Bringing the Dawn

LXVI.

Arianne Nymeros-Martell

The Narrow Sea, 301 AC

It was clear to her the moment she had seen her father again that she was not wanted in Sunspear. Even if Prince Doran kept his face as passive as always, she knew him and could pick apart every little bit of the language of his body. His bottom lip was ever so slightly pulled within but not far enough to show his teeth, and she had caught the way he was looking over her like she didn't even exist in the first place. It took everything in her not to call him out on it right there and then.

At least it wasn't just herself getting the same treatment. Having walked within the walls to see Myrcella Waters walking through the many halls with her youngest brother. Since she had been sent to spend time with her mother she had not seen the girl, eyes widening ever so slightly at just how lovely she was now. With her golden curls falling to the middle of her back and eyes such a pale shade of green they looked like peridots. Of course, everyone knew she wasn't just supposed to wed her youngest brother, she was a hostage and to the Lannister's seen as 'good will' for what they had done to her aunt.

Yet Arianne had some fun the few days she had remained there. Only remaining long enough for the banners to be called, responses to arrive and to plan out the impending attack on Storm's End. It made sense, to take out the main Seat in the Stormland's because it would cause them to further scatter to try and pick up the pieces. Smaller pieces were much easier to smash to dust than one large piece. The Stormland's would fall which would leave only the Westerland's and the Vale to fall into line. Once they did, then they would be in a much greater position to make the final steps.

Or so Jon Connington said.

The man got under her skin on many occasions. Not even attempting to hide the way he sneered at her which according to her uncle was an expression he had cast towards her aunt on many occasions. All because the man was too prudent to admit to himself he wanted Rhaegar to fuck him and anyone who did get the privilege of doing so did not deserve such a thing. That had been one of many things she had taken great pleasure in, waiting until the man was just in earshot before speaking to Oberyn about how in Dorne such activities were not looked down upon. Every time without fail he would pretend to not be listening before storming from the room in complete anger.

The second fun she was having was getting to see Ser Arys once again. Her father catching them abed had been the final nail which led to her being unofficially exiled and they had picked up right where they had left off. This further angering the Chicken as her uncle had taken to calling him for dishonouring herself and her husband so openly. Aegon didn't mind, in fact, he had said to her so long as it wasn't too obvious she could find entertainment wherever she wished.

Lastly, seeing her other cousins again had been her fun. Little Elia and Loreza running to her as she picked them up in an arm each and swung them around. Both laughing loudly as they did so before asking for her to put them both down. Sarella was still in Oldtown which was a shame but they would see one another again some day. Tyene immediately realising what she was doing and joining in with her which only annoyed the Chicken and her father even more. The first night back Nymeria had even smuggled in some young snakes from the many bushes she had caught and they had set them loose in the portion of the guest quarters that housed who they did not like.

It felt good, she felt like a little girl again which she hadn't for a long time. One day Dorne would be hers by rights and given how frail her father had gotten would be sooner rather than later. Even if she had to fight tooth and nail for it, she would. Dorne did not follow Andal law and instead followed Rhoynar law. Women were seen as equals and she was the eldest daughter. Quentyn wasn't pleased by her shows which were also undermining him, but that was expected as he wholly believed Dorne would be his.