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Heartsbane was relentless, in my hands.
The deck of the ship rocked with the waves, and almost sent my opponent to the deck. It was a great teaching opportunity. Everyone needed to learn how to fight on a ship, after all.
I deflected two very well executed strikes from my opponent. His silver-blonde hair clung to his head because of the sweat cascading down his form. Today was the first time we were using live steel, and I only ever wielded Heartsbane if that was the case. I continued to let him swing wildly at me, until I could sense that he was getting tired.
I deflected once, turned my blade before swatting him with it.
"Ooohhh." I heard the twins say as they watched me defeat their brother. They were waiting their turn to get thrashed by myself. After flying in the morning and playing chess on the ship there wasn't much else to do but drink or fight on our journey.
Vorian stumbled away and his free hand reached back to rub his left butt cheek. The flat blade of Heartsbane must have stung to get that reaction. I had made sure that the boy was tough over the years. Already, I knew that he would be one of the most talented swordsmen on the planet when he reached his maturity.
Of course, the Game and it's 'teaching' buffs would see that he excelled in everything I had a hand in.
Teaching Lvl Max
You are the greatest teacher to ever live! Any student under your instruction will learn 5x faster than normal. Material that you produce yourself will stick with the student for their entire life.
Lvl Max Passive: Because of your Kingly status, your population will now benefit from a 100% learning boost, regardless of instructor.
Is it any wonder that I decided to open a university? And on top of that, to make the curriculum myself?
"That wasn't nice." Vorian commented as he fell into his stance again. His feet brought him within striking distance, and I smiled.
"It's been a while since you've had an ass-whooping." I told him with a shrug, and leveled Heartsbane at him.
He attacked with a roar.
Sunspear was always a beautiful sight. Its golden domed towers shone like a beacon in the morning sun. Tyr and Vorian were still on their morning ride, and I couldn't help but look up and compare the scales of the dragon to the domes of the Spear Tower, and the Tower of the Sun.
Weirña flew closer to the ships, protectively. Her eyes were not only on the city in front of us, but I could feel her searching the depths of the sea for danger. She was one of the only beings to truly know what crawled around below the dark waters of the ocean. Plenty of times she has quarreled with sea creatures that I had only heard about in stories.
Luckily for me, she always came away unscathed. She was a creature of might, regardless of terrain.
Two black dragons swooped around the sky. They kept closer to the ships, because of their smaller size. They were approaching riding size, but I had yet to allow the twins their first ride. Although, I had the saddles hidden from them and brought with us on the journey. Perhaps I would allow them to experience their first ride in Westeros.
We made port within the hour.
I stepped off of the boat and was grateful to finally be on land. Irro was already on the docks in front of the rest of my guard. His hand was on his sword and his eyes scanned the docks in front of him. Nakan stood beside him, but his eyes were to the sky, where Vorian still flew on Tyr.
There was nobody but Sunspear Guards lining the docks. They had been shut down for my arrival as is customary. The merchant ships could be seen waiting out at sea, for my ships to leave or for them to get the word that they were allowed to approach. It was not everyday that a foreign King arrived in Sunspear.
"King Petyr Baelish, my old friend!"
I turned and looked at the familiar voice. Prince Oberyn Martell walked down the docks, completely bare of any visible weapons on his person.
My guards knew the man from his travels to Myr to visit me and Ashara. They parted, so that he could pass between them on his way to me. I held a hand out and helped Ashara down onto the docks. She wore white silk for the occasion, as she knew the climate of Dorne all too well. Another guard was currently escorting Rena down the gangplank, holding her hand. She didn't have to try, and looked every bit of the princess she was supposed to be.
"Oberyn!" I called out with a smile. I hadn't seen the man in some years, and it was hard not to miss him. Especially when he was one of the only people to treat me like a normal human being.
I embraced him as he crossed the distance. "It is good to see you! You know I consider you family." Oberyn said as he gripped my face and kissed my cheek. I just rolled my eyes at his brazen nature. He had been trying for years to get Ashara and I into being with him and his paramour at night.
"Now step aside and let me fawn over your queen! Ashara, the second most beautiful woman in the world!" Oberyn said as he moved past me and embraced Ashara in the same way that he did me. Although this time he did not kiss her on the cheek, because of a threat that I had made a long time ago. He also must have noticed the hand I had on my sword and the look on my face.
Arthur and Alexander had made it down the gangplank as well, and were standing beside their sister.
"The second?" Ashara asked expectantly, as she returned the hug.
"You know that I love my paramour, and that she holds the title." Oberyn said, defending himself. He wisely moved onto Rena before Ashara could get too angry at him.
"Do you remember me, little princess?" Oberyn said as he squatted down in front of him.
Rena looked towards Ashara, and I could tell that she wanted to grab onto her mothers leg and hide behind her dress. But we had been working on her courage lately, and it was working apparently.
"No." She said confidently.
Oberyn gripped his chest where his heart should be and gasped as if she had stabbed him. "I was there when you were born. I was the sixth person to ever hold you. Did you know that?" Oberyn claimed, and I had to wrack my memory to realize that he was being truthful. I had never even considered that.
"You did?" She asked innocently.
"I would never lie to a princess!" He answered vehemently. Then he opened his arms wide, as if expecting a hug. Rena stared at him with wide eyes, and then looked to Ashara who nodded at her, before she walked forward into the hug. Oberyn wrapped her up and swung her around, causing her to laugh and giggle. When he stopped, he settled her on his hip and turned to the twins.
"Ha, there are my boys!" He said as he reached out and ruffled both of their hair. "And tell me which of you has been training with the spear?"
The twins looked at each other confused, and that was all the answer that Oberyn needed. "Your family doesn't even care about me, Petyr." Oberyn said as he turned away from the twins and started walking back my way.
"Speaking of, where is Vorian?" He asked, looking all around him.
"He likes the skies more than he does the land." I told him as I pointed towards the sky, where the golden form of Tyr could be seen flying around Sunspear showing off all of his glory.
"Hmm." Oberyn grunted observing the four dragons in the sky. I would have paid to know what he was thinking at that moment. Dorne was never kind to dragons in the past.
"Come on then, it is a ride to the Water Gardens! The carriages are already prepared! It is time for a vacation! We shall drink, feast, and fuck to our ultimate pleasure!"
Ashara smacked him upside his head for using such foul language around the children. The twins laughed, and Rena looked at him like she wanted to know what he meant.
The Water Gardens was a little haven of paradise, in the sandy desert of Dorne.
As we approached, the road beneath us turned to the pale pink marble that the Water Gardens boasted. Trees and other green plantlife began to pop up around us. I could spot the tops of some of the large mances peeking out of the treetops in some places. Oberyn and I climbed out of the carriages and rode a horse for the final bit.
I remembered reading in my past life that the Water Gardens only held a small amount of guards at any one time. That must have either been a lie, or Doran had many more brought in for my protection. Because there was a literal row of men that surrounded the entire compound, acting as a wall of some sorts.
Actually, I believe Ashara is to have a surprise when we arrive.
I looked at the clothing of the guards and not only saw the standard of the Martell, but I also saw the standard of the Dayne of Starfall, Ashara's family. Doran was pulling out all the stops it seemed. I assumed Doran was trying to surprise her. She was in the carriage, and I had no doubt that her and Ellaria would be talking until we told them we arrived.
I had brought 50 men with me. This included the 10 Royal guards that normally guarded me, and the two that guarded my other family members. I had initially thought that this was too little, but I had to remind myself that the dragons were here, and were worth thousands alone. The extra guards from Starfall and Sunspear did help alleviate my anxiety a little bit.
Oberyn was the first to enter, as a leap of faith that I wasn't being ambushed. We rode through an archway flanked by blood orange trees, and covered in a beautiful vine. The sound of a river, and running water could already be heard at the entrance.
When we passed through the archway, there was a ten foot length of brush and forest on either side of the archway. It was a natural barrier to prevent onlookers from seeing the inside of the magnificent palace. I knew it would run all around the outside of the Water Gardens as a kind of natural wall.
"Welcome to the most splendid palace in all of the Seven Kingdoms." Oberyn said as we passed through the brush that covered the Water Gardens and got a look at it properly.
The forest ended abruptly and gave way to a pasture on either side of the road. To the left was a fountain in the shape of a nude woman. The water pouring from the top of it was weak, and obviously some sort of natural flowing water that was rerouted towards the fountain. It was still beautiful though.
The pink marble led down a natural incline, with hardly any steps incorporated at all. Already, I could see two mances on either side of the road about fifty yards from my position. The foundation and walls were made with the same pink marble as the road we rode in on. Opposite of the fountain to my left, was a plain pasture that was well maintained. I could see the small foot marks from children constantly playing in it.
Our welcoming party stood there. Doran Martell, a man I hadn't seen in a very long time, stood there despite the fact that his gout was progressively getting worse and worse. Next to him, I was surprised to see, was his wife Lady Mellario of Norvos. I knew that soon she would leave to return to Novos because of their growing hate for each other. But it hadn't happened yet.
Directly beside both of them stood a young woman that looked close to 18 years of age. I knew that this was not the case however, and she was only 14. Arianne Martell would surely grow up to be quite the looker, but she still held on to some of her youth. I would have to keep Vorian away from her, because of her… tendencies.
Beside her was a boy who looked to be about the age of the twins, and another boy that was close to Rena's age. I knew them to be Quentyn and Trystane Martell, the sons of Doran.
There were two other children close to Vorian's age that looked extremely familiar, but I could not place. Also, a woman stood behind Doran with a hood drawn and her face covered. She looked to be a servant but was standing too close to the Prince and his family. We caught each other's eyes, and once again I got the feeling that I should know her.
I smiled at the party and let my eyes roam over the rest of the party. I quickly confirmed that Doran had done as I asked. Ashara would be pleased. I dismounted, and handed the reins to the horse off to a stable boy that ran up to Oberyn and I. The carriages were rolled in and I walked over to them to open the door to the one that held my wife and Queen.
I sent a smile and a wink towards the man with dark hair and deep blue eyes standing beside Doran's family. I opened the door, and held out my hand. The first hand that grabbed it was Rena, and I guided her down two steps before I grabbed her and carried her to the ground next to me.
I reached back into the carriage to retrieve Ashara, and held her hand as she walked down the steps. It wasn't until she was all the way out and on the ground that she looked up and saw who awaited her.
"Sammy!" She cried as she lifted her dress up slightly and hurried her way over to her brother and current lord of Starfall, Samwell Dayne. She wrapped him up in a quick hug. Despite passing Doran on the way, he still smiled at their reunion. I had warned him it would happen.
The sound of hoofbeats caused me to turn to the entrance of the Water Gardens. Vorian, Alexander, and Arthur rode in on their horses with windswept hair and smiles on their faces. They quickly dismounted and handed their steeds to the stable boy as well. Oberyn had taken the time to get Ellaria out of the carriage.
"And you must be my nephew Edric!" I could hear Ashara saying towards the boy in Lady Dayne's arms. I couldn't remember her name to save my life at the moment.
"Apologies, Lord Martell. Your gift is well received." I said, starting the introductions as I gestured to where Ashara was fawning over another baby. It was all a sham, meant for those who might be spying on this meeting. I reached down and pulled Rena into my arms and rested her on my hip before walking forwards.
"It is my pleasure, Your Grace. Welcome to the Water Gardens, the gem of Dorne." Doran said as he spread his arms wide. "I do not believe you had the pleasure of meeting my Lady wife Mellario of Norvos."
"I did not." I said as I approached and took her hand as was customary. "It is good to see another from the Free Cities." I said as I lightly kissed the back of her hand.
"Not so free, anymore." Mellario said with a grin. There was no bite to the comment, only teasing. I nodded all the same. The boys took that time to stand beside me as the introductions took place.
"And these are my children Arianne, Quentyn, and Trystane." Doran introduced as he pointed to each one of them.
"A pleasure to meet you all!" I said as I took Arianne's hand. "You are sure to be a fine beauty in the future." I told her before moving to the boys. "And two strong warriors!" I said, slapping each of them on their shoulders. All three were shy and gave customary bows, but they did not say anything. I thought it a bit out of character for the Dornish.
I reached and grabbed Vorian by the arm, before pulling him forward. "This is my son and heir Vorian." I told them as he bowed to each of them.
"These two are the twins, Alexander and Arthur." I said, pointing to each of the ten year olds.
"I'm Arthur!" The one that I claimed was Alexander, said. Although I could see the shit-eating grin on his face telling me he was lying.
"I learned to tell you two apart the day you were born boy!" I said, shoving him away playfully.
I set Rena on the ground and fixed her dress a bit. "This is my daughter, Princess Rena Baelish!" I said as I squatted next to her. Just as we practiced she did the cutest curtsy I've ever seen in any life.
"It is nice to meet you." She squeaked out, adding the cuteness overload.
And then Oberyn had to ruin the mood by swooping her up in his arms. She squealed even louder at that. "And my new best friend." He said as he positioned her on his hip. He had a soft spot for cute little girls it seemed.
"Petyr! This is my brother Samwell Dayne, Lord of Starfall." Ashara said as she dragged her brother and his family over to where I stood with the boys and Rena.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Dayne. I believe you were fostering when I came and took your sister away from Starfall." I told him with a smile.
"I was. My father spoke highly of you, Your Grace." He said with a small bow.
"Bah, none of that!" I told him. "We are family and you never have to bow to me. What is your name, soldier?" I asked the small little boy in his hands. I poked the baby on the ribs and he hid his head in his fathers neck.
"This is Edric, heir to Starfall." Samwell said trying to get his son to be sociable. It wouldn't work. "And my Lady Wife Alysanne Dayne nee Dondarrion."
I turned to the Stormlander and took her hand as was customary. She had brown hair, and the dark blue eyes that were mirrored in her son. She definitely looked like a Dondarrion with her strong features. But she was still an attractive woman. Unfortunately she was outshone by the other beauties in attendance.
"A pleasure, my lady." I told her as I lightly kissed the back of her hand.
"Your Grace." She said. I would have mistaken it for timidness, if it weren't for the steady voice she held. I was not liked by all in attendance it would seem. I would have to keep her out of the council I planned to hold later. Doran interrupted us, just at the right time.
"Now that we are all introduced. I am sure you must be tired from the road. Let my servants show you your mance. Get settled in and should you so choose, you can join us in the royal pools before we feast tonight!"
I noticed that he did not introduce the mystery boy, girl, and woman behind him.
As I waded in the waters of the Water Gardens, I decided that I would have to find a similar place near Myr to build my own version. The water was clear and flowing from natural springs in the area that had been rerouted to serve a new purpose in the Water Gardens.
Dressed in only breeches and no shirt while being surrounded by beautiful women that were either completely nude, or wearing so little that the clothes clung to their form, I was in heaven. Although I did have to warn Oberyn to put something over his privates, due to my children running around the area playing with the others.
The wine flowed, and venison was cooked to perfection. There was even a roasted pig that I partook in that was delicious. I always had delicious meals, but normally didn't go to such extravagances unless there was an occasion.
"How goes the cement production Samwell?" I asked the man lounging in the water next to me. Both of us were drinking wine that most people on planetos never had a chance to taste. Doran had gone all out, that was for sure.
"Good, your grace! I will admit that I wasn't convinced until the first road was laid. I've already begun repairing some of the walls and towers with the substance. Many houses have reached out and we are in talks of export. Oldtown, surprisingly, has expressed desires to order and test the substance more than anyone." Samwell answered.
"Surprisingly?" I asked, curious. If anything, that would be the place I would expect to export most of the production to. The Maesters, and the surrounding economy, could surely put it to good work.
"King Samwell Dayne, the Starfire and my namesake, put Oldtown to the torch while we were Kings of the Torrentine. It was never truly forgiven!" He said with a grin. I couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Petyr."
I turned to see Oberyn, thankfully clothed, walking up to the edges of the pool I lounged in.
"Come, my brother would like to speak to you."
I slapped Ashara's brother on the shoulder and then used him to pull myself to my feet in the pool.
"Coming." I called out as I followed him into the mance that Doran had claimed for his own. It was easily the biggest and best furnished out of all of the others. My own mance was easily large enough for my family, but nothing compared to the one I walked into.
The best thing about the mances was the fact that the winds blew through the homes almost constantly. And with the surrounding area being a forest and not the desert, it meant we didn't have to worry about sand constantly.
I was led through room after room, until we finally reached what I would consider to be a solar. It had high glass windows on one side of the room that allowed us to see the Water Gardens in all of their splendor. It was easy to see why this mance was better than all the rest. Doran sat in a chair looking through the glass windows.
The glass windows were a luxury that such a small few could afford. Although I was working to make the process more streamlined and affordable. It was a massive industry in Myr, even before I had arrived.
Oberyn shut the door behind us. It was only the three of us in the room, yet I still walked around trying to find any hidden corridors that someone could use to spy on us.
"It is secure. You have my word." Doran said as he grabbed the chair underneath him and turned it to face the center of the room.
"It must be something important, if you've gone through all of this trouble Petyr. Lord Dayne was very surprised when you called on him to meet us here. We are not in the habit of sharing our paradise with others." Oberyn said as he poured himself another cup of wine. I had told them to stay sober so that we could have these meetings. He was upset.
"What we are about to speak of, could lead your house to ruin if heard by the wrong ears. Yet it could also lead to a massive shifting of powers in this world." I told them, trying to get them to understand the gravity of what we were about to speak of.
"Does this have something to do with the Lannisters' recent success in the Iron Islands?" Doran asked. He had been trying to deduce why I was here for a long time, I could tell.
"Partially, yes." I answered, and continued.
"Robert and his hold on the Iron Throne is weak." I said, starting the conversation off properly.
"Oh it is one of those meetings." Oberyn said as he set the wine cup down and moved closer to us. His attention had been thoroughly grabbed. He was invested now.
"It depends on who you talk to, Petyr." Doran said. "In the Westerlands, they love him. The North couldn't give a shit unless Ned Stark says so. The Vale are supportive, but dislike his actions as of late, even if they won't admit it because their Lord is Hand of the King. The Riverlands is rife with such banditry that the Tully's cannot form an opinion on the topic. Finally, the Tyrells lie in wait for weakness. It is no more chaotic than any other time in Westeros' history." Doran summarized.
"That is true. But what if I told you that there is information that would cause Robert to try and murder his lady wife?"
I was done playing games. It was my turn to talk.
"The realm would divide." Oberyn was the one to answer this time. "What could you possibly know, to cause something like that?"
"Robert has fathered no children with Cersei." Like I said, it was my turn to talk. "The children are not Robert's, but are instead a product of incest between the Queen and her brother Jaime Lannister."
That caused a visible reaction from Oberyn. He blinked multiple times and crossed his arms. Doran clasped his hands in front of his face, in a thinking pose.
"What proof do you have?" Doran asked. "Accusations like that are what lead to entire families being killed!"
"Baratheon's are born black of hair, and with blue eyes. I will leave it up to you to fact check my claim. But know this, it is true and sooner rather than later it will cause the Seven Kingdoms to splinter. The reason I am here is to provide a scenario where we are the victor."
Then I decided that I would try a power play. I was scheduled to stay here for another few weeks at the very least. I had time to wait on Doran and Oberyn to think about what I had said. I stood up, and walked out of the room.
"I will allow you time to think about this further."
A/N: Boom!
Petyr is obviously planning far into the future here. He is trying to secure a closer alliance with the Martell's. I will say that he is not above finding other alliances either.
What do you think his plan is?
Let's talk in the reviews!