Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken

Chapter Five: Competition

Staring at herself in the mirror, Amara couldn't help but smile to herself pleased with how things had gone the night before; the banquet had been a success as far as she was concerned.

The entire night Amara was very aware that Oberyn had been watching her, not even Ellaria Sand had been able to pull his attention away from her; it had pleased Amara that she had made to attract his attention.

It gave her hope that when they were married that she might stand a chance to drive his mistress away; there was no way that she would stand around and be put aside for another woman.

Leaning back in her chair, Amara was relieved that she was in the safety of her chambers while she thought through her plan to secure her husband's affections.

Herit was the only lady in her service that Amara was certain that she could trust; the others had been put in place by Doran and her brother, likely to spy on her.

Amara was aware that her position wasn't safe, she couldn't trust any of those around and her future husband wasn't likely to offer her any support while distracted by his mistress.

Closing her eyes, Amara wished that her father was still alive, he had been her greatest support when he had been alive; she wished that he was here now to offer her advice.

Herit worked in silence while she brushed Amara's hair, her heart going out to her lady and she cursed Ammett for sending his sister in the Viper's nest like this.

He had set his sister up to fail, there was always a chance that Oberyn would forsake his wife once he had married her for his mistress and it would break Amara if that happened.

No matter how strong Amara tried to be, Herit knew that she would never recover should her husband choose another woman over her.

Amara had always talked about what she wanted her life to be like, she wanted a marriage like her parents had; they had been a love much and had adored each other until her mother had died.

It had devasted her father and Amara had done her best to comfort him during that dark time, it was the reason that her father had never pushed for her to marry so Lord; he knew it wasn't what she wanted.

"Perhaps we should take a walk in the gardens this afternoon," Amara suggested breaking the silence, she wished to enjoy her time at the gardens and she knew that everything was in place for her wedding to Prince Oberyn.

It was to be a grand affair from what she was told, and Amara was surprised with how quick everything was falling into place; Prince Doran had announced just that morning that she would be married to Oberyn in exactly a week's time.

He was certain that it would give Amara time to settle into her new home and prepare a dress that would be suitable for her wedding to a Prince; she was a little relieved that she had brought a little something with her.

Most ladies, Amara was sure would want to wear a dress of their own design for their wedding, but Amara had made her decision long ago and she was sticking with it.

Her eyes drifted from her own reflection in the mirror before her to the reflection of the gown that she had brought from Fairmarsh.

Ammett didn't know she had it, she was sure he would be furious when he discovered that she had taken it, but she didn't care; their father had said that she could wear it on her wedding day if she liked.

The golden material glittered in the sunlight from her window and made Amara smile; the dress had been her mother's and she was sure that it would make her mother happy if she wore it to marry a Prince.

***

Looking out across the gardens, Oberyn found his gaze firmly fixed on the woman that his brother had determined would be his bride; he still wasn't sure what to make of her after last night.

Again, the veil blocked his view of her face and Oberyn was left more curious about the rumours that surrounded the Lady Amara; he had even approached a couple of the guards that had come with her from Fairmarsh.

They had all confirmed the rumours about the lady's beauty and the conversation had only left Oberyn with more questions than answers about his bride.

"Papa," Loreza Sand called rushing over to her father, she was so thrilled that her mother had brought her to see him; she knew he was often busy and she didn't get to see him much.

Ducking down to pick up his youngest daughter, Oberyn only glanced at her mother who smiled at him as she walked further into his rooms.

After the banquet last night, Ellaria hadn't been pleased with the fact that he had spent most of it staring at his bride; she hated that the other woman had such power over him already.

She feared that it wouldn't be long before she found herself tossed to the side, her daughters ignored by their father in favour of whatever child that his wife could give him.

"What brings you here sweetling?" Oberyn asked his eyes watching Ellaria for a moment before he focused on Loreza, she was such a sweet little girl and she reminded him of his sister.

Loreza started to excitedly recount her day for her parents as Ellaria moved towards the balcony; her brown eyes sweeping the gardens below before they settled on two figures below.

Pursing her lips, Ellaria tried to swallow the feeling that bubbled to the surface as she stared down at the woman that could take everything from her.

There was no way that she was going to let that happen, Ellaria had been with Oberyn for years and she couldn't imagine her life without him by her side.

The fact that Lady Amara had managed to turn Oberyn's head last night had only made Ellaria more concerned about what the future might hold for her; what would she do if Oberyn's head was already being turned.

Turning her attention away from the gardens, a smile formed on Ellaria's face as she watched Oberyn with Loreza; she had been right to bring their daughter with her to see him.

Anything to remind Oberyn that they were tied by more than just their passion for one another; they adored their four children together and she was good to his oldest four.

His Sand snakes would not be welcoming to their new step-mother that was for sure and Ellaria knew that they would side with her against Lady Amara if needed.

Oberyn sensed his lover's gaze and looked at her from where he was listening to Loreza talk; he raised an eyebrow at her knowing that she had planned this.

There was no doubt in his mind that Ellaria was still upset about what was happening; not that he blamed her, the entire situation was a mess and he did wonder just what Doran was playing at.

House Cantrell was weak, and he saw no reason that Doran would agree to a match with a Lord for him; he had been content with his life for the longest time as it was.

"Perhaps Loreza would like to see the gardens," Ellaria suggested, anything to keep him from staring at the woman that was going to rip them apart.

If Amara thought that she was just going to step aside and allow her to steal Oberyn from her then she had another thing coming; Ellaria was determined to fight for what was hers.

One way or another, she was going to make sure that she was the woman that came out on top.