Eight

"May I have this dance?"

The young girl looked from her sister back to Rhaegar, nervously. Her sister nodded her head and walked down the steps of the high table, returning to her seat where Robert Baratheon had been waiting for her. "I've heard it is treason to say no to a Prince," Arianne smiled nervously looking to Rhaegar.

The Prince smirked, bowing to her and leading her down the steps. The music seemed to be drowned out by the silence that followed.

Rhaegar Targaryen, married, father of two, a Prince, first in line to the Iron Throne, holding hands with the same bastard girl who seemed to have captivated Jamie Lannister and Oberyn Martell.

Rhaegar's eyes searched the silent crowd for Oberyn, who stood at a wall, jaw clenched as he conversed with Merida Whent. Merida turned her attention to what her Dornish Prince looked so angry about and finally understood. Rhaegar winked at Oberyn who turned an ugly red, nudged the Lady Merida out of his way and made his way closer to the dancing space. He pulled her closer as Oberyn had done so not so long ago and she let out a small laugh.

"Your grace, if you would be so kind as to not fondle me," Arianne muttered.

Rhaegar smiled down at her, let his hand glide up her back and push her closer, pressing his chest against hers and placing his head inches away from hers. "I apologise."

Chest to chest. Nose to nose. Palm to palm. Maybe it felt odd to the girl, the only had just been introduced, but the eyes that had been staring at Rhaegar told him differently.

The music grew louder, slower and had more intentions of love in it. The musicians were on Rhaegar's side. The dance space seemed to clear; no one wanted to miss out a chance to see the Prince complete his first act of tiny infidelity, they did not need to worry though, he would make a fool of himself for the ten days to come.

"Tell me about yourself, Arianne Sand," he whispered. There would be no way he would allow anyone to hear what he was saying to her.

Arianne seemed too busy to be listening to him. She was looking behind his shoulder to her siblings and then to those who were watching. She ignored his question. "Why are they so quiet?" She asked, her voice loud.

Rhaegar's eyes went wide, indicating for her to keep it down. "Because they love to know everything about everything," he whispered back.

"I see," she smiled lowering her voice.

Arianne could not deny it; he was beautiful. In a mystical type of way, his silver hair would move elegantly as he danced, his robe was black and a red three-headed dragon printed right in the middle. It was held together in a similar way to Oberyn's, with a black belt. His hands, his hands, were adorned with gold, silver and black rings.

Arianne could not help but be slightly aroused by his hands. Rhaegar could not deny himself nor the girl of the sexual tension that stood between them. He was sure she paid him no mind until he had asked her to dance or since his dear mother had decided to have Barristan introduce her and her family.

"I know it seems wrong, but it seems I have taken a liking to you Arianne," he whispered to her ear, pulling her just a little closer. So close she could feel him under his fabric.

Arianne blushed. "It is wrong your grace; you are married."

Rhaegar nodded his head. "Exactly, your grace. You forget I have my name to fall back on."

"You have two children, what example does that set for them?" Arianne pointed out.

Rhaegar couldn't help but snicker. "We have two children not out of love, but out of duty." He spun her around, loving the way that her red dress twirled as he did so. The way her necklaces caught the light and seemed to blind him with lust. He took a mental note; he would write a song about her and perform it for her.

Once she had turned back to him, Rhaegar pulled her back closer. Unlike the other men, Arianne noticed how he did not take the mind to her opened chest, not knowing how much strength it took him to avert his eyes.

Soon enough you will see all of her; a few moments sacrifice will mean nothing.

He had every intention of doing so as well, though he had not yet devised a plan as to how exactly he would be able to just yet. Like Brandon Stark, he could sneak into her room, but he had guards following him everywhere, more importantly, he had eyes following him everywhere. Besides, she didn't seem the type for one night rendezvous but it was worth a shot, he was infatuated with her.

The ruby crown that he wore on his head, unlike his father's crown which seemed to swallow the King's head whole, was placed upon his head gently. It wrapped around his head and against his silver hair hypnotized those who looked upon it.

"And what your grace?" Not wanting to offend the Prince. "You have taken a liking to me and I am expected too...?"

"You leave that part for me to settle," he said smiling down at her.

She shook her head. "Settle it how?"

Rhaegar let out a laugh; it sounded almost like a sweet song. "Well that is for me to figure out isn't it?"

Arianne looked at him frowning. "I am afraid not. I do not mean to offend, but I am not one to act as a fool with a man who not only married but to rule the kingdom. I have been lucky enough to be granted a name I will not tarnish it for a handsome face."

Rhaegar looked at her shocked. He had never been unfaithful to Elia in the romantic sense. He did take a few mistresses behind her back, but that was only when she insisted she was in too much pain to do anything. A man had his needs, and it was not as if people knew about the women who occupied him when Elia couldn't. If they did, Oberyn would have had him skinned alive before the sun rose and set. However hypocritical of him it seemed.

"Do not blame me for being enchanted by your beauty. Blame your cursed mother for gracing you with the rarest gift of all," he smiled.

"No. But I will blame you if by the time I am old I am left husbandless and living off my brother and his goodwill." The song ended and those dancing stopped. "Thank you for the pleasure, your grace." Arianne smiled, curtseying low and leaving the Prince's chest cold and empty as she walked gracefully back to her table.

...

"Good night Oliva, I can undress thank you!" Arianne exclaimed, annoyed that the young girl had waited for her to return and not taken her leave.

"It's my job, my lady!" Oliva tutted, refusing to leave the room.

Arianne rolled her eyes. "The sun is almost rising, please take your rest it is not right for you to have waited for me so long," she said gently. Oliva sighed, huffed and left the room. Arianne shook her head and stood from the vanity to close the open door.

"My lady," he whispered. It was Rhaegar.

"How long have you been out there!?" Arianne gasped, going to close the door.

Rhaegar tutted and pushed it open. "Have you forgotten your manners?"

Arianne bit her lip and bowed her head. "I'm sorry, your grace. You startled me is all."

"I understand, I just wanted to speak with you."

Arianne shook her head. "No. I cannot let you come into my room. If you wish to speak with me, I will be at dinner tomorrow and the opening Tourney. Then you may speak with me." Her tone had become hostile. Rhaegar had thought her to be more malleable, it seemed that she had truly been raised in the North.

He pushed out his bottom lip. "Angry?" He asked, pouting.

She slapped his shoulder and then retreated her hand back quickly. "Forgive me; it's a habit to hit my brothers." She squeaked.

Rhaegar touched his shoulder. "You have blessed me with your touch; there is nothing to forgive." He said smiling.

Arianne's stomach fluttered, she felt that feeling once more. How could she deny that her hostility was one done for saying's sake? She would be ruined if she allowed him to dictate her actions, he had no image to falter, she had a husband to find not her life to destroy.

He has a wife Arianne. She thought to herself, shaking her mind from the trance he had set her in. Waiting for him in their bed. He has children, waiting for him at home. How can I possible intrude on that?

"You are thinking too much," Rhaegar whispered, touching her cheek.

Arianne flinched away, "I am fine. Good night your grace."

"Well, maybe you can deliver a message to your brother for me?" Rhaegar smiled, shuffling his feet a little so he could push the door open a little more.

Arianne rolled her eyes. "I'm not a raven."

Rhaegar let out a light playful scoff, "you forget your place."

My place? Arianne thought to herself. "Your grace, we have an early start tomorrow and I am sure your wife misses you."

"My wife doesn't know left from right at this hour dove."

Arianne sighed and moved to close the door, using more force than she would've liked. She repeated the words she had said to him earlier. "I am lucky enough to be handed a name and I will not tarnish it for a handsome face, good night."

Rhaegar brought his hand back to his side, hurt that the first ever woman had denied his advances. He had never been put in such a situation.

...

"My lady, the Lady Olenna has asked you join her for tea before your tea with the Queen," Olivia said, opening the door of her room. She had just come back from her lunch and Arianne was still seated by the window. She had highly suggested Arianne wear a simple, but respectful dress for tea, not wanting her to be thought ill of by the other ladies of Westeros. She had heard the whispers of how she danced with Jaime Lannister, Oberyn Martell, and even the Prince.

How the two vanished from sight soon after their first dance, how they whispered in each other's ears and smiled as they danced. How Rhaegar had paid the musicians to play him a love song to serenade the young girl and how he kicked the King and Queen out of the hall as so not to have any protests of dancing with her. She had to admit, she felt the other handmaidens had exaggerated most of the story.

She had also seen the Prince waiting outside of her door when Arianne had dismissed her, though Oliva had practically flown down the stairs when he brought his index finger to his lips and smiled at her. She wanted to know what had happened but did not say a word fearing Arianne would be angry. She had been kind to her so far, more compassionate than Lady Whent would ever be, so she was grateful.

"Well, I heard that the middle Stark boy danced with Ashara Dayne," Anne Plymouth snickered.

Oliva frowned, looking to Anne. "That is funny?"

Anne rolled her eyes and scoffed at Oliva. She looked at the other maids seated around the simple wooden table for dinner. "Have you seen Ashara Dayne, Oliva?"

"Of course not, I have only seen my lady."

"No need to be so formal," Tituba, another maid smiled, "only us simple people here." Her comment was followed by giggles.

"She is said to be the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms. But she looks...she looks like a mythical thing. Too beautiful for our world. Men fall in love with her at first look. So Ned Stark dancing with the most beautiful woman in our little land is a funny thing indeed," Anne rambled.

Oliva snorted. "Careful, you might fall in love yourself."

Anne sent a glare her way. "And what of you, waiting all night until that bastard girl came back to her room."

"Don't," she warned. "She is new to this and I wanted to help her is all. Besides she made me leave her as soon as she returned."

"Oh did you get a chance to look at her jewellery?" Malia, a young maid asked, looking eagerly at Oliva.

Oliva looking at her frowning. "No? Don't tell me-"

"Oh but Cersei has the prettiest necklaces, I just can't help myself," Malia giggled playing with the wooden spoon in her hand.

"Have you not heard of what she has done to thieves!?" Anne gasped.

Malia glared at Anne shaking her head and then looked around at the other women nervously. "I am no thief!" She snapped back to which Anne rolled her eyes and turned to the girl next to her, beginning an entirely new conversation.

"So why was she in such a hurry to have you out?" Malia pushed.

Oliva shrugged. "I mean I would have had to leave anyway, The Prince was waiting outside." She touched her lips lightly. Oliva knew better than to spread further rumours.

"What?" Anne gasped. There were small mummers around the table.

"Forget I said anything, it was not my place."

"It certainly was not," Anne snickered as Oliva stood from her seat and scurried away.

"Oliva?" Arianne voice queered, she had been staring off into the distance for some time, and she wanted an answer to her question.

"Yes, she would like to...well in her words...teach that stupid little girl a lesson before she gets herself killed. Pardon me."

Arianne made a face, confused as to why Olenna would say such a thing. She got up from her seat and let Oliva guide her from her room to Olenna's room. She knocked twice, and the two were met with Olenna's handmaiden, who curtsied and moved aside to allow Arianne to come inside.

"Who taught you to curtsy?" Olenna said from her seat at the tea table. "That is the worst courtesy I have ever seen; I knew a handmaiden from Highgarden would've been much better suited. You can leave now Anne, thank you." Olenna said rolling her eyes. She turned to Arianne who was standing next to Anne; the poor girl had run away so quickly Arianne feared that she might trip on her dress. "Come sit," Olenna said smiling and pointing to the seat opposite her. "I don't bite you know."

"Of course, thank you," Arianne smiled sitting down as Olenna poured tea for her.

"Lemon cake?" she asked, pointing to the cakes that had been stacked up on a tray.

"Lemon cakes are my favourite," Arianne smiled, taking one off the tray and placing it on her plate.

"So I've heard," Olenna smiled.

"How are you this morning Lady Olenna?" Arianne asked, bringing her hands to the front of her body and resting them gently as she sat.

"How am I? I should ask how are you?" Olenna pressed pouring herself tea and then pouring Arianne tea.

"A little tired," Arianne responded honestly.

"Tired? Ha!" Olenna exclaimed. She turned to smile at the young girl. "You seem to have caused much chaos last night from what my son tells me? Dancing with Jaime Lannister, who is betrothed. Allowing yourself to be molested by that Viper, Oberyn Martell-"

"Oberyn is a kind man, maybe just a little overly passionate but-" Arianne interrupted, offended by the way Olenna was talking about Oberyn and herself.

"Don't interrupt me," Olenna said shaking her head. Her greying hair flying around from the extravagant updo that she wore. "Now where was I...ah yes. Allowing yourself to be molested by that Viper Oberyn Martell." She said, arching one brow as she leaned closer to the table.

Arianne glared at the woman. "Who I dance with is none of your business. Is that why you have called me here?"

"I called you here offering help. I know what it's like to be a young lady, unintroduced to society and being watched by all," Olenna said smiling.

"Well...thank you for the kindness," Arianne stuttered.

Olenna nodded her head. "You know, in my day." A small smile rose to her lips. "A maiden was not allowed to feel any attraction to a man until she had been instructed to do so by her mother."

"Well, like everyone else, you know my situation prevents me from that particular rite of passage," Arianne snapped back. She regretted instantly, Olenna had been nothing but hospitable to her and she was treating her disrespectfully.

"Hm," Olenna responded. "I understand what it is to grow up with no mother, or the very least to see the least of her."

"Yes but that's just it. My mother wasn't given the chance to see me or not," Arianne pointed out.

"I understand Arianne. I truly do. I have sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews; all I want you to do is take caution. I offer this as advice from a mother," Olenna sighed, standing from her seat, patting Arianne's shoulder and going to look outside of the window.

"I thank you for your advice, sincerely. Though you would not tell me to take caution unless you know something. Do you know something about me that I should be aware of Lady Olenna?" Arianne frowned.

"And you would not say that unless you had something to hide, Lady Arianne. I hear you have tea with the Queen. Enjoy it."

Arianne's mouth gaped. "Might I remind you, that I am Lord Eddard Stark's daughter, I may not be of full high blood but I am of some. You would do so to remember that when speaking to me next time. Though I thank you again for your...kind gesture, I might also remind you that I am not in need nor want of a motherly figure in my life at present. I will give your regards to the Queen and hope to see you at dinner. Good day, Lady Olenna." Arianne stood from her seat and left the room as quickly and quietly as her feet and shoes would allow.

"How did it go?" Oliva asked looking at her lady hopefully.

"Insufferable woman. Who does she think she is speaking to me like that? I understand I'm a bastard, but that gives her no reason to bash me with gossip when the sun hasn't even risen properly yet." Arianne responded wiping her eyes and then her hands on her dress.

Oliva nodded her head. "The usual reaction." Biting her lip she led Arianne to tea.

What has my stupid runny mouth done? She thought. Of course, Anne would do the first thing possible to higher herself.