Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

23. In Sickness

Joellyn was almost finished getting ready for the rest of her day when she heard a knock on her door.  It seemed a little too early for Oberyn to be arriving, so Joellyn rushed to her door because she was not sure who it could have been.  When she opened the door, she was happy to see that it was Sansa.

"Sansa," Joellyn exclaimed hugging her, "I was not expecting you.  I'm happy to see you!"

Sansa smiled and entered Joellyn's room, "I was not sure if you would be busy or not.  Lord Tyrion told me that Oberyn Martell has arrived in King's Landing."

Joellyn nodded, "He has.  He was at the wedding yesterday.  We just so happend to meet each other at the ceremony."

Sansa sat down at the small table in Joellyn's room, "What do you think of him so far?"

Joellyn joined her saying, "I'm not really sure so far.  He is terribly handsome and can sure talk sweetly.  I just don't know what his intentions are."

Sansa cocked her head, "What do you mean, Joellyn?"

Joellyn shrugged, "Oberyn does not have a good history with my family.  Part of me is worried that he only agreed to marry me so that he can exact some sort of revenge.  He almost said so much himself, but said his is 'intrigued' by me and has chosen to reconsider."

Sansa furrowed her eyebrows, "I am surprised that you and he have talked about this already.  When did you have so much time to talk to him?"

Joellyn shook her head, not really wanting to tell Sansa about her training she has been doing, "Just yesterday evening at the feast and for a while after.  Alcohol apparently makes me too talkative."

Sansa laughed softly and nodded, "It does so with your brother as well, apparently."

Joellyn groaned, "Oh Sansa, I was so horrified at his behavior last night."

Sansa shook her head, "He did not want yesterday any more than I did.  I cannot blame him."

Joellyn smiled at her sadly, "I wish it were different for you," then paused an awkward moment before asking, "Was Tyrion kind to you?"

Shockingly, Sansa smiled, "Joellyn, Tyrion was so kind.  He could tell how nervous I was and how much I was just going through the motions.  He told me he would not share my bed until I was fully ready."

Joellyn smiled brightly, "Sansa, I know you do not love Tyrion, but I told you that he was going to be good to you."

Sansa nodded shyly, "He is being very kind so far.  I..."

But Sansa's next thought was cut off by a knock on the door.  This time it probably was Oberyn.  Joellyn told Sansa, "Give me a moment, please," then went to answer the door after Sansa nodded in response.

Joellyn opened the door and smiled a little more brightly than she intened to when Oberyn greeted her, "Hello again, my princess," then kissed her softly on the cheek.

Joellyn tucked her hair behind her ear shylyn, "Hello Prince Oberyn.  Please allow me to introduce my dear friend, Sansa."

Oberyn smiled and bowed politely, "Hello, the new Lady Lannister.  Allow me to offer Dorne's congratulations and well wishes for a happy marriage."

Sansa had risen and crossed the room to join them, "I am pleased to meet you, Prince Oberyn.  It is nice to know who my friend, I guess sister now, will be married to."

"Yes," Oberyn responded, "And you will be my sister someday as well.  I look forward to knowing you."

At this Oberyn turned to Joellyn and said, "I believe I must apolgoize, my princess.  Your father caught me on my way to you and has offered me a seat on the small council to represent Dorne.  I have also been informed that we will be meeting in a few moments.  So I must, with regrets, cancel our day together.  Besides, it seesms like you would enjoy your day with your new sister."