Viper | Oberyn Martell

9

The bells of King's Landing ring joyfully to celebrate the wedding day of King Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister, and Lady Margery of House Tyrell. The Dornish sit in attendance, each with a look of disdain on their face. Ellaria tries her best to hide it, but Oberyn doesn't even bother. Yasmin, however, is hardly present for the ceremony, her mind is consumed with the conspiracy theory about her lover's death.

That Ser Edrick was murdered in cold blood.

The celebration that follows is extravagant and pompous, a sheer display of wealth and power as Oberyn, Yasmin and Ellaria remain side by side. The Prince guides them to watch the woman contort her body in ways unimaginable. He smiles and looks over to his wife, of whom seems to be in her own little world.

From the head table, the Queen-Mother sees the Dornish Princess from the corner of her eye, her body immediately tensing and searching for the comforting gaze of her brother, whom sees the Princess as well. For they know the cold truth, and they will gladly take it to their graves.

" Eat, my darling," Ellaria purrs as she gently places a grape into Yasmin's mouth.

" I'm afraid I have no appetite," Yasmin speaks softly.

The bastard gently strokes her silky smooth hair," What is going on in that beautiful little head of yours?"

But Yasmin doesn't give a response. Instead, she locks eyes with Oberyn, of whom knows all too well. He knows the conspiracy that plagues the mind of his wife, and though he may be consumed by hatred of the Lannisters, he is not wrong to assume they had part in Ser Edrick's death.

" Your Grace. Lord Tywin," Prince Oberyn greets as he approaches the Lannisters with his wife and lover.

" Prince Oberyn."

" I don't believe you have met Yasmin," He kisses his wife's forehead," Nor have you met Ellaria. This is the Lord Hand Tywin Lannister, and Cersei Lannister, the Queen Regent. I suppose it is former Queen Regent now. Lord Hand and Lady Cersei, Princess Yasmin of House Dayne, and Ellaria Sand."

All Yasmin is able to muster is a bow of her head, but Ellaria gives them both a proper and formal greeting.

" Can't say I've ever met a Sand before," Cersei utters.

A silence falls over the group as Yasmin visibly tenses. Oberyn's hand is quick to intertwine with hers to provide her some sense of comfort.

" We are everywhere in Dorne," Ellaria says," I have 10,000 brothers and sisters."

" Bastards are born of passion, aren't they?" Oberyn asks," We don't despise them in Dorne."

" No? How tolerant of you," Cersei sighs.

" I expect it is a relief, Lady Cersei, giving up your regal responsibilities," Oberyn remarks," Wearing the crown for so many years must have left your neck a bit crooked."

" I suppose you'll never know, Prince Oberyn," Cersei remarks right back," It's a shame your older brother couldn't attend the wedding."

" Please give him our regards," Tywin interjects," With any luck, the gout will abate with time and he will be able to walk again."

" They call it the rich man's disease. A wonder you don't have it," The Princes utters.

" Noblemen in my part of the country don't enjoy the same lifestyle as our counterparts in Dorne."

" People everywhere have their differences. In some places, the highborn frown upon those of low birth. In other places, the rape and murder of women, children, and knights is considered distasteful. What a fortunate thing for you, former Queen Regent, that your daughter Myrcella has been sent to live in the latter sort of place."