The Legacy

Part 38

Since Arianne and Jovan's departure yesterday, Viserra had not had a moments rest. One by one she gave each member of her guard a specific task. One that was to be done quickly and covertly. Viserra was currently walking the gardens as she did everyday while reading a book in her hands. She forced her posture to be relaxed and at ease, yet inside she was a mess. Her mind raced over everything that must be accounted for, everything she has to do, everyone she has to speak too. Knowing all of it she could not act on it. She had to maintain her routine, so when the news of Doran's health reached the ears and eyes of King's Landing, her and Oberyn's abrupt departure would make sense. Viserra had realized that two days was simply not enough of time to get everything done. She had told Arianne that now was the time for discretion and that was true for them all. In a weeks time from now, an envoy from Dorne will come with the news that Doran had fallen ill. This was the maximum amount of time she allowed herself to decide in such little time, and Oberyn was going to hate it. 

Oberyn had made Viserra vow not to reveal his brother's true condition. It was his instinct to protect his brother's life and reputation. And Viserra understood. If it had been any one of her cousins, she would do the same. Yet because of Oberyn's actions, she now had to do so. She had planned to tell him of this change in plan when he returned back to their apartments, but he had elected to stay in Littlefinger's brothel. This had become an irritating habit of his in King's Landing, one he would have to lose. For now, this small leak of truth would distract the capital from all the movement happening in the shadows.

"My Lady!" a small voice called from behind her. "my lady!" Viserra turned to see a small dirty child run toward her. The little boy couldn't be more than 5 namedays old. "You've dropped this!" his small gloved hand reached upward and presented the stem of hooded violet flowers. Viserra kneeled down and took the cluster of wolfsbane from the child.

"You should wash your hands as a precaution little one" Viserra said sweetly. "Tell him I will meet him within the hour" and handed the boy a few coins.

"Thank you my Lady!" the little bird flew off into the distance.

The message as clear to her. It was always clear when the root of her poisoning appeared. Viserra threw the flowers into a patch of ivy and walked over to the nearest fountain. While her body had developed a tolerance to the poison, her skin still reddened on contact. While many tried to avoid touching this flower, Viserra lost all fear for it. It was just another flower to her. Once the tingling had subsided she placed her book in the statue alcove as she had intended and left the gardens.

Varys was already waiting for her when she entered the cellars of the Red Keep. Viserra and Varys walked in step and silence until they were satisfied in the silence.

"I hear a lot of fluttering from my little birds" Varys turned to face Viserra.

"And what do you hear from the little birds?"

"A princess has come and gone" Varys eyed the woman in front of him. "news from the Sunspear after weeks of nothing. And..." he paused for a moment looking cautiously.

"and?" she prompted.

"a prince to be a champion to a lion" Varys' tone was careful and inquisitive. Yet Viserra's reaction answered any question he had.

"When?" she seethed.

"Last night" Viserra turned to leave before Varys continued. "My dear be rational" and Viserra whipped back around. "Cool heads prosper farther than rash decisions"

"Do they now?" she scoffed. "A rash decision is all I have for you." Viserra violet eyes pulsed. "It happens tonight. You may chose your involvement, but it gets done tonight" she said nothing more as she stormed out. The crowds parted for her as she made her way to the Street of Silk. No one in the establishment dared to step in her path as she stood in the foyer. She turned to the scantily clad woman.