Chapter 1: To Save A Kingdom
Liliyana did not know what to think when she received the summons to her fathers study. She had been tending in the sick in the healing house when her fathers guard came informing her that the Lord wished to speak with her.
She had noticed her father was rather sullen the last week as he worked and answered the constant follow of messenger birds that came to the Keep. He had many responsibilities ever since the war begun and her beloved cousin asked her father to tend to the north in his stead as he went off to war.
Liliyana had only just finished mourning the loss of Brandon and the former Lord Stark when her father announced her sweet cousin Lyanna had died as well at the hands of the mad Targaryens. She could not mourn enough with the deaths of her family but to mourn her loves as well was breaking her heart.
She knew Rhaegar did not want war, he wanted to protect his people. When she had last seen him at Harrenhall with Arthur for the meeting and Aerys had finally shown himself she was frightened for her dearest loves and all their plans they had painstakingly made over the years.
Her mind wandered to the last time she saw her dearest as she circled the stairs around the great Starkwood tree in the keep, seeing the scene as if she were there again. She gave him the longest hug that day, as if they would never touch again. Rhaegar kissed her forehead and promised to come and bring her to see the lovely gardens of the Red Keep. Finally introduce her to his family once everything was over. Liliyana joked with him saying she would already be halfway to Kingslanding before he even thought to come get her. She was so excited to meet his wife and children that he spoke of with such love. The Prince and Arthur laughed at her as she grinned like a mad woman at the promise. Now she would never hear that laugh again or the shine in his eyes as they spoke of his family and home.
Nor see those beautiful purple eyes of the greatest Knight the Seven kingdoms had ever seen. Never hear his laugh, his quips to Rhaegar as they jostled with one another, or his smile as he looked upon his beautiful sister. She would never dance with Arthur again, never joke or sit in peace and silence as they would watch Rhaegar being joyful amongst the crowds.
Her loves and soulmates were forever lost now.
Liliyana heard the soft command of her father as she knocked on his door, bidding her to enter. The young woman entered with a smile, "Good day father, you asked for me?"
"Yes, my bird, what were you doing?" Lord Starkwood asked his eldest daughter, trying to put off the inevitable to why he called.
"I was tending the sick in the healing halls. A few have grown much better since we received the new herbs, but I still fear for a few. The maester and I don't know for certain that they will make the next few days." The girl looked heart broken at her words. She loved all her people and despaired whenever they were in pain.
Dreyven looked at his daughter, she had always been a good leader and Lady to care for her people. He sighed when his daughter calmly stared at him, waiting for his courage to rise to tell her what ailed him.
"Sit down Liliyana, there is something I must speak to you about." Lord Starkwood sat heavily in his chair.
Liliyana paused at her fathers use of her name, he rarely called his children by their names anymore. A sinking feeling fell in her gut, knowing what he wished to speak about.
Dreyven sighed again as his daughter took a seat before him, "When you were born your mother made me promise to her that we would always protect you."
Liliyana tense at the mention of her mother.
"That you would grow up educated and loved, be able to fall in love and when the time came marry for love. I want you to know that I love you more than you could possibly know or be described. You have made me so proud to see the lady you have become. Everything I have done is because I love you and your siblings." Before the lord could continue, he felt a soft hand rest on his, making him look up.
His daughter smiled sadly at him, understandingly. He didn't want her to, he wanted her to be furious with him.Then again it was never in her nature to not do what was best no matter how much it would hurt her.
"I know father, who is he?" Liliyana's understanding nearly made the Lord weep.
"Lord Stark and I have been in correspondence with Prince Doran under the orders of the King. King Robert demands that you marry into house Martell. Prince Doran's brother has been chosen in order to strengthen ties to Dorne after the happenings in Kingslanding." The Lord did not look at his daughter as he handed he the letters.
As Liliyana read her face was an unreadable calm. She was not surprised Robert would offer her as a war prisoner, the brute had never liked her because she favored Rhaegar and Robert's best friend favored her.
When she put the letters down a smile laminated her face, "I will do what is best for our family and the north. I will make you and Ned proud to be my family."
"If I could, I would not push you to do this. I wanted you to fall in love and marry for love, not this." Her father looked somber as she spoke. "You leave in two days to travel to White Harbor to take a ship to Dorne."
Little else was spoken afterwards, only details of her trip and how much she could take. When Liliyana left her father, she kissed him on the cheek and gave a small smile.She continued to smile as she met Darrin down the hall, and continued to smile as he followed her to the safety of her room where Jelissa greeted her with a grin.
Darrin stepped into the room behind his lady, catching her as the door closed when her knees finally gave out from under her. He said nothing as he picked her up and Jelissa fused over her.
As she was placed to sit on her bed a goblet of water appeared before her eyes, enticing her to drink.
Jelissa glanced at Darrin to speak to her but he remained silently fuming as he moved to look into the hearth as he flickering flames.
"Lily, can you hear me? What's wrong, you are frightening me." Jelissa gently pulled the goblet from her friend's hand as they slightly shook.
"I'm, getting married," Liliyana could hardly believe the words that were leaving her mouth as she looked to her companions with a dull face. "To Prince Oberyn Martell."
…
Far down south Oberyn smirked as his paramour slinked out of his bed, her smooth back enticing him for more. He was about to draw her back to bed had it not been for the knock on the door that intruded in his musings.
"Prince Oberyn, Prince Doran wishes to see you." the guard called inside, knowing better than to enter the room.
Oberyn frowned, but his curiosity was caught. His brother had not spoken to him after their argument over the death of their beloved Elia and her children. It would be intriguing to see what his brother wanted.
"Go my love, I will be here when you return." Ellaria smirked at him as she walked bare around the room to the wine.
"Perhaps I should stay and satisfy you more." Oberyn's gaze turned predatory as he watched Ellaria prance around his room.
Before he could pounce, a knock came again.
"My Prince, he requested your presence immediately." The guard persisted.
Oberyn sighed as he stood and dressed, his curiosity quickly becoming irritation. He kissed his paramour in promise to continue when he returned before he strides out the door and followed the guard to his waiting brother.
Doran was sitting in the gardens when his brother arrived, he knew what he was to say would not be taken without slight..
"Brother, to what do I owe the pleasure of your summons so soon?" Oberyn teased as he walked to the decanter on the table, sending a glare to the cripple.
"Oberyn, you and I must discuss something." Doran made straight to the point, his brothers ire already angering him. "A ship will be arriving in a moon time sailing under the Stark colors. On that ship is your wife to be."
Oberyn stilled when he heard the Stark name,swiftly turning to anger at the rest of his words. "Surly you jest."
"The Lady Liliyana Starkwood is currently sailing to become your wife on the negotiations of Lord Stark, Lord Starkwood, and myself under orders of the new king. Doran spit the last part as he turned to his brother. "This marriage will strengthen our ties to the north and with draw us from the light of the Baratheon."
"You expect me to marry a Stark, a member of the family who helped to cause the death of our sister! Have you gone made from grief?" Oberyn glared at his brother. "You truly expect this of me?"
"Yes, for the good of Dorne you will marry the girl and you will treat her as a proper wife. This is the only way we avoid another all out war that we will lose." Doran stated leaving no patience for arguemant. Oberyn would marry the girl, like it or not.
Oberyn said nothing but yell was he flipped the table sending fruits and wines astray.HIs fury followed him as he want straight to the training grounds for the rest of the day to release the anger he held for the world, for his brother, and for the Stark he was set to spend the rest of his oriented life with.
Later in the night after he had throughly fucked Ellaria to complete abandon, he sat staring at his paramour thinking of her and his beautiful daughters. He have to marry the girl, but he would never love her as he did his true family.
…
Liliyana was silent as she rode through Sunspear surrounded by her guards. The kind men had volunteered to travel and remain with her in her new home as soon as word had spread she was to leave and marry. She felt for the men who followed her, for they left their home to follow her to an unknown land to be surround by enemies at every turn.
The girl looked around her as she rode, pity filling her. The Lower levels of the city were awful. Children ran covered in dirt, the sick laid out on the streets, and everyone she gazed upon looked starved.
Jelissa reached an squeezed her ladies hand, knowing how the girl was feeling when she turned and stared forward unable to look any longer. Liliyana was less than pleased at the dornishmen's treatment of their people, another reason for her to fall more into fear and despair.
Doran sat waiting at the entrance of the Old Palace for the escort of the young Lady Starkwood in a sombered silence. He felt no joy in allowing the northern into his home especially after the murder of his beloved sister and her children.
The young woman was in for a suprise if she thought a warm welcome would be present, most were only in attendance for formality sake.
He had looked and waited for his brother to present himself upon his new wife's arrival, but held little hope. Doran had no doubt what his brother was doing, fucking that pit viper of a paramour. His little hope disappeared when the banners of House Starkwood came through the gates of the palace.
He could only assume the young Lady entered when a massive white horse clopped into the courtyard. The woman was shrouded in a light veil, closing her from view of all the distantly curious nobles present.
She looked petite and small to the massive beast she rode, but none the smaller than the armored knight beside her.
Doran watched the lightly armored man dismount and approach the Lady. As he watched the man easily lift the woman from her horse he noticed something that puzzled him. The man was dornish, from his skin to his armor and choice of weapons.
The guard stood close behind Lady Starkwood after he helped another young woman from her steed but his focus changed as the Lady came forward and bowed.
"Prince Doran, I am Lady Starkwood of House Starkwood. Lord Stark and my father send their greetings and regards. They hope with this union, peace may once again fall upon the seven kingdoms." Liliyana remained curtsied as she spoke and only lifted her head when the Lord raised his hand.
"I welcome you to Dorne and Sunspear, Lady Starkwood. I hope that your travels fared well," He did not offer a smile as he spoke. "Many have looked forward to our meeting."
Liliyana said nothing but bow her head. She knew what he really meant, that she was not welcome or protected in her stay.
Doran continued as he motioned for Areo to move forward, "You should rest after such a long journey my Lady so that you may attend the feast we have prepared for tonight."
When Areo moved forward, Darrin stepped in front of Liliyana causing a stir. Darrin placed his hands on his duel swords, "That's close enough."
Areo bristled at the unspoken threat and before he could move to speak the gentle voice of the Lady halted the confrontation.
"It's alright Darrin, there is no need for sword play I'm sure." Liliyana's words cause every face to stare at the Knight before them.
There was a famous duel wielding Dornishman in Westeros that went by the name Darrin, he was the only know man to have come close to defeating Ser Arthur Dayne in single combat. After the duel many named him the Beast and tales spoke that he had vanished, sited all over Westeros until five years ago when he disappeared in the North. Many believed the Lord Stark had him executed, but the rumors proved false if the Beast stood before them.
Darrin only removed his hand from his sword when Liliyana gently placed her cream hand atop his. She gently nodded her head to Areo and stepped from around her guard to follow.
As the Lady and company followed his head guard it did not escape the notice of the prince of the agitation of the company of guards that remained in the courtyard. Their ire and irritation could be felt by all present and it was not hard to guess why. It did not escape the notice of the Northerns that Prince Oberyn never made an appearance to greet their Lady.
Doran turned to address the company of men, "You are welcome in Dorne until your long journey home,"
Before he could continue a man stepped forward and bowed, "Forgive me my Lord, however we we will not be returning home. We will reside in the ships till we can buy accommodations for ourselves. We are her Lady's personal company and where she goes we follow."
Though Doran was not pleased with the news the Northerns were staying, he was curious to the man choice of words. "I was unaware the Lady had so many men."
"We all volunteered to accompany the Lady my Lord. We've all brought our own money to pay for lodging and training grounds. We'll not abandon the Lady who has done much for us." The man remained bowed but looked the Prince in the eyes as he spoke, as if to tell him they could not stay, that they must go.
In their contest, the solider made it clear the men would not leave, even going as far as to make their own way if need be and fight tooth and nail to remain.
Doran nodded without word, if the men wanted to stay he would not stop them. However he would offer them no aid either.
He watched as the men turned and left back to their ships, debating if he should let any of them live or leave them be. With a sigh he turned and returned to the Palace where his home we now filled with the stench of Northerns.
…
Liliyana said nothing as she followed Areo, surrounded by Dornish guards, to her new chambers. Her face was blank under her veil as her thoughts raced.
At first she protested the accompaniment of the volunteer Northerns, now she was glad her brother convinced her other wise.
She did not expect a warm welcome, however she did not believe she would be left completely defenseless as soon as she walked into the palace. Prince Doran's threats were clear, she was not welcome and she would receive no protection.
It was understable though, Princess Elia and her children were not protected so why should she.
As they came to a stop before large double doors, Darrin and her guards moved in front of the Dornish before Areo could speak.
Darrin and a few guards moved into the room, leaving the doors wide open, as they checked every room and every wall.
Aero was surprised as some pushed on furniture and places on the walls looking for hidden doors. He would admit he would not think to do such a thing.
"Everything is clear my Lady" Darrin returned and allowed the women through.
"Thank you Darrin," before she entered fully, Liliyana turned and bowed to Areo. "Thank you for the escort Ser Areo, may your day be without distress."
Areo said nothing in return but swiftly left, only leaving a few guards to watch the Northerns.
When the doors closed behind the men who brought her chests, Liliyana all but yanked her veil from her head as she sat on a bed of pillow cushions. "I must grow accustomed to the heat soon or I fear I shall faint. The trip from the dock to the palace was more tiring than the entire voyage here."
Jelissa laughed and quickly filled a goblet of water, discreetly sipping from the glass before handing it to her lady, "That is to be expected, we are used to the cold.
Her pause made liliyana turn to her seeing a mischievous smile upon her face, "Although the heat does provide for excellent views."
Liliyana's laugh ringing through the room as both women lightened the dark mood the Dornish had set upon them.
Darrin watched as they brightened, smiling at the two as they continued to talk about the lady's new room. His faced darkened as he slide near the door when he heard movement just beyond the safety of the room.
The knock on the doors made his hand move to the hilt of one sword as a voice echoed into the room, "My lady, handmaidens have been gifted to care for you durning your stay."
Jelissa's face wrenched into a murderous scowl. Jerking forward to the door, she yanked them open keeping Darrin from view and glared at the man before her.
He stood with a mocking confidence as she smirked and bowed, jester it to the lady's behind him.
"I don't regret to say you must inform whomever sent such lacking gifts that they are both unneeded and unwanted." Jelissa slammed the door in the mans agasped face with a prideful smirk.
She looked to Darrin as he smirked back at her, "Well done Jessi."
Jelissa mock bowed at the Knight and turned to smile at Liliyana who smiled gentle at both of them.
"Thank you Jelissa." Liliyana chuckled as Jelissa curtsied again.
"Always my pleasure my Lady. I live to please you," the handmaid smiled. "Now come on, you must rest. We had a long journey and you must look perfect for tonight. I shall handle everything else."
The Lady nodded her head and wrapped her arm around her handmaid's. Both gasped at the magnificent site before them.
The room a beautiful arched windows that silk curtains danced in the breeze through. Mirrored armoires decorated the rooms, and the most splinted site was the huge, draped bed straight before them.
Silks hung from the ceiling, shrouding the bed. The pillows were larger than the Lady herself and looked like multicolored clouds.
Liliyana suddenly felt exhaustion and excitement hit her as she and Jelissa turn to one another. They both squealed and rushed to the bed.
Darrin watched as both jumped laughing as they sank into the bedding. He smiled at the two as both their giggled turned into silent breathing.
Chuckling he stepped forward, gripping a silk throw, draping it over the sleeping two. Silently he stared at the two for a moment, deciding there was no more beautiful scene in the world but the one before him.
Hours later, Liliyana was stirred from her sleep by murmurs outside the bedroom.
Darrin slowly entered the room to see the girls curled around one another and smiled. He saw Liliyana slowly stirring and silently cursed the man servant who made far too much noise to wake the exhausted ladies.
"My Lady, you must wake. The feast will begin in a few hours, you must prepare." The knight gently moved around the bed to shake Jelissa awake.
The handmaid groaned and swatted at his hand causing a giggle to erupt from Liliyana. When Darrin scowled as he was smacked in the face she laughed causing a sleepy smile to form on Jelissa's face.
Her smile dropped when she felt herself being lifted, "Darrin, put me down right now!"
Darrin smirked, "I don't know, you look like you could use a bath sweet Jelissa."
Liliyana smiled as she followed Darrin to the exquisite bathing room. Jelissa was giving every threat she knew to the Knight but he was not deterred as he begun to playfully swing her.
When both women thought he would throw the poor handmaid into the water, he chuckled as he set Jelissa gently to the floor, her eyes scrunched closed waiting for the water to come.
When she opened her eyes she found Liliyana and Darrin staring down at her with grins bigger than their faces.
"That's just cruel Dare. Your never this horrid to Lily." Jelissa grumbled as she stood herself from the floor.
"Because she does nothing to deserve my wrath as you do," he chuckled as he turned to leave the women to their bathing. "That and you're just too easy to tease."
When he closed the door, Jelissa began to help Liliyana undress. The bath was like a small pond the both discovered. It was cool for the heat but warm enough to be relaxing.
Once finished washing there travels from their bodies, Jelissa dressed her Lady in a furred silk gown and veil.
Darrin marveled at her beauty as she walked to the doors. She smiled sadly at him before lowing the veil over her face, ready to deal with the pit of snakes she must attend.
As they approached they doors for the feast hall, Jelissa reached and squeezed her friends shoulder, "I'm right here."
In that moment Liliyana heard the last words her mother ever spoke to her, "Walk tall my love. You are stronger than they will ever see, use it."
Both attendants watched their lady straighten her back and square her shoulders causing a smirk to rise from both in pride. The dornish would never know what hunter they brought into their pit of snakes.
Doran had been seated for a time as the feast began. He watched as his brother flaunted his paramour before the other nobles in attendance who chuckled and laughed.
Rumors had spread like dragonfire about the Starkwood's arrival. How petite and small she looked, how her features lacked from what they could see from behind the veil she wore. Anything but beauty was how they described her and had no qualms speak such slanders before her husband to be.
As he sat and listened he noticed the hall doors open quietly. He did not stand at her entrance but was surprised at the regal gate she made towards him.
He glanced about the hall and noticed while all noticed her presence they ignored the Northerns as they walked to the prince.
Doran would admit she looked lovely. Her blue silk dress was a stunning combination of Northern and Dornish cultures. The gown's neck line plunged from the based of her neck to the middle of her chest, it clung to her waist and hips to flare out over her legs that peeked through slits. The sleeves opened showing her smooth arms stopping to attach to silver cuffs around her wrists. It's showedjust enough skin to appease her northern heritage and the dornish's love of it.
He made no move as she curtsied low to him then turned to Oberyn and Ellaria doing the same.
Liliyana turned to Doran before she left to find herself comfortable, "Thank you my Prince for the feast and my rooms, both are very lovely."
Doran moved his hand and watched as she turned her back to them to see her entire back was covered by her gown but upon the silk hung a silver tree the covered the expanse of her back. The branches reached to cover around her body with jewels glittering about the tips and trunk.
Liliyana placed herself upon the archer balcony where she could see the hall. The Dornish had distanced themselves from her seated canopy to gossip amongst themselves. She was after all the Northern whore as they called her.
Darrin stood in front of the pillowed bench, stoic with one hand resting upon his sword. Though he hated the gossip mongering he knew he could do nothing to stop it, petty nobles would never change after all.
He was surprised at the looks he received however. He had not been to Dorne in many years. Even then he accompanied Arthur and Rheagar when they visited but did not think himself recognizable. He listened as a few ladies giggled and glanced at him.
Then turned to hear chuckling from behind to see Liliyana and Jelissa smirking at him. The handmaid raised smug brows at him as she glance to the giggling nobles. He scoffed and turned to stoically watch the feast before him.
Jelissa sat beside her friend chatting excitedly about the beauty of the hall and the festivities. She kept Liliyana company, making her laugh and chuckled as she joked about the habits of the nobles before them. Even causing a cracked smirk on Darrin's face a few times at her comments, especially the one about the Lord who looked to have a foot fetish but only to his own she insisted.
Doran watched the small group in slight annoyance and curiosity. The Lady's handmaid spoke cheerfully to the woman beside her, handing her lady bits of food and goblets of water. It did not escape his eye that the woman took small sips from the goblets and small bites of the fruits and meat before she handed them to the lady. She was discreet enough not to catch Lady Starkwoods attention but he noticed the Knight though disapproving looks every once and a while.
Areo looked to Doran from his place beside the Prince, "Clever girl."
"Yes, she is quite the clever little thing," Doran smirked to his guard.
"The Knight is as well," Areo glanced to the small canopy as Doran turned to him. "The knight is indeed the man in the rumors. Ser Darrin the Beast is indeed the guard of Lady Starkwood."
"Curious how a Dornish knight came into the company of a Northern lady." Doran glanced to the man standing before the entrance of the little cove.
He noticed that while he listened to the conversations of the ladies he would glance around the room, watching the entrances and keeping eyes on those who set particularly harsh gazes to the Lady.
As the night ended Liliyana had enough of the whispers and the jests. She moved to stand slow, avoiding moving her back. The Lady and company moved to stand before the Prince, curtsied lowly, then turned and left without a word or glance to her betrothed.
In honest, Liliyana was infuriated. One would think that her future husband would grow tired of the jest made to his future wife, the future mother of his heirs. It angered her that he spoke not one word on the matter and even encouraged it.
Jelissa finally unleashed her annoyance as well when they returned to room, "Those insufferable, bonehead, misrible poppycock arsehole.!" Jelissa fell into the cushions and screamed.
"Calm down Lisa, its alright." Liliyana chuckled as she gently lowered herself to sit as well.
Jelissa smudged her face from the pillows and looked to her lady, "How can you be so calm, you don't deserve any of the those things those horriable wretch's say about you."
Liliyana just smiled had rubbed her friends head to calm her.
"I must agree my Lady. I would have each of their tongues for the insults they breathed." Darrin grunted as he returned to the sitting room.
"Both of you, calm yourselves. They are mearly flaunting their positions of nobility. They are just playing the game, they do not know better yet." Liliyana smiled gently at the two. She rose from her place and began her walk to her bedroom.
"Darrin, you can sleep here for the night. Go in the morning and get yourself settled into accommodations," Liliyana gestured to the pillow cushions. "Come along Jelissa, I'm tired and we both need sleep. We have much to do in the next coming days."
That night Liliyana dreamed of a blood red sun beating down upon a small growing Starkwood tree. The red sun burned the branches and sent a flood to drown the tree till nothing was left but a poisoned husk.