HEIR OF THE DRAGON

CHAPTER 9

No one had ever claimed Lalisa Manoban was a great writer. Her tutors had despaired of her calligraphy and when they assigned her compositions, she frequently cajoled Roseanne into completing them while she went flying on Syrax. Not this time though. This time, she'd been at her desk for some time, trying to find the right words. This message was too important not to take seriously.

My Beloved Father,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. Here at Sunspear, Prince Qoren has proven to be a gracious host. He has his complaints about the Iron Throne to be sure but I don't believe he truly desires war, especially now that my uncle and the Velaryons have joined the conflict. Rather, what he wants is to use the possibility of his involvement to gain concessions in Dornish Marches. Maester Tylin will send a separate letter with the details; please advise me how you wish to proceed.

Politics aside, Roseanne and I have enjoyed our time here. In addition to the usual feasts and balls, I've taken the opportunity of my visit to learn a little about how to handle a blade. It may not be the most lady-like pursuit but it's the custom in Dorne for both men and women to know how to defend themselves, especially if they're alphas. Besides, I will be queen one day and Syrax won't always be there to protect me. Though Roseanne doesn't like the heat very much, she has appreciated the chance to learn about the perspective of the septons here on marriages like ours. Perhaps when we return, she can enlighten those at court who currently object to them.

Finally, I have a piece of news to share that I know will make you happy and perhaps even lighten Ser James's foul mood a bit...

****

Earlier That Day:

Lalisa reclined on the couch, enjoying the feel of warm air on her skin. Unlike many in their party, she felt at home in the Dornish sun and after spending the morning training with spear and dagger, it was pleasant to lay back and soak it in along with a nice cup of wine.

The only thing that would make it better was Roseanne but her wife had been absent from their chambers when she returned. Still, the servants had informed her that Roseanne hadn't left the castle, so Lalisa wasn't worried. She'd see her soon enough, and in the meantime, the dry Dornish wine along with the lovely view of the ocean was enough to content her.

She was near the end of her cup when her wife finally joined her on the balcony. Although Roseanne still avoided the more daring Dornish styles, she'd adopted some of the local fashions and today she looked radiant in a blue dress fringed with silver that left her arms bare and showed enough cleavage to entice the alpha even more than usual.

"Roseanne," she said with a grin. "Come join me. I wasn't sure about this Dornish red at first but it's really grown on me."

Her wife sat next to her on the couch but rather than pouring herself a cup, she put a hand on Lalisa's back, rubbing it affectionately. The alpha turned to give her a kiss and Roseanne drew it out, taking Lalisa's face in her hands and drinking her in for a long time before she let go.

"What was that for?"

Roseanne gave her a coy smile. "Can't I just enjoy kissing you?"

"Of course. But it still feels like something's going on."

"You know me too well." Roseanne took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you, Lalisa. I was just visiting with Maester Tylin. I'm pregnant."

Too stunned to find the right words, she pulled Roseanne into her arms, holding her tight against her chest. "Oh Roseanne," she finally got out. "Oh my love."