Royal Salvation [Game of Thrones]

Chapter IV - The Sun's Protégé

Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken.

Elias Martell POV

"I heard you have means to travel, nephew." Elias smirked at his Uncle, mischievous intent swarming irises of chestnut.

He's going to argue against this.

"I will sail to slavers bay, I hear Daenerys Targaryen, has managed to gather an army, I wish to know her intentions." Oberyn tutted the notion interrupting sound silence, a vindictive finger pointing toward the younger man,

"You do recall what happened to the last Martell that swore an oath to a Targaryen, correct?" Elias' gaze locked heavily with his Uncle, the man's grief still prominent amongst his aged complexion,

"Daenerys Targaryen is not her brother, nor her farther, and I will not bend the knee to Lannisters who gave the order for her execution, nor the Baratheons who started the war, nor the Tyrell's who sided with a mad man." His voice was harsh, unapologetic, ignoring Oberyn's attempt to defend his position,

"I am Elias Martell of Dorne, Prince and future ruler of this nation. You may cower behind these walls, Uncle, but I will sail to her, and if she is as the rumours tell her to be, I will give her my loyalty." The elder man sighed, collapsing into a strew chair, the oak reciting its struggles,

"I sometimes forget how alike you and Elia are, I apologise nephew, but I cannot trust the Targaryens, even one with her reputation." Elias nodded sympathetic towards his Uncles sorrow,

"I understand Uncle, truly, but you cannot expect me to remain within the castle walls ignoring the plagues of the world, as my father has done since the usurper won his battles." Oberyn nodded with a conceded sigh, embracing his nephew,

"Promise me you will return, that I will not receive a letter of your death or summons to your funeral." Elias nodded with a wolffish smirk, arms outstretched confidently,

I'm slightly offended at his lack of faith in my abilities.

"I've had a great mentor, they'll have a hard time killing me."

~~~~~~~~~~

"My Prince, she rides for Meereen." The Martell Prince nodded thankfully toward the woman, gold landing in her palm graciously,

"Thank you for you services Lillian," He meandered through seas of crew, the waves delivering a cooling mist that would keep the harsh rays of heat placid against his sun kissed skin.

"I'm rather curious my Prince." Elias' gaze travelled toward his travelling companion, Ser Cassius, a deceptive smirk tugging at his lips,

"About?" The Knight chuckled quietly, his armour grating against the weight of itself,

"Why you chose to side with a Targaryen, for all intensive purposes you could have sided easily with the Stark boy, he has been declared King in the North after all." Elias shook his head, watching the shrill waves pushing against the boat absentmindedly,

"Do you know what they say of Daenerys Targaryen?" The Knight shook his head honestly, he wasn't dutifully bound to listening to idle whispers, and therefore wouldn't partake.

"No, my Prince, other than her marriage to Khal Drogo, I know almost nothing of her." Elias nodded calloused digits fiddling idly with gold,

"They say that she bought eight thousand unsullied men, and gave them the choice to lay down their sword and walk away, without consequence, they say that she sacked a city of its slave owners and freed the slaves, they say that she is the kindest ruler many have known." Words escaped his mouth without warrant, nor his observation as his mind drifted,

"And do you believe them?" Elias shrugged, rumours had served him well, yet some proved to be creatively entwined with truth.

"I hope they prove true, but I can't know, Targaryen's are as well known for their kindness as they are their madness."

~~~~~~~~~~

Horses galloped relentlessly, clouds of debris evaporating through heavy air.

Orange embers danced the encampment, the sight impressive to the eyes of men absent of war, inexperienced in battle.

Their stallions drew nearer, threatening to breach the perimeter, "There going to take us prisoner." Elias smirked knowingly, the experience sparkling within mischievous eyes,

"I know." His Knight observed him, fractionally fearful,

"That's doesn't frighten you, my Prince?" The man shrugged, dismounting his steed, allowing the animal to graze freely, at the confines of a wooden post.

"I've charmed my way from worse situations." He walked freely into the camp, until his hands were restricted to stiffly remain at his back, Ser Cassius demoted to the same state,

"I hope to the Gods your fucking right, Elias."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Who are you?" Glares burnt holes into Elias, his wolffish grin, further delving him beyond civil conversation,

Gods she's a beautiful woman.

"Elias Martell, your Grace." Ser Jorah glowered at the Prince, sword raised itching to draw blood,

"Martell, I did not know any Martell's ventured this far beyond beyond Dornish land." The man chuckled deeply coyly as the woman spoke,

"We don't usually, however your reputation has attracted my interest." Daenerys cocked a brow, her curiosity overbearing,

"My reputation?" Elias nodded his gaze hardening at the sight of Ser Jorahs righteousness, even in the face of his Westerosi reputation,

"Yes, your grace, I have been told of your kindness, your mercy and your desire to eradicate the suffering of the people, I came to ask if it was true." The young dragon, watched him cautiously her eyes boring into Elias' own bronze irises.

"You came all this way to ask if I was as the rumours tell you." Elias shrugged with a playful grin,

"I came all this way to ask, if you are as the rumours tell you to be, the alliance of House Martell and Dorne would be offered." Ser Barristan turned to address Daenerys his council pleading her to consider,

"Your grace, the aid of House Martell could mean the difference between you winning and losing this war for the Iron throne." Daenerys nodded silently her curious gaze watching Elias,

"And how do I prove I am as the rumours say?" Elias stood, Ser Jorahs blade etching closer to his exposed skin,

"You allow me to remain with you, I will offer my services as a warrior and councillor where appropriate, but you allow me to observe and make a decision of my own."