Chapter 103: Refusal

Samwell rolled his eyes and declined firmly:

"You've had too much to drink, Your Highness. Let me escort you back to rest."

"I'm perfectly sober!" Princess Arianne wrapped her arms around Samwell's waist, looking up at him with a seductive gaze. "I want to have your child! Even if my father continues to oppose our marriage, a child would create a foundation of trust between us. Your strength and my status—if we unite, we could even contend for the rule of Dorne!"

Samwell had to admit he was tempted, if only for a split second.

But he quickly saw the folly in her plan.

If he followed through with this, not only would the Reach's nobles cease to support him, but the Dornish nobility would never accept him either, and House Martell would become a deadly enemy.

Such an absurd plan could only come from someone like Arianne—a woman whose relationship with her father had pushed her to the brink and who had just suffered a major defeat.

Prince Doran had sacrificed his children as pawns in his grand plan for revenge, never considering their feelings. From that perspective, Arianne, for all her noble lineage, was rather pitiable.

But no matter how unfortunate her situation, Samwell wasn't about to betray his own interests to help her.

"Ahem."

Just as Samwell was pondering how to free himself from Princess Arianne's hold, a soft cough came from across the courtyard.

Samwell turned to see his father, Lord Randyll Tarly, standing at the courtyard gate.

The expression on Lord Randyll's face was complex, impossible to describe in words.

Samwell's own feelings… weren't much different.

What on earth is going on?

Seeing Lord Randyll, Princess Arianne finally released Samwell, at least mindful enough to maintain a shred of decorum.

An awkward silence fell over the courtyard.

Just as Samwell was about to speak, Lord Randyll turned away, as if he didn't want to interfere with his son's "affairs."

"Uh…" Samwell wasn't even sure what he could say to explain.

"It's not what you think?" That just sounded clichéd.

As Lord Randyll finally disappeared from sight, he shot Samwell a parting look that seemed to ask:

Nathalie or Arianne—which one are you actually pursuing?

Once Lord Randyll was out of sight, Samwell seized the opportunity to escape:

"Well then, goodnight, Your Highness. You should get some rest."

When Arianne turned around, Samwell was already gone.

She stomped her foot in frustration, cursing through clenched teeth:

"Spineless man!"

Alone in the courtyard, Arianne looked up at the starry night sky. It was beautiful, like countless boats drifting along the Greenblood.

Oh, gods, she thought, won't you grant me a suitable husband?

To resist her father's plans, Arianne had tried to find a husband on her own.

She'd tried seducing Renly Baratheon, but the proud Lord of Storm's End only feigned disinterest. She even once attempted to flee Dorne to marry Willas Tyrell, only for her father to drag her back. And now, even a mere landed knight had rejected her.

Arianne was beginning to doubt her own charm.

No!

She shook her head to rid herself of that ridiculous thought.

Her beauty was beyond question.

Every man who looked her way showed naked desire in his eyes. She was never short of admirers—Dre, Danzel Dalt, Daemon Sand… almost all the young nobles in Dorne were captivated by her.

But none had truly won her heart, so she refused them.

Perhaps the gods were punishing her cruelty by making those who stirred her heart reject her in turn.

A wry smile spread across Arianne's lips.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been standing there when a shooting star streaked across the sky, leaving a long, silvery trail.

Watching the comet, her gaze softened as she whispered:

"Queen Nymeria, is that you, your spirit? Your brilliance shines so brightly; no man's could compare."

Resolve returned to her face.

"And I will be the same."

…

At dawn, Samwell had just finished breakfast when he received a visitor from Eagle's Nest: Gavin.

The young steward had come to Sunspear to organize the Dornish workers going to Eagle's Nest to rebuild the fortress, and he brought with him a piece of news:

"Did you say Ser Garlan and Lady Margaery are coming?"

"Yes, my lord. According to the letter, they're expected to arrive at Eagle's Nest in three days."

Samwell nodded, signaling his understanding.

It wasn't entirely surprising; the Reach had scored a major victory, so House Tyrell would naturally want to be involved.

"Alright. You handle things here at Starfall," Samwell instructed. "I'll return to Eagle's Nest to welcome them."

"Yes, my lord." Gavin was curious why his young lord would go so far to welcome his guests early but didn't ask further.

In truth, Samwell was just using the visit as an excuse to get away from the Dornish princess. He'd had enough of her attempts at seduction.

After briefing Gavin, Samwell sought out his father and uncle to inform them of his plans.

Finally, he went to bid farewell to Starfall's new lady, Nathalie.

When he found her, she was in the middle of a lesson with an elderly septa, learning court etiquette.

"Lord Caesar!" Nathalie lit up at the sight of him and was about to rush over when the septa stopped her.

"Miss, please remember your poise!"

Nathalie pouted, fidgeting with her pleated purple skirt.

This, of course, earned her another lecture from the septa.

Ignoring the elderly woman's disapproving gaze, Samwell strode over and ruffled Nathalie's hair, ruining her carefully styled coiffure.

"Alright," Samwell said. "I think that's enough for today."

The septa huffed and reluctantly left them alone.

"Thank you, Samwell!" Nathalie giggled as she jumped around, back to her carefree self.

"When it comes to servants, you need to show some authority," Samwell advised. "Otherwise, they won't know who's in charge."

"Oh." Nathalie nodded obediently.

"How does it feel? Do you like being the lady of a castle?"

"It's alright, but… it's kind of tiring. And…" Nathalie lowered her voice, as if afraid to be overheard. "All those lords are a bit scary."

"They're nothing to be afraid of. They're not better than you," Samwell reassured her. "And besides, I'm a lord too. Do you think I'm scary?"

Nathalie shook her head.

"Exactly." He gave her another affectionate head rub, enjoying the softness of her hair. "Anyway, I came to say goodbye."

"Where are you going?" Nathalie asked, suddenly worried.

"I'm heading back to Eagle's Nest for a while."

"Then I'll go with you!" she exclaimed, clutching his sleeve.

"There are many important guests here in Starfall. As its lady, it would be quite improper for you to leave," Samwell said gently. Seeing her disappointment, he added, "Don't worry; I'll be back soon."

"Alright…" She released his sleeve reluctantly. "When you see my mother, please give her my regards. Maybe… maybe even bring her back here?"

'If your mother wanted to come back, she would have by now'.

But he didn't want to dash her hopes completely.

"Of course. If I see her, I'll tell her you're being mistreated and need her help."

"Perfect!" Nathalie grinned. "Tell her they're being terribly mean to me!"

(End of Chapter)