise in Aerion's eyes at her action and watched a smile spread over his lips as he took in her body. She leaned forward and began to unfasten the hooks of his doublet. He moved to help her and she pushed him away. When it was completely undone, he sat up and she pushed it back over his shoulders, pulling off his undershirt in one swift movement. Tyene took in his torso and couldn't help but marvel at his raw power. She counted at least eight muscles rippling in his abdomen, but couldn't get a full view as he stood, pulling her with him.
He didn't put her down but instead hitched her up higher. She took the cue and wrapped her legs around his waist. As he walked toward the bed Tyene couldn't help but run her fingers over his taught muscles.
When they reached the bed he lowered her down onto the edge. Tyene sat up swiftly, grabbing the laces of his breaches. She worked swiftly undoing them. She pulled the pants down, finally exposing him. He slipped off his pants and moved toward her. Tyene moved back until she hit the pillows behind her.
She leaned back and spread her legs with ease. Aerion smiled as he ran his hand from her breast down to the wetness that was spreading between her legs. Gently he slipped his finger inside her. She gasped and arched her back, urging him in deeper.
Aerion leaned close, his mouth right by her ear as he whispered, "Do you want me Tyene?"
She tilted her head back and looked at him, "Yes" She hissed.
He smiled and hooked his finger inside of her, making her groan again. Slowly he pulled his finger out and spread her legs further. Tyene watched as he gently guided himself to her opening. She slipped her arms round his neck and pulled him down to her, even as he thrust into her. She let out a cry of pleasure mingled with pain. It hurt more than she had expected it would; yet for her the pleasure was greater than the pain. She felt her maidenhead break and couldn't help but smile, pleased that it was done and she no longer had to mind something as silly as maidenhood. Aerion smiled back, pulling out of her embrace, he pulled almost all the way out and thrust again, Tyene bit her lip, yet still cried out. She grabbed Aerion and dragged him down to her, burying her head in the crook of his neck. She cried out again and again as he thrust himself into her. She could feel the tension building. Her fingers dug into his back, digging into the flesh.
She rolled her hips to meet his next thrust and this time Aerion let out a moan of his own. She smiled, pushing her legs into the mattress, allowing him further inside her. He continued to thrust into her, his pace growing with every passing second. She kept rolling her hips to meet him, but she could feel a tension building in side of her, and she felt like she was about to burst.
Then all at once she came, waves of pleasure rolling through her. Aerion pushed himself off her and smiled down at her, continuing to thrust. In another minute he too had finished, a brilliant smile on his face and his eyes alight.
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled so she lay on top of him. Her hand rested against the muscle of his arm. She ran her fingers across his skin, marveling at its smoothness. Aerion raised his head to look at her.
"Tyene, what is it?" He asked.
Tyene raised her head to look at him, "Nothing."
"Don't play that game with me, Tyene. What's wrong?"
She shrugged, "I was just thinking."
"About…?"
She sat up so she was straddling him and looked him full in the face. "Just what this all means. For me, for Dorne, for you."
He looked at her, "What do you mean?"
"Its just that… This is never what my mother really wanted for me, wanted for Dorne. She married for love and wanted me to do the same. She didn't want me to tie Dorne further into the realm, but your family pushed this and she accepted." She paused, lifting her head to meet his gaze, "I serve Dorne first, not the Seven kingdoms, not you, not our children. I will choose Dorne."
Aerion nodded with a soft frown, "I understand that, don't worry, I will never ask you to put anything but Dorne first. I hope we can at least agree to like each other, even if we do not love each other."
Tyene smiled, "Well I know one part of you I can love."
"Oh, and what part is that?" He asked.
A smirk played along Tyene's lips, "Your body is rather fabulous." She lay down on top of him, resting her head gently against his shoulder. She fell asleep in his arms thinking, maybe for the first time, that she could really love this boy, and that she could see their children ruling Dorne.