Author's Notes: Hey everyone, I am glad that you liked the last chapter and I hope that you like this one as well, as always I own nothing.
Once she was done talking to Tyrion he escorted her to the quarters assigned to her for the duration of her stay. She was informed that there was to be a banquet that night hosted by Prince Doran in their honor. Once alone except for her maid she shed her cloak and took a short nap. She awoke some time later and saw that the sun was rapidly setting. She had her maid redo her hair and then Sansa waited for someone to come for her. To her surprise it turned out to be Oberyn Martell.
"Lady Sansa," he said while giving a little bow; "It is delightful to see you again. Though one could wish that we were meeting under more pleasant circumstances."
"Prince Oberyn," Sansa said, as she replied with a curtsy of her own. "It is good to see you as well." She paused and then remembered one of the rumors which she had heard prior to leaving White Harbor and tried to see if she could determine the truth of it.
"I have heard that congratulations may be in order." He gave a dazzling smile, his teeth flashing.
"It may be a little premature, but I think, after a suitable period of mourning, she may prove sympathetic to my suit." Sansa quirked an eyebrow.
"Mourning Prince Oberyn?"
"Indeed, the good queen was married when she arrived, some Essos noble whose name I cannot quite remember. Alas, I fear that the climate here did not quite agree with him and he rather rapidly expired. Quite tragic." He gave her another small smile, one that made her feel quite uneasy.
"Indeed, a most unfortunate turn of events." She agreed.
Sansa was relieved when they were joined by Sir Massey and they made their way to the banquet hall. Already there was Prince Doran and with him was Ellaria, Obara, Elia and Tyene Sand. Also there was Tyrion Lannister.
"Lady Stark, Sir Massey." Prince Doran said as they entered the room. "Welcome to Sunspear and please accept my apologies for my failure to greet you properly earlier." Sir Massey bowed.
"Think nothing of it Prince Doran. The hospitality of Sunspear is more than worth the wait."
"Indeed, we of Dorne are famous for our hospitality. Even to those aligned with dispossessed lordling." Tyene Sand said sweetly; "Though one might say that if someone were to treat with a queen that lord should come himself." Sir Massey clearly understood the jibe but refused to be provoked by it.
"That may be true, my lady, a lord should speak to his monarch himself. However; one monarch may send his ambassadors to treat with another monarch."
"If she is queen then clearly he is not king." Obara stated bluntly. This time it was Sansa who intervened.
"I would not say that. Not too long ago there were five kings, so perhaps there being two rulers is not so outlandish. Besides there is no conflict here. His Grace Stannis Baratheon recognizes Daenerys Targaryen as queen of Meereen, but not queen of Westeros." They had agreed to this before they had left White Harbor, it had been decided that recognizing as a queen of a distant city could keep the negotiations from bogging down in arguments over titles and be used to paint the Targaryen girl as a foreign invader should it come to violence. Trying to change the topic Sansa cast about looking for another matter to discuss and then noticed that someone was absent.
"I do not see Princess Myrcella, is she well?" It was Tyrion who responded.
"She is quite well. Her Grace has taken a liking to my niece and has requested that she accompany her while she sees to the affair of the Shield Islands. And I may say, I think that Myrcella is taken with the Queen as well and is quite happy to spend time with her." He paused for a moment and smiled.
"And the dragons of course."
"Are the dragons as magnificent as they say?" Sir Massey asked. "One hears so many tales one is not sure what to believe."
"They are magnificent." Elia said, speaking for the first time. "Just as the tales said, fire made flesh." She looked at Sansa and Sir Massey. "I truly pity anyone who is on the receiving end of their wrath. I doubt even the coldest snows are safe from their flames."
"There was a time," Sir Massey said; "When that would have been Dorne and if sand can resist fire, perhaps snow can as well." Before Elia could reply a servant came in and handed a message to Prince Doran. He read this and then looked up.
"You shall have the chance to decide for yourself. This is a message from the Queen. Her Grace has requested that you join her at her camp to begin the negotiations.
Author's Notes: Hey everyone, did you like the wordplay there, I was trying for a little back and forth, did I get it? I promise the next one will be longer, this is just a lead in. Till then please pray for my brother-in-law's aunt. They say she does not have much time and as I am a Christian and she is not you see my concern. Thank you and may Jesus bless you.