Arianne had never been this elated in the last couple of years. Even when the pimples on her face started disappearing and her body started flowering like a real woman's should, she hadn't been as delighted as she was now.
After all, how many people in the known world could claim that they sailed amongst the clouds?
Arianne inhaled the twilight air of the Dornish sky, her eyes fixed on the sun's descent into the western sea. A soft orange glow enveloped the Dornish sky, casting the sands of Dorne in a breathtaking palette of red and gold. But as the dunes of Dorne receded, a lush green landscape emerged, transforming her lands into tiny emerald patches visible from the Liberator. The people below, mere specks in the grandeur of the world, added to the sense of awe that filled her.
'It is no wonder the Targaryens considered themselves above all. From this height, everything below seems so petty, so inconsequential. The world, with all its grandeur and strife, is reduced to mere specks.' Arianne marvelled at the perspective she gleaned as she looked down upon Dorne from the sky.
It also became more apparent why the dragonlords of Valyria were callous enough to wage war against the entire world and take everything for themselves. The world's riches might've looked ripe for taking when they gazed upon the world from the sky, just like she was feeling right now. Aboard the Liberator, she saw the world through a different eye. She could see how little Dorne was from this far high.
Arianne started to wonder whether the same was true for Harrion Stark. After all, he had already brought an entire Free City to the ground in a single night. That was something even House Targaryen, at the height of their power, couldn't do.
"Is the view to your liking?"
Arianne broke into a smile as she turned to smile at her companion on the deck of the Liberator.
"Indeed it is, Harrion." Arianne reached out her hand and lopped it around his elbow, "I'm immensely grateful for the view. I don't believe I'll ever forget this. Dorne looks far more peaceful and beautiful from these heights."
They both fell silent as winds howled in their ears as they watched the land below. Arianne felt like a divine being standing beside the strongest sorcerer by her side as she gazed upon the lands she was destined to rule.
"Tell me about the North. How does it compare to Dorne?" Arianne asked, leaning against the arm of the Black Wolf of the North.
"Well, there are no deserts in the North. Most of our lands are filled with forests, hills, grasslands, cliffs, swamps, mountains, rivers and lakes. Snow covers the northernmost high mountains of the North."
"I have never seen snow. As you can see, I'm familiar with the hot Dornish sun." Arianne said coyly while rubbing her body against Harrion.
"Hmm. You are most welcome to visit Avalon. House Stark would be honoured to host the future Princess of Dorne amongst us."
"The North has never seen a Dornish Princess, have they?" Arianne asked curiously, wondering whether any of her ancestors ever visited the coldest kingdom of Westeros.
"No."
Arianne nearly pouted at the stale answer. So, she switched the topic to something closer to Harrion's heart.
"Is it true that the great hall of Avalon has a lifelike imagery of the night sky painted with magic on the ceiling?" Arianne asked curiously.
"Yes. But you'll have to see the enchanted ceiling with your own eyes. It cannot be described with mere words."
Arianne saw a spark of passion in his eyes, which made her crow in delight in her mind.
"Oh, I believe you." Arianne grinned, "Tis the same with the Water Gardens. You'll find it most appealing."
Arianne glanced at her cousin out of the corner of her eyes. She could see Nymeria was engaged in an animated conversation with one of the infamous Valkyrie guards. The rumour was that these elite shield maidens were witches from the mysterious Mountain clans of the North. She didn't know how much of it was the truth, but Nymeria knew them better than most.
The Liberator hugged the coastline to reach the Water Gardens. All the while, Arianne struggled to broach the subject of the betrothal without looking too desperate or coming off as greedy. Whenever she worked up the courage to broach the subject, Harrion would look at her with his haunting, stormy grey eyes, and she'd flatter.
It was not shyness that stayed her tongue but the fear of failure. If she failed to convince Harrion of the merits of their union, she'd most likely end up with her father's incessant plots to keep her away from inheriting Sunspear. The Water Gardens were three leagues away from Sunspear. Throughout the journey, the question stewed in her mind until she decided to broach the subject inside the safe haven of the Water Gardens.
"Tell me, do you know about the history of the Water Gardens? How it came to be and why?" Arianne asked.
"I'm afraid not."
"Then let me tell you the tale of Maron Martell and Daenerys Targaryen. It started with…" Arianne started regaling the tale of the first Targaryen princess who married into her family and the unification of Dorne with the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.
Halfway through the tale, the Water Gardens became visible from the bow of the Liberator. The open courtyards of the Water Gardens showcased a splendour of greenery and flowers unlike any in Westeros. Even from this distance, Arianne was forced into silence as she gazed at the place where she spent most of her childhood. Seeing the sprawling courtyards and Gardens from the sky took her breath away. There was almost an otherworldly feel when she gazed upon the grand structure despite knowing it all her life.
But she wasn't the only one taken back by the beauty of the Water Gardens. Harrion was similarly stunned by the blue water pools in the open courtyards.
"Trust me, the view is much better up close." said Arianne.
It didn't take long for the Liberator to land a few paces away from the teal-coloured walls of the palace. Several Martell guards greeted them outside the palace walls once they stepped out of the Liberator. The guards were understandably shaken upon seeing a massive ship flying into the palace. But upon seeing Arianne, they stood down but didn't let go of their spears.
"Come, Harrion. Let me show you the palace."
Arianne joyfully dragged Harrion inside the palace to show off the grace and beauty of House Martell's private retreat. There were several pools inside the palace with blue and purple waters.
"The waters have colour because..." she started.
"The pools have teal or purple painted bricks inside the water." Harrion finished before she could explain.
"Yes. You are familiar with pools?" Arianne asked in surprise.
"Avalon also has pools. I have built a few of them since Prince Oberyn's visit."
"I see." Arianne said, vowing to glean more details about Avalon from Harrion, "This place was once an oasis. Maron Martell built the palace as a gift for his new Targaryen bride. It was Daenerys Targaryen who opened the pools for all children from Dorne."
She took him to her favourite places in the palace, which included the sunflower garden, palm trees that provided shade to the pools, the ever colourful plumeria, bat flowers that decorated the palace in a purple hue, and jasmines that filled the Water Gardens with their divine fragrance. There were children fostered in the Waater Gardens from all walks of life – noble and smallfolk. They learned their numbers and letters in the morn while making everlasting friendships.
Still, showcasing all that was in the Water Gardens still left Arianne in the lurch. She was still uncertain about how to broach the subject of the betrothal. As Harrion was making idle conversation with some of the children present among them, she went to Nymeria.
"Have you asked him?" Nymeria asked in a hushed whisper.
"No," she whispered back, "I'm struggling to decide how and when to broach the subject. He is more intimidating than last time."
Arianne disliked admitting that, as it was akin to admitting defeat. But the truth was staring back at her face. The fear of rejection robbed her confidence whenever she prepared to bring up the subject of betrothal. The realisation that Harrion could take any woman as wife and his powers or influence wouldn't diminish an iota was another blow to her confidence. Her prospects of becoming the Princess of Dorne were inconsequential to the power and influence already within the grasp of the Lord of Avalon. So, her confidence dipped whenever she wanted to say what she wanted to say to Harrion.
"I told you not to dance around with him. He likes honesty more than anything else." Nymeria whispered back with a disappointed look.
"It's easy for you to say. You know him better…" Arianne trailed off as she eyed her cousin and then Harrion.
"What?" Nymeria asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You should talk to him." said Arianne, "He'll listen to you."
"Talk? Why are we talking about anything at all?"
"Then what do you suggest? You know him better than anyone." Arianne whispered back.
"We seduce him…tonight…right here."
Arianne's eyes widened before a playful glint entered her dark eyes as she looked at her cousin.
"Are you sure that'll work?"
"Trust me, I do. Harrion might seem all serious and composed. But he is no different than most men with too much power in their hands. He has his vices." said Nymeria.
"In that case, we'll need to make an excuse to stay the night in the Water Gardens." Arianne whispered, regaining some confidence as she was working on something familiar.
The usual political subterfuge and delicate plans were not her chosen weapon. But seducing men to do her bidding was her area of strength. She could work with that without doubting herself every step of the way.
"Leave that to me." Nymeria said before leaving Arianne's side and leading Harrion to the beachside of the palace.
Arianne watched them leave before she sprung to action. She hastily gathered the palace servants to make arrangements for their private quarters.
*****
Arianne grinned upon seeing the reflection in the mirror. She had changed into a silky silver Norvosi garb her mother had sent as a namesday present. It just so happened that she kept most of the things she received from her mother in her chambers in the Water Gardens rather than Sunspear. While she had kept everything that reminded her mother in the Water Gardens as a way to spite her father, it worked to her advantage in her time of need.
"You look quite beautiful, cousin." said Nymeria, watching her with a suave grin from the corner of the room.
"You look as radiant as ever, Nym." Arianne returned the compliment, tracing her eyes along the delicate contours of her cousin's body in the sheer silky cream gown her cousin wore.
"Shall I invite Harrion for dinner?"
Arianne nodded and watched as Nymeria left her solar. She combed her hair one last time before exiting her room and stood beside the dinner table, hosting a fine spread. It was a small round table fit for three to dine freely. Candlelight bathed the table and the pool nearby in its golden light. The starry night sky could be seen from the open courtyard from the table. The stars and half-crescent moon could be seen mirrored on the pool waters just two feet from the dinner table.
The doors swung open, admitting Nymeria and Harrion. The servants stationed outside knew to close the door and allow them the privacy needed.
"A special dinner with Nym and the Princess of Dorne. Will wonders never cease?" Harrion commented offhandedly as he took a seat at the table.
"If you wish it, more wonders could be arranged." Nymeria said with a playful laugh as she sat down.
"Well, who am I to deny if you are offering." Harrion grinned at the two of them.
"In that case, we'll make this a night you won't forget, Harrion." Arianne winked.
"Now, tell us about your adventures in Essos. I'm sure you have some interesting stories to share." Nymeria directed the conversation to something Arianne was also interested in.
As they wined and dined, she listened closely to the tales from Harrion. Most of it sounded too fantastical, especially the part where Harrion claimed to have visited Valyria. But she supposed anything could be possible with a flying ship and a powerful sorcerer. They talked more than they ate, and Harrion had many interesting stories to share. Besides, the spread on the table was nothing fancy. The servants were unaware that they were visiting or staying the night. But a few delicacies like chicken and bacon were on the table with the Dornish Red to wash it down.
As their dinner table conversation dwindled, Nymeria was the one to make the first move. Arianne watched as her cousin left her seat and stood behind Harrion's chair with a playful grin. Nym threw her arms around Harrion from behind and pressed her wine-red lips against his left ear. Her cousin also conveniently pressed her ample bosom against the back of Harrion's head.
"I'm going for a swim. You're welcome to join me." Nymeria whispered throatily against Harrion's ear.
** Lemon scene **
Nym playfully bit his ear before sauntering towards the edge of the pool and starting to slip out of her dress. The first to go was her top before she slowly removed the skirt ever so slowly with her back to them until she was as naked as the day she was born. Nym shot a sultry grin at Harrion before she gracefully stepped into the pool and floated in the water with her dark eyes trained on Harrion's face.
"I told you this would be a night you will never forget." Arianne said, capturing Harrion's attention.
She raised a glass of wine in his direction and nodded in the direction of Nym. It was a silent challenge to dare Harrion to join Nym in the pool. But she was also testing the waters to see whether Harrion would take the silent challenge. That was why Arianne remained in her seat, watching Harrion closely.
She couldn't help it. She smirked openly as Harrion stood up from his seat and removed his black tunic and breeches. In the light cast by the candle, she could see the faint outlines of perfectly cut muscles on his body. Before she could enjoy the view, Harrion jumped into the pool headfirst and disappeared into the dark waters.
Arianne had the urge to join, but she stayed in her seat and observed Nym and Harrion in the pool with a glass of Dornish Red in her hand. She watched as Nym moved closer towards Harrion. She looked closely and hoped to see her cousin kiss the Lord of Avalon, but nothing of the sort happened. Nym remained the queen of foreplay as she whispered something against Harrion's ear and tied a piece of cloth around his eyes.
'Nym wants to play that game.' Arianne thought, leaning forward in her seat in interest.
She watched on patiently as Harrion went around the pool, trying to catch Nym while blinded by the cloth. However, she stopped becoming a spectator when Nym stopped moving and settled on a corner of the pool.
Arianne unclipped her blouse and skirt before slipping into the pool almost silently. The ripples she caused on the pool made Harrion pause momentarily before she watched him move towards Nymeria's direction. By the time she arrived right behind Harrion, he was already pinning Nymeria against the pool's edge. She suddenly wrapped her hands around Harrion's waist from behind and pressed a kiss against his shoulder.
"Do you like this gift, my lord?" Arianne breathed hotly against his skin.
Harrion didn't say anything because his lips were locked with Nym's wine-red lips. Arianne smirked against his skin while her hands wandered along his body while Nym continued to lock lips with Harrion.
Her dark eyes found her cousin's, and Nymeria pulled back from the kiss. Immediately, Arianne caught Harrion's chin and turned his face towards her before pressing her lips against his. She could feel the soft texture of his lips pressing against her as their lips battled in a frenzy. Her eyes widened, and she let out a moan against his mouth as she felt her ass getting squeezed by Harrion. Her nails slightly dug into the skin of his shoulders as she felt his hands wander across her body.
She could feel his hold on her ass tighten, which made her grin against his lips. She pulled back from the kiss slightly and began nipping at his neck. Her hand trailed down from his shoulder and took hold of his length. The soft moan Harrion let out made her grin as she ran her fingers along his Harrion. Nym also let out a gasp as one of her breasts came under Harrion's grip before she was pulled into another kiss.
"Are you ladies sure this is what you want to do tonight?" Harrion asked.
"There is nothing better we'd rather do tonight than share your bed." Arianne throatily whispered as she captured the skin of his neck with her teeth, making him let out a hiss.
"Then let's take this to a proper bed." Harrion suggested.
"I thought you'd never ask." Nymeria moaned.
They pulled themselves out of the pool in quick order and walked along the paved floor, exchanging kisses and moans until they stumbled into Arianne's chambers. She fell into the bed on her back with Harrion atop her.
She let out a loud moan as a hand clamped down hard against her breasts while the other was under assault from Harrion's teeth. Her hands snaked around his neck, or at least attempted to, as she immediately came in contact with the wild hair of her cousin.
Arianne saw through her half-lidded eyes as her cousin pressed kisses against Harrion's neck while he was busy ravishing her body.
Suddenly she saw stars as she felt her nether lips get stretched around Harrion's cock as he speared into her without inhibition. A cry of pleasure tore through her throat as he slammed his length repeatedly inside her. She was vaguely aware that Nym was pressing against Harrion's back, and the full weight of his push was felt in her womanhood. The rhythmic long strokes against her churned her insides as she was skewered repeatedly against the bed. She fisted the bedding and screamed her delight as her body was flooded with pleasure.
When Harrion's mouth left her breasts and pressed into the nook of her neck, she shivered as his pace became frenzied until she came along his length. Arianne gasped and moaned as Harrion refused to slow down, making her toes curl in pleasure. She was out of breath and became drunk in ecstasy as she vaguely saw Harrion pull out of her. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing that Harrion didn't release inside her.
But what happened next was sort of a blur as she lay there on the bed and watched Nymeria push Harrion against the bed and mount him. Arianne just lay there on the bedside and watched Nymeria ride up and down along his length while screaming to the high heavens. She watched Nym's breasts bounce up and down in a rhythmic manner until a pair of hands captured them in a vice grip.
A while later, Arianne found herself getting her shoulder blades kissed while Harrion's length was spearing into her womanhood from behind. She could feel her ass slamming against his hips as he took her with her legs spread sideways. Her tits were jiggling wildly, and sweat was running from her chin to the valley between her breasts.
She pushed herself away and rolled over so that she was on top of Harrion. She moaned as she guided his length back inside her as she rode him to another climax. Her black hair danced behind her as she rode him until her legs gave out after her body shook with another climax. When she became tired once again, Nym was there and took Harrion's cock into her mouth.
On and on it went until the three of them were utterly spent. Arianne rested her head on Harrion's chest while Nymeria's dark hair sprawled on his shoulder, and her cousin took refuge against his neck. Feeling extremely tired, she lay there listening to the steady beat of his heart and drifted off to sleep.
** Lemon scene end ***
AN:
For artwork related to the fic:
https://discord.gg/Nw2JH25fJf