For years, the Seven Kingdoms had been at peace. It hadn't been a comfortable peace at first but there were no wars throughout the lands. Roberts Rebellion had ended with his death at the Trident.
Before the Trident, Robert Baratheon had hatched a plan with Tywin Lannister to demoralise the Targaryens. The Mad King hadn't realised that the Lannister's had sided with Robert Baratheon, so when Ser Gregor Clegane arrived at the Red Keep, the Mad King allowed him to enter believing that Tywin had sent the Mountain to protect him. That was a fateful error as he raped and killed Elia Martell. He smashed the skull of Aegon Targaryen and one of his men butchered Rhaenys Targaryen. The line of Rhaegar Targaryen ended that day.
Or so they thought. Rhaegar had annulled his marriage to Elia Martell and married Lyanna Stark. The princess gave birth to Jon Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne. There were tensions between the Targaryens and the North but Lyanna Stark managed to bring peace to the realm.
And now a 17-year-old Jon had travelled to Dorne in order to build better relations with them. Dorne was the only Kingdom left that showed any hostility towards the crown and hence King Rhaegar and Queen Lyanna had sent the crown prince to improve their relationship. After spending time at Dragonstone, he headed to Dorne in the hope of gaining an ally.
The heat of Dorne was taking its toll on the young Prince of Dragonstone so he decided to ride ahead with his aunt, Daenerys Targaryen, in order to get to the Water Gardens as soon as possible. Whilst Daenerys may technically be Jon's aunt, they saw each other as siblings. Being the same age, they had grown up together and had been inseparable as children and even now as adults.
'How do you think they will welcome us?' Daenerys asked.
'With disdain' Jon responded. 'Well, you may be less so. I represent father's betrayal to Elia Martell. You've done nothing wrong'.
'Neither have you' Dany said matter-of-factly.
'They won't see it like that. The Red Viper will not see it like that' Jon said.
'So, how are we supposed to create an alliance if they hate us?' Dany wondered.
'The best alliances are created through marriage' Jon said. Jon saw the anger in his best friend's eyes. She truly was a dragon. She opened her mouth to speak but Jon spoke first. 'You don't think I'm going to let mother and father ship you off to Dorne?' Her eyes softened at that. 'It's like we've already discussed, even when you're married you will stay in the Red Keep. It's your home'.
They arrived at the Water Garden and were welcomed by the Prince Oberyn and the Sand Snakes and some other lords and ladies of Dorne. Jon got off his horse and helped Dany down too. The Dornish all reluctantly knelt to the Royal Targaryens.
'Welcome to Dorne, Your Grace' Oberyn said sarcastically.
'Prince Oberyn, my Lords and Ladies, rise' Jon said and they all stood up. 'This is my aunt, Princess Daenerys'. They all bowed their heads to her. 'The rest of our convoy shall be arriving soon, Prince Oberyn. We were finding it quite hot so we rode on ahead to escape the heat'.
Oberyn nodded in understanding. The boy has never been this far south and has spent some time at Winterfell. He's not used to this heat. Neither is the princess. 'Of course, my prince and princess. I'm sure you must be tired. My daughters shall escort you to your chambers'.
Jon entered the chamber given to him by the Prince of Dorne. It was large and worthy of the Crown Prince, not that Jon cared too much. If it was smaller, he wouldn't take it as an insult. His mother had made sure he was humble and never spoiled and he appreciated it when he met some of the young Lords and Ladies. They thought themselves so much better than everyone else but Jon tried his hardest not to do that. He spent time with the smallfolk and was very generous to them. He was loved throughout the realm apart from Dorne. Hopefully, I can change that and bring peace to the Seven Kingdoms.
He sat down on the bed and relaxed for a moment. It was so much cooler inside and Jon was glad. He was sure Dany was too. The Sand Snakes were exactly what he was expecting. They eyed him up like the vipers they were but still tried to remain polite.
Jon bathed and put on fresh clothes. His clothes were in the colour of House Targaryen. Hopefully, his convey would be here by now with Ghost. His uncle had gifted him the direwolf when he spent time in Winterfell. Shit, they'll be scared of the wolf.
He rushed out of the room but abruptly stopped. 'Lady Nymeria' he said almost running into the beautiful woman in front of him.
'My Prince, I'm here to escort you to my uncle' she responded.
'We need to warn your people. My direwolf is with my convey and he will scare grown men let alone children' Jon said urgently.
At the panicked look in the Prince's violet eyes, Nymeria and Jon rushed outside. Just as they got to the entrance to the Water Gardens, Ghost ran up to Jon and bundled him down to the floor and licked his face. It made Jon laugh but he quickly composed himself and got up. 'Lady Nymeria, this is my direwolf, Ghost'.
'May i? Nymeria asked and Jon responded with a nod. She bent down and placed her hand in his fur. She was shocked at the size of the wolf but she wasn't scared after she saw the interaction it had with the Prince. She petted his nose as she looked up to Jon. 'Call me Nym, my prince'.
'Then you shall call me, Jon' he said with a smile. Being amicable with a Sand Snake was the perfect way to start his stay in Dorne. However, he wasn't so naïve that he thought that she was being kind. He knew she was being uncharacteristically kind and he wasn't about to fall into her trap. But still, Jon felt there was something different about Nymeria in comparison to the other Sand Snakes. She didn't glare at him when they first met and he felt most comfortable around her than any other he had met in Dorne.
'Come Jon. My uncle wishes to meet with you' Nym said.
They walked back through the Water Gardens and Jon saw many children having fun. A lot of them were not highborn either and it made him happy normal children could have the same as highborn children. His thoughts turned back to Nymeria Sand. 'What say you to a spar later, Lady Nym?' he asked. He heard a guard call her that as they left so he decided to call her that. 'I hear you're an excellent fighter'.
'I've heard the same about you' she responded and then smirk appeared on her face. 'If you're in such a rush to lose though, why don't we spar now?'
He chuckled but he didn't take the bait. 'It would be unwise to keep your uncle waiting. But don't worry, I shall defeat you at a later date'.
'Keep dreaming, my prince' she said, smirking at him and feeling quite amused. He just grinned back at her.
They walked into a large hall where Doran Martell sat the end of the room. He looked around and saw Oberyn, Ellaria Sand and some of his children. There were also Trystane Martell who stood next to his aunt. Ghost growled in his direction and he backed away from Dany. Ghost padded up to Dany and settled down at her feet whilst everyone looked on in amazement/fear.
'Apologies for my lateness, Prince Doran. Lady Nym and I had to fetch my direwolf Ghost as he was travelling with my people. I didn't want him to scare your people, especially the children' Jon said addressing Doran Martell.
'It's quite alright, Prince Jon. Quite the beast you have there. I'm impressed that you've tamed it' Prince Doran said. He then gestured towards his daughter next to him and Jon's heart beat faster at the sight of her. How did I not see her? He thought. Jon had seen many beautiful women in his life as many Lord's brought their daughters in the hope of marrying them to the crown prince. She had olive skin and long, black hair that fell into ringlets at the middle of her back. It was not just her face that Jon noticed because even though she was sitting down, he could see that she had a curvaceous body. 'This is my daughter, Princess Arianne'.
Jon walked further into the room and up the steps. He kneeled down and kissed Arianne's hand. 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Arianne'.
'Prince Jon' she said with a slight nod.
He turned around and stepped back into the middle of the room. He had missed the look she sent him but didn't when he turned around and saw her looking him up and down. She smirked at him and he did well to hide a blush that was threatening to appear. He focused his attention back to Arianne's father. 'I thank you for your hospitality, Prince Doran. My aunt and I are honoured to be here in Dorne'.
'What are your intentions in Dorne?' he asked quite bluntly.
'I feel it's in both of our best interests to improve our relations. My aunt and I have come to do just that. We know there is bad blood between us but…' Jon said.
However, Oberyn interrupted him. 'Bad blood?' he said sarcastically. 'That's an understatement' he hissed.
Doran sent him a look and he didn't say anything else but the others in the room clearly agreed with him. Jon knew now was the time to try and defuse the situation because if he could calm the Red Viper down, then perhaps the rest would be more willing to become allies. 'I understand why you hate my family, Prince Oberyn. I truly do. What my father did. The consequences of what he did… I'll never be able to make it up to you'. He looked around the room and saw some eyes begin to soften, the most obvious being Princess Arianne.
'You resent your father?' Oberyn asked
'No. I love him but I told him long ago that's the one thing I can never forgive him for. I still love him despite it but…I can't forget what his actions meant for Princess Elia and her children' Jon said sadly.
There was silence in the room until Oberyn spoke. 'Maybe you're not so bad' he said, willing to give the young prince a chance after hearing his words.
'I lost a brother and sister too that day. I know how it feels' he said solemnly to Oberyn who nodded. Jon could see the anger building in his eyes at being reminded of what occurred to his sister. Jon decided it was best to leave and speak again in the morning as it was getting dark and he was tired. 'I'm feeling a bit tired so if it's ok with you, I'll retire to my chambers' he said to Doran.
He nodded and said, 'We'll have a meal sent to your room and the princess's room. We shall talk more tomorrow Prince Jon, perhaps at the feast in the evening'. Jon nodded back to him and walked out arm in arm with Dany as Ghost followed them.
As a guard took them back to their rooms, he spoke to Dany. 'You were quiet'
'I already had time to get acquainted with the Martells whilst you fetched Ghost' she responded.
'Were they rude to you?' he asked in Valyrian so the guard didn't understand.
'They were polite. You did well in there. You'll make a great King one day' she responded, also in Valyrian.
''Yes, because I'll have you there to advise me' he said.
Daenerys' room was the first to arrive, with Jon's next door. With neither wanting to eat alone, they went into Dany's room and waited for their dinner. They sat back on her bed and relaxed.
'What do you think of Dorne' Jon said whilst staring up at the ceiling.
'Hot' Daenerys said simply. She then shifted herself so her head rested one of her hands. Jon did the same and looked into her eyes as they sat side by side. It reminded Dany of her childhood with Jon. 'I like their dresses. They're pretty'.
Jon rolled his eyes which made Dany swat his arm. 'I'm sorry. Yes, you're right, they are pretty'.
'I suppose all you want to do is go and spar with the Sand Snakes' Dany said.
'Are you telling me you don't want to?' Jon retorted. Dany could be the perfect Lady at times but at other times, she was a warrior princess.
'You're not going to be the only one who gets to have all the fun whilst we're here' she replied with a smirk. 'And you may enjoy something other than fighting whilst we're here'.
He raised an eyebrow to her but she started laughing. He was genuinely confused. 'What's that supposed to mean?'
She tried to stifle a giggle but couldn't. 'You'll find out sooner rather than later I suspect, beloved nephew'.
Their food was brought to them and they continued to talk. Once they were both tired, they decided to call it a night and go sleep. Jon bent down so he was eye level with Ghost. 'Stay here, boy. Protect Dany'.
'Jon, what are you doing? He's your direwolf. He should stay with you' Dany protested.
'He's ours and I'll sleep better knowing Ghost is here. Let's not kid ourselves. We are surrounded by enemies' Jon said.
Dany gave in and nodded. She hugged Jon before he left the room.
Jon returned to his room and undressed himself until he was only in his small clothes. It had been a long and tiring day so it was no surprise when he fell asleep immediately on the large bed.
Dany was sleeping peacefully until Ghost jumped on the bed and nuzzled her face. 'Ghost' she said sleepily as she slowly got up. The white direwolf ran towards the door, wanting to get out the room. Dany put on a gown before following Ghost out of the room. The guards at her door tried to stop her but being a Princess has its benefits.
Ghost padded up to Jon's room and suddenly Dany understood. She told the guards to let her in and she burst through the doors. She ran over further into the room and was surprised to see Princess Arianne sitting by Jon's bed trying to wake him up.
'Princess Arianne, no!' Dany whispered. Arianne's head whipped around having not noticed that Daenerys and Ghost had entered the room. Ghost's red eyes locked with Arianne's for a moment before he walked up to her and placed his head in her lap. 'When Jon has this nightmare, it's better to just let him sleep. If you wake him up, he'll wake up panicked and scared'.
Arianne nodded and turned her head back to Jon. She brushed the hair that had fallen across his eyes. 'Rhaenys' he gasped before falling silent again. Arianne's eyes widened at the mention of her cousin.
'In his nightmares, he sees the deaths of Princess Elia, Aegon and Rhaenys' Dany said as she took a seat on the other side of Jon.
'The Prince wasn't what I was expecting' Arianne admitted to Dany.
'How so?'
'I expected him to be a spoiled Prince who only cares about himself and cares not for others' Arianne said.
'Jon is none of those things' Dany said.
'Truthfully, we don't hear much about the rest of the realm here in Dorne so I just made an assumption. But you're right, he's none of those things'.
'Why are you here?' Dany asked curiously.
'I am curious to get to know the Prince better. If you asked me yesterday, I wouldn't have cared to speak with him at all but what he said in front of my father changed everything' Arianne said. 'But when I got here, he was already asleep and he was thrashing around'.
'Are you sure that's the only reason?' Dany said with a sly smile. 'He's not hard to look at and I saw the way you looked at him earlier today'.
Dany saw Arianne blush and if she were to guess, Arianne wasn't the type to blush easily. She was the one to make men blush. 'Are you two…' Arianne asked awkwardly. She had never been in this position. She could fuck any man she wanted. It confused her because she didn't care about getting to know anyone she fucked but Jon was the exception.
Dany snorted at Arianne. 'Gods no! My family doesn't do that anymore. He's my best friend and my brother rather than nephew. I love him but not like that'. Arianne visibly relaxed but Dany didn't notice as she was looking at Jon. 'When we were young children we thought we would be King and Queen one day but then as we got older we learned what the relationship between a husband and wife actually is'.
'Were you disappointed that you wouldn't be Queen?' Arianne asked as she continued to play with Ghost's fur.
'No. I was angry that I'd have to move and leave my family. Jon however, said that we need each other and my place is in the Red Keep beside him' Dany said with a smile.
They both looked down to the sleeping prince and realised he had calmed significantly. 'I'm going to go back to sleep' Dany announced. Arianne too got up and decided to leave the room. She took one last look at the sleeping Prince before she left, knowing she had a desire she had never felt before.