Chapter 23: Dorne

Inhale, exhale, inner piece. Inhale, exhale serenity now. Okay clearly this isn't working all the same I'm going to try to be as calm about this as I possibly can. (Starts to drain a fourth bottle of Captain Morgan). So I watched The Dance of Dragons this week and I just have to say. What the FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK. NO SERIOUSLY what was that. You know after watching Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken. I didn't think Game of Thrones could make me more pissed off. but then the showrunners come in and out do themselves. This was snuff it's the only word to describe it snuff. I witnessed murder this week MURDER I CALL. And I don't just mean in the literal sense, this is game of thrones what do you expect. I mean in the figurative sense. They turned My favorite character of A Song of Ice and Fire and turned him inside out raped him, ate his flesh consumed his soul mounted his head on the wall and then did it twenty more times just to be safe. You know what I don't give a fuck about what sorry excuse the showrunners have. This came right out of their ass, there it is shit nothing but a mountain of wet smelly bullshit.

It is times like these that remind us why we do fanfiction. Well read and review. I'm going to start writing apology letters to Cersei. Doctor Lector I need you to quintuple my medication for the whole month. Again I don't own anything (though I wish i did.) George RR Martin Hates fanfiction (Though I couldn't care less).

Roland

The trip to Dorne was relatively uneventful. Seeing as his Uncle Stannis' navy had dominance over the Eastern Coast interference from the other houses was unlikely. 'If my plan for the Redwyn Twins succeeds I will have near uncontested control over the Westeros coast.'

Before leaving Dragonstone, Roland had sent the Horas and Hobber Redwyne back home. He gave them a letter asking their father to support his claim. Roland was worried that it may not bear fruit. Paxter Redwyne hated Stannis for holding out against him during the Siege of Storm's End. 'I never could stand a sore looser.' Roland muttered to himself, But he needed the Redwyne Fleet.

As they sailed further south, the air became less welcoming. Unlike the North where the air was cool and fresh, here it was lightly more difficult to breathe.

In the distance, Roland saw the tips of the Spear Tower and the Tower of the Sun. As the Storm runner approached, the Towers got taller and taller. Soon the form of the Sandship appeared. The original keep of House Martell looked like a shipwrecked dromond. Finally, the entirety of Sunspear appeared.

'Dorne,' he thought. 'The only kingdom that the Dragon Kings never conquered. Their armies cooked under the dornish sun and anyone that occupied the castles ended up meeting a terrible fate. "The Dornish were wise," Roland said to himself. "They knew the best way to fight the Targaryens was not to fight them at all." Roland had read about the First Dornish War and The Young Dragon's Conquest, Two conflicts, two follies, Roland smirked in amusement. Aegon had always believed that his dragons could solve any problem. He went to Dorne and it cost him what he held most dear. His sister, Rhaenys Targaryen.

'One of the greatest tragedies for the Targaryens.' In Roland's opinion, Rhaenys was the most beautiful queen in the history of Westeros. Graceful, playful and sweet, Dorne had taken more than just another queen that day. Roland had heard the disturbing rumors about what the dornish did to her. How the Uller's tortured her until she was mutilated and broken.

Roland seethed at the thought, he had no doubt that those rumors were true. What else could anger Aegon so and convince him to give up the war? Roland often wondered how things might have been had she lived. No Maegor the Cruel, No Faith Militant Uprising, likely a better Targaryen history.

Then came the 'Conquest of Dorne.' Roland had laughed when he read about it. Daeron the First thought he could do what Aegon couldn't without dragons. 'Just another boy in way over his head.' Roland thought. 'Did the First Dornish War teach him nothing?' The 'conquest' cost the Targaryens 60,000 lives including Daeron himself. To make his accomplishment seem more grand Daeron claimed the Dornishmen had 50,000 men.

"That stupid boy even lost Aegon the Conqueror's crown," Roland muttered. Oh what Roland would give to have that crown. Iron may be stronger than gold, but Valyrian steel is the strongest of all. "The Young Dragon, more like the Young Fool."

Roland even laughed when he heard of Aemon the dragonknight. He gets captured by Dorne and what happens? His thrice damned over pious cousin Baelor the Blessed has to come and save him. Roland smiled. 'If you're a kingsguard and you have to be saved by a man that walks barefoot and wears flowers in his hair, you are a failure at life.'

Roland shook his head, the Targaryens were halfwits. "If they had a single strategic thought in their heads they could of conquered Dorne easily." Dorne's strength is also it's greatest weakness. The desert bares little in crops and freshwater is sparse. In fact drinkable water is so precious that the wells that provide it are fortified and jealously guarded. This could be denied by cutting off trade, destroying the wells, blockading the coast and salting the fields. Block the Boneway and the Prince's Pass trapping them in their own kingdom. In short, to conquer Dorne all you really need to do is starve them into submission. Kick Dorne in the stomach as it were. Aegon had wasted his dragons on burning the castles when he should of used them to burn the crops.

Dorne only finally came into the fold when Daeron II. Married his own sister Danaerys off to Maron Martell. That angered many lords notably in the Stormlands and the Reach. Dorne is more trouble than what it was worth. In Roland's opinion that's exactly what Dorne was. Dorne, capital D, rhymes with T, that stands for trouble. 'I wonder if anyone else noticed that whenever a Targaryen married a Dornish, a war starts just a few years later. Danaerys Targaryen married Maron Martell, nine years later we get the Blackfyre Rebellion. Rhaegar Targaryen married Elia Martell, three years later we get Robert's Rebellion.'

Roland didn't like Dorne, but he did respect it. Throughout history, they showed conviction, determination, and courage. 'Noble qualities,' Roland admitted. "We never should have allowed them into the fold."

Roland knew that even after 17 years, Dorne was still seething with hatred. "A hatred that was well earned. House Martell hates my family and I can't really blame them. If it hadn't been for Jon Arryn negotiating 'peace' as it were. Dorne would of continued the war on Viserys Targaryen's behalf. "Doran Martell claimed that he would make no more plots against us. Ha, anyone who believed that is a fool. I wouldn't stop, I don't see why they would?"

Roland walked over to the giant metal box holding his gift to the Martells. Roland made sure Gregor was given food and water. But only just enough to keep him alive. By the time they had reached Dorne, The mountain had lost a third of his muscle mass. They only let him out of the box to empty his bowels and bladder.

because of the heat, Roland chose to be lightly armoured. With only a breastplate, greaves and vambraces over linen shirt and breeches.

The Stormrunner docked at the harbor of the Shadow City. Roland and a company of men at arms stepped onto the docks carrying the box. Accompanying Roland were Rolland Storm and Aurane Waters acting as his escort. Roland noted the lack of any welcome, and for that he was grateful. 'The last thing I need is to attract unwanted attention.' Roland looked around for any Martell soldiers who could take him to the Keep. The thought of entering the Shadow city without a guide, unnerved Roland. King's Landing may have been a mess but at least he knew it well enough. The Shadow city was basically a maze made of buildings, narrow paths twists and turns. It would be easy to get lost.

Looking over to the right Roland saw a man dressed in dornish armor with copper disks and leather over flowing silk robes. He seemed to be giving orders to several guards. For when he stopped speaking the men dispersed quickly.

'I might as well,' Roland thought. He approached the man and cleared his throat. "Pardon me, but could you direct me to the gates Sunspear?"

The man turned and looked at him. The man looked to be five and twenty, taller than Roland but not by much. His was handsome and stern with dark brown hair and violet eyes. Based on his appearance, Roland guessed that he was related to Daynes.

"What business do you men have in Sunspear?" He demanded glaring at Roland with his piercing violet eyes

Roland stood firm, his own eyes narrowing. "I have some private business to discuss with Prince Doran and Prince Oberyn." He patted the box his men were guarding. "I also have a gift for them," He added.

"And what is this gift." The man asked suspiciously.

"Something they have desired for a very long time," Roland replied with a smile.

The man remained impassive. "What is your name boy," he asked.

"Give me your name ser and I shall give you mine."

The Man smirked at the remark. My name is Marcus Sand, a bastard from Starfall and squire to Areo Hotah."

"I am Roland of the House Baratheon," Roland replied. "Now will you help us or not."

The man's expression changed ever so slightly before going back to its serious state. He jerked his head to the side. "Follow me, and don't fall behind." Marcus led the group along the winding streets of the Shadow City.

Finally they came to the Threefold Gates. Before the gates stood a large man and on his shoulder was the biggest long ax Roland had ever seen. Marcus walked up to the man and talked quietly to him. The man looked at Roland and his companions in surprise. Roland could not hear what the two where saying but after a while the man nodded to Marcus. Marcus returned to Roland and beckoned he and his companions to enter.

Roland and his companions were escorted to the throne room. They stopped at the doorway while Marcus and Areo left to inform the Princes of Roland's arrival. The wait seemed to last for an hour before the two men finally returned.

"You may enter, Areo said curtly, "but your guards must stay."

"Roland looked back at his escort and nodded. "Very well but Shadow stays with me." He scratched the spot behind Shadow's ears affectionately."

Areo studied the dog for a short time before agreeing. "Just the dog."

Roland turned to the men holding the prisoners. "Stay here until I summon you."

"Yes your grace," the men replied as Roland went through the door.

The throne room, if it could be called that was small. Then again it would look small compared to the throne room of the Red Keep. Prince Doran was seated on a throne, to his right was His younger brother Oberyn, the Red Viper. Oberyn was regarded as one of the deadliest warriors in the seven kingdoms. He was a ,aster at using poisons and his skill with a spear was second to none. To Doran's left sat a graceful figure. Doran's eldest child and heir, Arianne Martell.

The Ruling Prince of Dorne was far from his prime. A man in his fifties and a gout that rendered him unable to walk. Doran Martel seemed to be aging and weak. But that face of his told an entirely different story. Roland saw a man that was shrewd, calculating and devoid of emotion. His eyes seemed to reflect both caution and wisdom. These were things Roland could admire and even respect to an extent

Most of those traits Roland felt Oberyn seemed to lack. Oberyn was a warrior through and through, He slept with every pretty person he came across and was an expert in poisons. While his skill with a spear was second to none. He was hotheaded, and overconfident. Not the qualities you want in a fighter.

While Doran looked at Roland with a thoughtful expression, Oberyn glared at him with mocking eyes and a smirk on his face. Roland wasn't going to have any of it.

"Prince Roland," Doran began, "or should I call you 'Your grace."

"Prince will suffice," Roland replied. "The longer I can stave off the title of King the better I will like it."

"More like Usurper," Oberyn snarled. "Just like his pig of a father."

"Oberyn," Doran warned his brother with a glare. "That is enough."

Roland seethed in rage, But he remained calm and said with a smile. "I fail to see what you hope to gain from flattery Prince Oberyn."

That took Oberyn slightly off guard. Roland was pleased with himself. If this man seeks to anger me he is going to have to try a lot harder. Arianne, Roland noticed was eyeing him with interest. She started to chew the nail of her right forefinger.

"My sincere condolences for the loss of your father, Prince Roland," Doran told the young man.

'I highly doubt that,' Roland thought. But he chose to let it be and replied. "I thank you for your courtesy, Prince Doran."

Doran gave him a small smile. "Apologies for the lack of reception. I had no idea you would be visiting us, I would have prepared for your arrival.

Roland shook his head. "You were not meant to know, the less attraction I draw the better off I will be. I don't expect to be given any honors or grand feasts. My business is brief and my stay short."

Oberyn finally spoke up, "Areo says you have a gift for us, It better be good to take up our precious time."

Roland nodded. "I must apologize for taking away your leisure time. But I assure you, my princes, What I have to offer will be more than worth your time."

"What is this gift?" Doran wondered.

Roland smiled and spoke. "Many years ago, a great atrocity was committed against your family. "My father, King Robert, refused to give you any form of justice for this atrocity. So for sixteen years you have waited and plotted your revenge. But today, that wait has come to an end."

Shadow let out a loud bark and ten men entered the throne room. Eight were carrying the Box and two others were escorting a man with a sack on his head. Roland walked over to the Box and carefully undid the latches until the front opened up. As soon as the front opened, a giant of a man wrapped in chains fell forward onto the ground. Roland removed the sack from the second man and turned to face the princes.

"Prince Doran, Prince Oberyn," Roland announced. "I give you, Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch. The murderers of Elia Martell and her children.

The tone of the room changed. Both princes stared at the gift in shock. Oberyn's smirk had morphed into that of silent fury. His gaze completely focused on the two men on their knees

'Doran was able to compose himself more quickly than his brother. "I must admit, this was the last thing I expected to come out of the box."

Oberyn was still in shock. "How did you manage to capture him? I doubt that Tywin would surrender his own lapdogs so easily."

"Robb Stark captured my Uncle Jamie at the Whispering Wood," Roland explained. "I simply traded Jamie for these two."

"You had the Kingslayer in chains and you decide to waste him on them," Oberyn said in contempt. "You should have killed him on the spot."

"And pass the opportunity to capture the Mountain?" Roland asked. "Hardly, besides Jaime is my uncle and I'm not a kinslayer."

"Why are they still breathing?" Oberyn demanded. "Why not just give us their corpses?"

"You waited 16 years to kill these two Prince Oberyn." Roland grinned maliciously. "It would be rude of me to rob you of the chance to kill them your self.

Oberyn looked at the two prisoners thoughtfully a smile spread across his face as he thought of the many ways they could die."I had no Idea you wanted Dorne's help so badly Prince Roland." Oberyn said slightly amused by this turn of events. "But I fail to see why we should send our troops to die in your war."

Roland burst out laughing, the dornish princes looked at each other confused. "That amuses you?" Doran asked.

Roland nodded after composing himself. "Yes is does. Your brother's assumption is highly misplaced. While it would be easy to see why one would come to that conclusion. That is not what I'm after."

"Oh no?" Oberyn was unconvinced. "So what are you saying exactly."

"I'm saying that I have absolutely no interest in Dorne's armies. They can stay out of this war for all I care."

Doran leaned forward, and studied Roland, his eyes glaring straight into Roland as if He was tying to look into his soul. "And why is it that a Prince who is significantly outnumbered by two other kings not want the troops of a kingdom that can easily bolster those numbers for him."

"Well, the simple fact is I know I can't trust Dorne," Roland said simply. "Any more than it trusts us."

Now it was Oberyn's turn to laugh. Though there was nothing warm about that laugh. "A Lannister is questioning our integrity. That has got to be the funniest thing I've ever heard."

"I'm only half Lannister Prince Oberyn," Roland replied. "But that is beside the point. House Martell has been plotting against my family since the end of my father's rebellion. To return House Targaryen to the Iron Throne. You claimed to have ceased your plotting but nobody is buying it."

Doran remained calm his fingers lightly drumming the armrest of his throne. "Leave us, all of you," he demanded after a moment. He gestured towards the prisoners, "Get this rubbish out of my sight."

Everyone left the room, dornish men hauled Gregor and Amory away to the dungeons. Arianne got up and strode gracefully away. before she disappeared behind the door she gave Roland a flirtatious left only Roland and Shadow left to face down the Martell Brothers. Doran leaned back on the throne his expression changed to that of amusement.

"And how do you think we will accomplish this feat, my prince?" Doran asked highly bemused.

Roland smiled "Well you plan to marry your daughter Arianne to Viserys Targaryen for starters." Roland's eyes darted between the Martell brothers observing their reactions.

Doran Martell's face remained impassive, but his eyes showed a hint of surprise. It was very slight but still noticeable. Oberyn, however, wore his expressions clear on his face. He looked at his brother then back at Roland.

"I apologize, I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret." Of course, Roland was lying about that. But he wanted them to know exactly who they were dealing with.

"Now what makes you think we have such plans." He asked.

"Nobody," Roland said nonchalantly. "I figured it out for myself. Uncle Stannis learned of it long before I did." Roland began pacing back and forth from either side of the throne room. "Your daughter is among the greatest beauties in the realm. She is Heir to the throne of Dorne. Yet at age four and twenty, she remains unmarried. I have spoken to many lords at court and I have learned quite a bit. You have rejected offers from good eligible men like Willas Tyrell and Edmure Tully, men she might take an interest in. Yet you have entertained offers from Ben Beesbury, Elden Estermont, Hugh Grandison and Gyles Rosby and (Roland shuddered) Walder Frey. Old, decrepit men that would probably die from stroke just from looking at her." The Martells watched in silence listening to what Roland had to say.

Roland continued. "If you reject men Arianne would accept and accept those she would reject, then it stands to reason that you are saving her for someone else. But who could it be? Then one must remember your relation ship to House Targaryen. There is only one Targaryen male that is still unmarried and the proper age to wed. Prince Viserys."

Doran and Oberyn looked at each other. They were clearly at a loss at what to say. He turned his attention back to Roland. "I was told by many that King Robert's second son had a sharp mind. Clearly, I should have given those rumors more credence."

"In all honesty, I thought you would be more reluctant to join with the Targaryens again. After the last union between your houses didn't go so well. Considering that Viserys was willing to sell his own sister to the second most savage race of men on the planet. Personally, I wouldn't have entertained the idea."

Oberyn's eyes flashed with anger. "Your father took what rightfully belongs to the Targaryens, You and the houses that have allied with you. My niece and nephew had Targaryen blood in them. They're dead because of your rebel family."

Roland was amused by Oberyn's constant flares of anger. what was even more amusing was that particular vein that popped every time he had an outburst. "You shouldn't be so quick to lay all the blame on us," Roland replied calmly. "Many of those you sided with are also to blame Rhaegar for abducted Lyanna Stark and starting it all, Aerys for trying to wipe out the Starks and have the lord of Storm's End killed without cause. Mace Tyrell for staying at Storm's End instead of giving aid to Rhaegar at the Trident."

"Ned Stark," Oberyn scoffed. "That self-righteous northerner is a traitor like all the rest."

"Ned Stark wanted his sister back," Roland countered. "Surely you of all people could sympathize with that."

"Why should I feel pity for that northern whore," Oberyn snapped. "The girl befuddled Rhaegar with her cunt and caused him to betray his wife."

Roland sighed "Why is it that whenever the man does wrong they always blame the woman? That's like blaming the mistresses of Aegon the Unworthy for his appetite for women." Roland quipped.

"Enough," Doran's voice cut through the air. it was enough to silence the two men.'This is getting us nowhere.

Oberyn decided to change the subject. "So if you don't want our support, what do you want from Dorne. Don't tell me you brought those rats hear out of goodwill."

"Very observant," Roland smiled. "I have three small requests. First and for most is your neutrality."

Doran looked perplexed. "Our neutrality?"

Roland nodded, "Whether you wish to lend me aid or not is up to you. You don't have to fight with me, all I ask is that you don't raise your spears against me."

Doran raised his head high contemplating Roland's request. "Very well, what else?"

Roland's smile disappeared, his face all serious now. "I know House Martell hates both branches of my family. Considering everything that has happened I don't blame you. My grandfather ordered the brutal murders of your sister and her children and my father refused to punish him accordingly." Roland stepped closer to the throne until he was at the foot of the steps. "Not all Lannisters or Baratheons should have to suffer for that. The second thing I ask is that when you go for your revenge, promise that you won't go after my mother, my younger siblings or my Uncles Stannis and Tyrion, they had no part in what happened that day. Neither did the Starks or Tullys."

Doran looked at the young prince thoughtfully, 'He's not asking much, just for us to not get involved and for mercy for his family.' "What about your Tywin," Oberyn cut in.

Roland sighed, "Tywin Lannister is my grandfather, Though he has committed many wrongs he is still the father of the woman who bore me. I won't become a kinslayer. But should you choose to go after him, I won't stand in your way. I won't kill him, but I'm not going to save him either."

"You care very deeply about your family, don't you?"

"Most of them," Roland shrugged grimly. It was a hard truth but certain members of his family didn't deserve his compassion. "I know that we have a long way to go before I earn your forgiveness. But I hope that this is a step in the right direction.

Doran's faces was that of approval. "One thing is certain, Roland. You are not your father."

"What is the third thing?" Oberyn asked, his voice had become less harsh but it still had a slight edge.

Roland smiled sadistically, "Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch, promise me they will suffer.

Oberyn returned the smile. "You won't need to worry about that, they will no pain beyond their dreams.

Doran nodded, "You need not fear for your family, we don't harm children."

"Thank you, Prince Doran. I'm glad we were able to come to an agreement."

Doran smiled. "I understand that you have much to do but please stay for at least a day or so to rest yourself."

Roland considered it. Time was vital but he could use the rest. "very well."

"Excellent," Doran said cheerfully. "Maester Myles will show you to your chambers, hopefully, it is to your liking.

Before he walked out the door Oberyn called out to him. "You said Dothraki are the second most savage race of men in the world. Who is the first?"

Roland turned around a wide smile spread across his face. "Tywin's men," he replied.

The young Maester led Roland to his chambers to spent the night. The room, located in the Tower of The Spear was comfortable enough. Too rich for Roland's taste, he was use to sparsely decorated rooms. He found his rest that night the most peaceful it had been in weeks.

The next morning Roland was woken by a Marcus to break fast with the Martells. Along the way, Roland decided to start a conversation. "Who are your parents if you don't mind me asking?"

"My mother was Ashara Dayne," Marcus replied solemnly. "My father was some northerner that died during the war, or so I hear."

"Have you found out who he was,?"

"No," Marcus replied bluntly. "Mother never told me and I never cared enough to ask to be honest. He's dead so it doesn't really matter much now."

Finally, they reached the banquet hall. The Martells were already seated along with Ellaria Sand, Oberyn's paramour, and the four eldest sand snakes. Obara, Nymeria, Tyene and Sarella Sand, Oberyn's bastard daughters. Roland was seated next to Arianne. Shadow laid at his master's feet taking the chunks Roland occasionally fed him.

The food was unlike anything he had ever tasted. The flavor was so strong that Roland had to clench to prevent choking. Once his tongue grew accustomed to it, Roland had to have more. The spices burned his mouth, but the flavor was so delicious Roland couldn't get enough of it.

"Is it too hot for you 'your grace," Arianne asked innocently.

"My mouth is on fire," Roland replied smiling. "Yet I don't care."

"Well, dornish food can be too...hot for those that live further north. She said in a suggestive tone. then to Roland's surprise, he felt a soft hand rest on his left leg. It took all of Roland's willpower not to flinch though his manhood gave a twitch as her hand began to caress his leg.

"So how are you liking Dorne Prince Roland," Ellaria asked.

"This is certainly an exotic place," Roland complimented. If I didn't have urgent business, I would be inclined to stay longer. The food is absolutely delicious. I must learn your secrets one day.

"I'm sure you would 'your grace," Arianne said giving his leg a slight squeeze. Roland worked hard to strengthen his resolve. 'I won't betray Sansa.' Roland repeated over and over in his head. But he still failed to ignore her ministrations.

Our most exquisite dishes have a little venom in them." Tyene said with a mischievous smile. "It's what makes them most delicious."

"Tyene," Oberyn scolded half-heartedly. "You don't want our guest to lose his appetite."

"Ohhh, venom," Roland clasped his hands together in delight. "So that's your secret." These Sand snakes were highly amusing, Roland thought. "So what kind of venom do you use, basilisk, manticore."

Tyene was surprised how well Roland was able to adapt. She and the others had expected him to gag or choke. But instead, Roland took it in stride and played along. "Just plain snake venom."

Roland pretended to yawn. "Sounds boring, where's the fun in that?" he asked. "And here I thought this would be my last meal."

Everyone at the table laughed. "You do not fear death," Oberyn asked.

"Death is an inevitable event," Roland replied. "You may be a king or a night's watch ranger. But sooner or later you dance with the stranger."

"Well said boy." Oberyn smiled.

After breakfast, Roland and shadow walked along the Gardens taking in the peaceful serenity that this place provided. "I expect I won't be seeing experiencing this type of atmosphere in a very long time,' he thought. Continuing down the path he began to subconsciously sing a tune.

Farewell and Adieu to you fair Dornish Ladies

Farewell and Adieu Dear Maidens of Dorne

For I've received orders to sail back to Braavos

And so Nevermore shall I see you Again.

Just then a sultry voice broke him out of his thoughts.

"Prince Roland," Arianne called out to him. Roland turned and saw the dornish princess in the company of Tyene Sand.

"Princess Arianne," Roland addressed her bowing his head.

She raised her hand. "Please your grace, call me Arianne. We don't need to be formal here." Roland smiled remembering telling Robb Stark the very same thing when they first men."

"Would you mind the company through the gardens?" She asked. Her voice was sweet as Arbor Gold. It occurred to Roland just how short she was . she barely came up to the bottom of his shoulder. Roland also noted that her silk dress showed off her ample cleavage and fit every curve of her lush body. Roland felt his manhood twitch at the sight. Why did the gods make us so weak to such things. He muttered in his head.

As they walked Shadow approached Tyene and began licking her finger. Tyene responded by petting the dog's head.

"So...what did you and my father talk about." She finally asked.

'Ahhh,' Roland realized, 'so that's her game, she want's to know what goes on behind her back. Okay then, I'll play along."

"Only a few small requests in return for my gifts. Why do you ask."

"My father is constantly leaving me in the dark. I believe he plans to supplant me as the ruler of Dorne."

"Oh," Roland raised his eyebrows, now we are getting somewhere interesting. "What makes you say that p-Arianne?"

Arianne looked around. "I found a letter in which My father intends to make my little brother Quentyn the Prince of Dorne."

Roland frowned. "That doesn't seem right. "In Dorne doesn't the eldest inherit first regardless?"

Arianne nodded. "I don't think my father trusts me to make the right decisions. he thinks So I am to be cast aside." Her head hung low and her voice was less cheerful.

'Roland looked around and said, "Are you sure nobody is listening to us?"

Arianne looked up at him and looked to Tyene who seemed to enjoy petting Shadow. Noticed the look Arianne gave her, Tyene nodded. "We are alone," she said.

Roland nodded and whispered what he knew to Arianne. About her father's plans for her and Viserys. The princess's eyes widened in horror. "Me, married to Viserys, he sold his own sister to Dothraki, he could be mad at his father for all I know."

Roland smiled. "I imagine so, Arianne. But I believe you have no need to worry. that man's arrogance is going to envelop him like molten metal one day."

After their walk, Roland and Arianne parted ways. Arianne gave him a kiss on the cheek causing him to blush furiously. "Thank you for telling me this Roland." She said softly.

Roland nodded. "Remember what we agreed, no telling your father what I've told you until after my departure."

Arianne promised and she walked down the hall with a skip in her step. "We shall now see how this plays out." Roland thought.

After spending two days in Dorne. Roland sent a raven to Dragonstone with new orders. Arianne gave him a farewell kiss and he shook hands with Oberyn. Roland was summoned by Prince Doran for one final piece of business.

Prince Doran spoke. "I wish you success against your brother Roland Baratheon. In gratitude for giving us justice, I hereby release Ser Marcus Sand, into your service. He is a loyal lad and will serve you well."

"I thank you, Prince Doran," Roland replied gratefully. "But why into my service, surely he is of better use to you."

"Because Marcus has a deeper connection to your allies than you might expect. Through his father."

"And who is the lad's father?" Roland wondered.

Doran smiled. He is the cousin of your future queen, His father is Brandon Stark."

There is a story called King's Blood by Just A Little Rain. This person, unlike some people, understands how things are. Check out his story it's worth it.