Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 19: explore

The morning sun bathed the city of Dorne in a golden glow, the streets coming alive with the sounds of vendors setting up their stalls and the distant hum of the sea. Ashara stepped out into the warm air, her thoughts still lingering on the encounter with Cregan the night before. His offer to join him on his ship had been tempting, but she had other plans for the day—plans that included exploring the city and gathering her thoughts.

The streets of Dorne were as vibrant as she remembered, with colorful banners fluttering in the breeze and the scent of spices and sea salt filling the air. As she made her way through the crowded market, Ashara couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were on her. Whispers followed her every step, though she couldn't catch the words. Her paranoia grew with each passing moment, the weight of the letter she had received still fresh in her mind.

She moved through the market with purpose, but her thoughts were a tangled web of fear and uncertainty. The memory of the letter's threat haunted her, a reminder that her secret was no longer safe. She knew she had to be careful, but the more she tried to blend in, the more she felt the eyes of the common folk watching her.

As she passed by a stall selling exotic fruits, a voice called out to her from behind. "Ashara!"

She turned to find Cregan approaching, his confident stride parting the crowd as he made his way toward her. His hair, dark and tousled, caught the light, and the hint of a smirk played on his lips. He looked every bit the arrogant Northern lord, and Ashara couldn't deny the thrill that ran through her at the sight of him.

"Out enjoying the sights?" he asked, his voice carrying a teasing lilt as he came to stand beside her.

"Something like that," Ashara replied, her tone equally playful. "And what about you? Shouldn't you be on your ship, barking orders at your crew?"

Cregan chuckled, leaning in just enough for his breath to brush against her ear. "I could be. But I'd much rather spend my time with you. Besides, I wanted to see if you'd take me up on my offer."

Ashara tilted her head, feigning contemplation. "Which offer would that be? You've made quite a few."

"The one that involves my ship, my beauty," Cregan replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I've got the finest wine in all of Westeros waiting for us, and perhaps a few other pleasures as well."

Ashara couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. "You really think you can tempt me with wine and a few sweet words?"

"I've tempted you with less," Cregan shot back, his grin widening. "But I think you'll find my company more than satisfactory."

For a moment, Ashara considered his words. The idea of leaving the market, leaving behind the prying eyes and the whispers, was more appealing than she cared to admit. And the thought of spending more time with Cregan, of exploring the depths of their connection, was a temptation she found difficult to resist.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice low and inviting. "Take me to your ship. Let's see if your wine is as good as you claim."

Cregan's smile was triumphant as he offered her his arm. "You won't be disappointed, Ashara. I'll see to that personally."

As they made their way through the bustling streets, Ashara couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. She had always been in control, always the one to lead, but there was something about Cregan's confidence, his arrogance, that made her want to see how far he would go to keep up with her. And as they neared the docks, she knew that this was only the beginning.