House Martell

After the meeting ended, Maximus was invited to tour the Old Palace of Dorne, which he gladly agreed to. In hopes of improving their relationship Prince Doran, Oberyn, and Princess Elia joined him on the tour.

Watching from a window above, 14-year-old Princess Arianne Martell stared at Maximus as he walked across the palace courtyard. Maximus had arrived in Essos in 281 AC after he died at the age of 20, now 9 years later 290 AC, he was 29 years old about to reach his 30s.

Arianne always dreamed of one day marrying a knight alongside some other sexual fantasies despite her age. She wanted to be like her Aunt Elia and marry both a Knight and a Prince such as Prince Rhaegar, but unfortunately that time might not come seeing as the only Prince that was alive right now is Prince Joffrey Baratheon who was only 4 years old.

But she knew her father's dislike of the crown and the fact that she was 10 years older than the prince was also something that would be heavily looked at if such a thing was considered.

Standing next to her was Tyene Sand whom she considered a sister despite them both being cousins. They grew up together since Tyene was the daughter of her Uncle Oberyn and have a very close bond with each other. "What are you looking at Arianne?" asked Tyene as she joined Arianne and followed where her eyes were looking.

Walking with her father Oberyn and her uncle Doran was a man who captured her attention with his black hair and the expensive looking clothing that he wore. "Who is that?" she asked, turning towards Arianne.

A/N: Don't know if I've ever posted his appearence but here it is.

(MCs Appeareance)

"Supposedly, it that Emperor from Essos we've heard them talk about over the past few years," she replied.

"Emperor Maximus, I think his name is" Arianne continued, her voice filled with excitement and curiosity. "He doesn't look like an Emperor. More like a knight."

Tyene smirked. "You're always imagining knights and romantic tales, Arianne. But yes, that's him. The stories say he's conquered cities with dragons and commands legions of loyal warriors."

Arianne leaned against the windowsill, her eyes fixed on Maximus. "He's handsome, I'll give him that. But there's something... strange about him."

Tyene tilted her head thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on Maximus as he paused to inspect a mosaic in the courtyard. "Imagine the adventures he must have had, the battles he's fought."

Arianne shot her cousin a look. "Don't get too attached to a dream, Tyene. Men like him don't settle down with Dornish girls. He's probably here to secure his empire's future, not romance."

Before Tyene could reply, a knock came at the door. A maid entered, bowing slightly. "Princess Arianne, Lady Tyene, Prince Doran requests your presence in the gardens. The emperor has agreed to dine with the family this evening."

Arianne and Tyene exchanged glances. "Well, it seems we'll get a closer look at your mysterious Emperor," Arianne said.

In the gardens, Maximus sat under the shade of a grand weeping willow, its golden leaves shining in the sunlight. Servants moved quietly around, setting a feast that showcased the best of Dorne's culinary delights. Doran, Oberyn, and Elia were already seated, engaging in light conversation while Maximus was talking with Merlin and Lilith about the other seven Kingdoms.

When Arianne and Tyene arrived, Doran immediately stood up to introduce them. "Ah, my daughter, Arianne, and my niece, Tyene," Doran said, gesturing toward them. "Emperor Maximus, allow me to present the next generation of House Martell."

Arianne bowed gracefully, "Emperor Maximus, it is an honor to meet you," she said.

Tyene followed suit, her smile warm. "Welcome to Sunspear, Your Majesty. I hope our hospitality pleases you."

Maximus turned his head slightly. "The honor is mine, Princess Arianne, Lady Tyene. Dorne's beauty is matched only by its people." he said, looking at Elia who blushed and turned away.

Oberyn, ever the mischievous one, grinned. "Careful, Emperor. Flattery like that will have every noble in Dorne vying for your attention."

Maximus chuckled softly, "Diplomacy requires a certain charm, does it not?" he replied causing Oberyn and Doran to burst into laughter. "Indeed, it does."

As the evening progressed, the conversation flowed freely, touching on trade, history, the unique customs of Dorne, and a few things about Maximus. Arianne found herself infatuated by Maximus's stories. Tyene, meanwhile, couldn't help but study him, trying to see what about this person screamed that he was an Emperor. To her he looked more like a knight than an Emperor of an empire.

Meanwhile, one of the attendants had slipped away from the party and into a secluded space. They wrote something down on a piece of paper and tied it to a raven before sending it in the direction of Kingslanding.

About 30 hours later, the raven arrived within the red keep of Kingslanding where Lord Varys had taken the message and read it.

'The Emperor of the Imperial Union has arrived within Sunspear and is having dinner with House Martell. The conversation mainly involved trade between the Imperial Union and Dorne but also touched on alliances and shared ambitions. Emperor Maximus is accompanied by two women rumored to be magic users, one of whom demonstrated her abilities. His arrival has sparked interest among the Martells, particularly in their discussions of the Targaryen claim to the Iron Throne.'

Varys set the message down and leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The emperor's presence in Dorne was an intriguing development, one that could shift the delicate balance of power in Westeros.

He whispered to himself, "What game are you playing, Emperor Maximus?"

Varys's thoughts were interrupted as a knock sounded at his chamber door. A young servant entered and bowed. "My lord, a message from Queen Cersei. She wishes to speak with you at once."

Varys nodded, carefully placing the raven's message into a hidden compartment in his desk. "Inform Her Grace that I will attend to her shortly." As the servant left, Varys allowed himself a moment of reflection. The arrival of the emperor, especially the one with rumored magic and dragons, would undoubtedly alarm the King and the other members of the Small Council.

His little birds and other contacts were able to operate within the Imperial Union, but they don't have much to report on as it was impossible to infiltrate the Imperial Palace in Heaven's Reach. And the other Houses within the Imperial Union didn't have anything of importance that they wanted to know.

He remembers his brief time spent talking to the emperor before when he was just a simple business owner. Never would he have imagined that a simple business owner would carve out his own empire within Essos.

Putting his thoughts aside for the moment, he quickly left to see what the Queen wanted.

———

Back in Dorne, Maximus had spent the last day with the members of House Martell until it was time for him to return to Essos. As he was about to leave Prince Doran had brought up a proposal that surprised Maximus as he was not expecting such a thing.

He offered the hand of his daughter in marriage to unite Dorne and the Imperial Union in marriage which would establish a strong connection between both Dorne and the Imperial Union.

Maximus at first was shocked to hear such an offer but also understood the benefits. Both Lilith and Merlin had whispered in his ears that it was a good offer that would eventually bring Dorne into the hands of the Imperial Union if he was to agree to it.

The only thing Maximus was worried about was her age. Coming from a world where marriage had become a more normal thing for people starting at 18, he was hesitant to accept it since in his mind it was wrong, but for this world it was normal.

So, he proposed that he would consider it once she reaches 20, as long as she stays pure then a Union between their two houses is possible. Prince Doran nodded understanding how ambitious such a proposal was but was glad that it was something that is possible in the future.

After having that brief conversation, Maximus departed on his ship, heading back to Imperial controlled land.