Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Best Intentions

"I have no idea what to do Herit," Amara revealed glad to have her most loyal lady back at her side, her talk with Ka had left her uneasy and even more unsure of what path she should take now that Ellaria had left. 

It was true that she had enjoyed Ka's attention and she had liked how he had treated her when she had been spurned by Oberyn; however, she could not imagine taking such a relationship further. 

"I truly did not think I would end up in such a position as this," Amara admitted shaking her head, she was relieved that none of her other ladies were around right now and so that she might talk to Herit without fear of her words being repeated. 

It had been hard without her and Amara was relieved to have her back, her short trip to Fairmarsh had been to make sure that Elia was settled in well. 

"You like him?" Herit asked though it was clear that she wasn't asking a question, she stared up at Amara; her dark eyes searching her face knowing that she had been right about this ending badly. 

It was not something that should have ever happened and Amara would have to deal with the consequences, Herit knew that if an affair would have started then it would have been when Ellaria was still in the picture. 

"More than I thought I would," Amara mumbled looking out across the gardens from her balcony, she could see Oberyn's younger daughters playing in the fountain from where she was seated. 

A smile forming on her face, she cared for them and her decision would not just affect her and Oberyn but the girls as well; she did not know how the younger ones would react if he were to take Ka as her lover. 

"I confess at first that I enjoyed his attention more than anything, the fact he made Oberyn jealous most certainly helped but now..." Amara whispered with a frown, she did not know how to describe how she felt about Ka nor did she have the words to do so. 

It was a mess and Amara knew that while Dorne was the most progressive of the Kingdoms, she could not help but fear how her actions might be judged by others. 

There was silence at her admittance and for the first time since she arrived, Amara doubted her course of action; she did not know what she should do next, she had won the people and could finally make her husband her own yet at what cost.

Even with Ellaria now gone from court, Amara was not sure how to proceed with Oberyn and that was without even considering the dilemma that she had found herself in with Ka; she could not remain undecided on her future for long. 

"I admit that I have not been fond of the guard, I find his timing strange," Herit admitted, she did not wish to speak out of turn but she worried not only for what Ka's attentions might mean but what they could mean for Amara. 

They had worked hard to establish her here at court and even with Ellaria banished it did not mean that she was completely safe yet. 

It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but Amara can lose it in a minute especially if she wasn't careful and made a misstep with Ka; even speaking with servants Herit could not find out much about the man. 

He was a bastard from what she had learned but there was no name of who his family were or that he was even a recognised one like any of the Sandsnakes. 

"I worry for you Amara. Not just what this might do to your reputation, I do not want to see you hurt. You deserve to be happy and if you think that you would be so with Ka, then I would not stand in your way," Herit murmured reaching out to take her hand. She gave it a reassuring squeeze and smiled at Amara weakly. 

She might not approve of Ka but she would not stop Amara from being happy, she would help where she could but even, she did not think she could help in the event that this turned into a blood bath.