"What do you think?" Qoren asked as he looked to his daughter, her gaze focused on the young Stark accompanying the Lord Hand himself.
Coryanne was silent for a moment as her fingers traced the bowl of sand she had in hand before replying, "The Mother says that he is more trustworthy than the Drowned One's chosen. She says that the Old Gods has chosen a good host."
"What does that mean for us?"
"He will not try to attack us and me for my abilities."
"That's a much better option than Dalton," Qoren murmured, watching as his son and the Stark conversed happily with each other.
He could see the charisma the young man exude, being able to make his son smile when he knew how reserved he was around people and other lords he just met.
While he was not as much of a threat right now, Qoren could see him becoming quite the enemy in the future if Dorne were to ever declare themselves as the Targaryen's enemy.
'Although we are not thinking of becoming enemies, it is best to talk things out and make sure he knows that,' Qoren thought before turning to his daughter as she cleared her throat.
"What is it, daughter?"
"Mother Rhoyne says that he is here not as a Stark, but as the representative of the Old Gods and to treat him as such."
"I see. Does she warn of danger?"
"No, only caution. He is not an enemy, but he is one that can shape them. His magic is unlike that of Dalton Greyjoy as it originates from the purity of the Old Ones and not the cold depths of the sea like the Drowned One."
"If that is the case, then we should treat him as the esteemed guest that he is. Aliandra?"
"Yes, Father?" his eldest daughter and heir asked from where she sat next to his desk, Qoren unfazed by her lack of decorum as he gestured for her to come closer.
As she stood up and walked to standing beside them, he simply gestured to the young Stark before speaking, "I want to hear nothing of your tricks when it comes to Lord Stark. From what I hear, he is a loyal husband and I do not wish to antagonize him by you trying to sleep with him."
"Hmm, that will be tough considering that he is one of the most desired lords in the Seven Kingdoms thanks to the tales of his unique capabilities."
"I do not care how tough it is. Do not do anything lest you wish to pull Dorne into a conflict we do not need."
"I tease, Father. I am not that foolish," Aliandra replied with a mischievous smile, one that Qoren knew all too well. "I know better than to toy with the husband of a Targaryen princess."
"She is also a chosen, but hers has not been made," Coryanne replied, making both Qoren and Aliandra pause as they turn to her.
"Helaena Targaryen? She is also a Chosen?"
"Yes, though her god has not made their connection. Once he does, she will come to light."
"Wonderful, a handsome and kind lord who is also devoted to a future chosen of the gods above. Truly, the world mocks me."
"Remember, Aliandra, treat him with respect from a polite distance and nothing more," Qoren replied with a piercing stare, narrowing his eyes when she smirked.
"Of course, Father. However, I will reserve the right to admire from afar. After all, I am Dornish."
"The Mother says lust blinds the wise."
"Tell Mother Rhoyne that she blessed Dorne with beauty so she cannot complain when we use it," Aliandra shot back, Coryanne just giving a shrug as Qoren pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Aliandra, please."
"Fine~I won't try to seduce him. You have my word, Father," she replied, walking out of the room with a smirk.
"...She didn't say she wouldn't seduce him. She just said she wouldn't try."
"Which means that she believes she can," Qoren murmured, wondering what he had done to deserve the headache for an heir that he had.
Ah, right. This is just the gods' punishment to him for Dorne not joining the Targaryens.
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'In a next life, I want to be Dornish,' I thought with a happy smile as I ate a Shish kebab, the spicy peppers giving me that wonderful burn while Otto looked like he was sweating from just the one piece he bought.
"A-Ahem! I-It appears that Dornish cuisine still does not agree with me even after all of these years."
"I understand, Lord Hand. Not many can stomach the heat of the spices like Lord Torrhen," Qyle replied, the prince turning to me as I devoured another piece. "Are you sure that you have not been to Dorne before, Lord Torrhen?"
"Not once in my life, Prince Qyle. It appears that my stomach is simply blessed by the gods to enjoy all forms of cuisine.."
"Do remember those words when you are relieving yourself by tonight," Qyle spoke with an amused smile, making me chuckle as Otto choked on his water.
"Ahem! Please, do remember your decorum when out in public, Lord Stark."
"Of course, Lord Hand," I nodded, finishing the kebab with a pleased hum before looking around. "So, I hear that the Ironborn are currently in Dorne."
"Yes, though they keep to the shadow city you see around us," Qyle replied and I nodded as I glanced at the labyrinth of a city we were in.
Qyle, Otto and I were having our meals at one of the stalls on the path that lead straight from the harbour and through the three Winding Walls to the palace.
Moving outwards from said path was the shadow city, both the residence of half of Sunspear's population as well as the city guards making use of it.
The rest of the population lived in the sun-kissed homes and inns of Sunspear built outside the Winding Walls or at the homes on the port.
"What of Lord Qoren? Is he eager to meet us?" Otto asked, making me turn back to see Qyle's smile as he nodded.
"Of course. It is very rare that the Lord Hand comes this far south to talk to the ruler of Dorne let alone bring the Lord of House Stark with him."
"The Lord of House Stark is my uncle. I am nothing more than a simple Lord Stark," I replied, leaning back in my seat while cleaning the oil from my hands.
"Ah, apologies. We of Dorne are not that well versed in the other titles and politics of those outside our country."
"No need to worry. I myself am unfamiliar with Dorne's politics so as I correct you, I will have you to correct me too."
"Hmm, that is a favourable outcome to us both," Qyle murmured, to which I nodded before I noticed a servant in fine, flowing clothing walking up to us.
The guards seem to recognize the man as they let him pass, the man leaning close to Qyle and whispering something into his ear. Whatever it was must have been good as Qyle smiled and nodded before turning to us.
"Well, it appears that my father is finally ready for that meeting. Apologies that you had to wait here, Lord Hand, Lord Stark."
"Oh, it is of no worry. It is good for one to take in the warm air of Dorne under its sun," Otto replied, but I knew he was irritated at the fact that we had to sit in the heat.
Still, I said nothing, simply standing up and following after the two men as we made our way to the palace.
Thanks to the pathway we followed, it didn't take long for us to do so and I admired the palace that was built around the flagship of the fleet that brought Nymeria and her people to this country.
"Prince Qyle?"
"Yes?"
"Is it better to call your house just House Martell or House Nymeros-Martell?"
"Either works for us, though House Martell is better since it is shorter. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I liked to address others by the respectful names and titles."
"Hmm, I see," Qyle murmured, though I saw the pleased look in his eyes as he turned forward. Glancing at Otto saw the man's pleased glance as he gave a subtle nod.
I just smiled back before turning forward, following Qyle up the steps and towards the doors.
"I bring the honoured guests to meet with my father."
"Of course, my prince. Open," the lead guard spoke to the ones next to the doors, who saluted before turning and opening the doors.
As we entered into an extravagant and large entrance hall that had marbled flooring with House Martell's banners hanging everywhere, my gaze moved to the back of the room.
Prince Qoren Martell sat upon a throne placed on dais, a calm yet pleased smile on his face as Qyle walked towards him.
Both of his daughters flanked him and I was more focused on the young girl holding a bowl of shifting sand in her hands than the older woman on Qoren's right that had a dangerous smirk on her face.
'Yeah, she's trouble,' I thought, meeting Aliandra's stare and she smirked as I bowed in greeting.
"Father, may I present Lord Otto Hightower, Hand to her Grace the Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Lord Torrhen II Stark, lord husband to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen."
"Thank you, son," Qoren replied and Qyle moved off to the side as Otto and I along with our small group of guards stepped forward.
I didn't miss Anne's thread of Aether as she sat in the rafters above and neither did Coryanne, the two of us looking back at each other with matching smirks.
"Welcome to Sunspear, Lord Hand, and welcome to you as well, Lord Stark. Dorne is honoured by your presence."
"It is an honour to be here, Prince Qoren," Otto replied, giving a polite bow which I mirrored. "I would also like to apologize on behalf of her Grace Queen Rhaenyra as she was preoccupied with important business elsewhere."
"That is understandable. I can only assume how busy the life of a queen is," Qoren replied, his gaze moving to me. "Lord Stark, I hear that you have fallen in love with Dornish cuisine."
"It is a stark contrast from the North's and yet, I can't help but enjoy it," I replied, the man chuckling at my words before nodding.
"If you enjoy the food from the stalls, then you will most definitely enjoy the food made by our greatest chefs for my daughter's birthday."
"I look forward to it."
"It shall be a grandiose feast, then," the man replied and I nodded before he turned to Otto. "Your rooms have been prepared, Lord Hand, so I will ask my daughters to escort you to your suites."
"Ah, wonderful. Apologies, but it has been a long trip and I am not as spry as I used to be."
"Completely understandable, Lord Hand. Please, enjoy Sunspear," the man spoke with a smile and Otto and I bowed, the two of us following Aliandra and Coryanne out the door to our left.
Aliandra walked ahead with a relaxed stride, her silk dress swaying with each step while Coryanne drifted beside her.
"Lord Hand, your suite is first," Aliandra announced and I blinked as we paused in front of a carved wooden door, Otto having a flicker of relief in his eyes as cool air rushed past us.
Huh, must be some kind of architectural trick with vents and stone.
"My thanks, princess," he spoke with a smile, which she returned along with a bow as we watched him enter the room.
A quarter of his guard entered the room as well while half of them stood in front of the door, leaving the other quarter to follow after me as I followed after Aliandra and Coryanne.
"Lord Stark, your room is further down and provides quite the fine view."
"Aliandra"
"Oh, nothing more than being hospitable, Coryanne," I raised an eyebrow at the flirtatious tone in Aliandra's voice, but didn't say anything and decided to just ignore it.
Either Qoren had asked her to try and get into my good graces or she wants to do so herself. Neither mattered to me though as I was more focused on Dalton and the problems he brought with him.
"I am simply saying that you promised Father."
"I know. I am not going to drag a married lord to my bed."
"You said you wouldn't try and not that you would do it," Coryanne corrected, making me raise an eyebrow as Aliandra muttered something under her breath.
"Stay vigilant," I whispered to the guards beside me, all of whom nodded as we reached a pair of ornate double doors carved with serpents on the side.
"Your suite, Lord Stark," Aliandra spoke with a smile as I walked through the doors, the cool air flowing over me as I stared at the flowing silk curtains and the balcony overlooking the sea beside Sunspear.
"This is impressive," I spoke honestly, the guards moving to the windows and the bathroom to make sure it was all clear while taking their positions.
"Sunspear does not do modesty when it comes to honoured guests."
"I can certainly not deny that," I murmured, but my gaze was focused on the seas as I saw the Drowned One's gaze focused on me.
'No, not me. Her,' I thought as I glanced at Coryanne, who was also looking at the sea with a frown before she tapped a finger against the sand in the bowl.
Immediately, the Aether of Sunspear twisted and I watched as a wave of scorching wind burst out from the palace, the Drowned One's gaze fading away.
"Hmm, you see it too?" I asked, now fully staring at Coryanne as she nodded.
"Yes, the Drowned One has been fixated on me ever since his Chosen arrived."
"Where is the Lord Greyjoy if I may ask?"
"Mostly in the shadow city brothels. He only comes to Sunspear once a day to see if the chosen of the Old Ones has arrived."
"So, he was waiting for me?"
"Yes. After all, the one to win the trials will win my allegiance," Coryanne replied and while I wanted to ask more, I paused as the girl turned and left the room.
"Apologies for her. She likes to say stuff and then leave with no explanation whatsoever," Aliandra spoke and I chuckled before shaking my head.
"It's quite alright, princess Aliandra. I do look forward to the celebration feast if only to enjoy the food."
"Not the company?" she asked with an innocent smile, my gaze fixed on her eyes even as one of the silk cloths that covered her cleavage dropped slightly.
"I would not mind the company, but yes, mostly the food."
"Hmm, do enjoy your stay, Lord Stark," she replied with a smile, turning and leaving the room with her hips swaying slightly.
I just didn't stare and turned, taking a deep breath before exhaling softly.
"If it's any help, my lord, you did better against a Dornish woman than most married lords we've guarded," one of the guards spoke up and I laughed as the others nodded in agreement.
"That's what worries me. After all, a woman that can't have what she desires will burnt he world down to acquire it."
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"HE HAS ARRIVED," the Drowned One rasped from the shadows and Dalton raised an eyebrow from where he was sitting on a bed. Beside him lay five women, each in a state of delirium and bliss as the shadows of the room fucked them.
"Torrhen Stark? He's here?"
"IN THE CENTRE OF THE WOMAN'S PROTECTION. I CANNOT APPROACH."
"Huh, guess Rhoyne really doesn't want you anywhere near her palace," Dalton murmured, putting a pair of pants back on while leaving the women to suffer with their shadows.
Walking out of the room while throwing on his cloak, he grinned as his men were having the time of their life. Unfortunately, he had to end their fun and with a clap of his hands, they all paused and looked to him.
"Dry your cocks and get up, men! It's time we went to work!"
"Not even a few more minutes, captain?" One of his crew asked, the others looking just as hopeful as Dalton paused.
"Ah, why not? Fine, half an hour more, but then we're done!"
"Aye-aye, captain!" the crew saluted and Dalton cackled before turning and walking back into the room with a grin.
Well, since his crew were enjoying themselves, he might as well.
A/N: Yeah, sorry for the very very late upload, but we had some power connection problems that resulted in the power of the city turning on and off for about six hours so I decided to just leave the updates lest I fuck up with the upload process.
Anyway, Dalton knows that Torrhen is here and next chapter, the two finally meet after the wedding.
As always, read, enjoy, review and until the next one...
Ba-Bye~!