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Chapter 1: The Storm is coming
Raiden woke up agitated, his messy curls stuck to his forehead due to the sweat. His eyes took a long time to get used to the morning light entering his room and blinked several times, trying to regulate his erratic breathing. He felt his heart pounding against his chest and let out a sigh as soon as he was aware that he was no longer in any danger; the nightmare was over. He could hear the birds of the morning singing in the distance and put his hands to his face, to move his hair away from his forehead. His recent peace was interrupted by two knocks on the door, and, without just waiting for him to give permission, the person went in, laughing. Raiden knew well who it was with just that; his older sister, Arianne.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." greeted the eldest, laughing and throwing herself into her bed.
"Someday I'll be naked and you'll learn to wait for me to let you in." Half scolded him, getting out of bed to go wash his face in the container on a table near his bed.
"You naked?" But if you are more chaste than a Septon. - Arianne sneered, and Raiden drowned with the water from the container, which made her laugh. - Anyway, we are all waiting for you for breakfast.
-You can get ahead, I'll be ready in a while.
The eldest with black and curly hair, stood up and nodded.
"Well, but hurry up, Uncle Oberyn arrived, and he and Dad want to tell us something.
Raiden's eyes lit up slightly and he turned to look at his sister.
"Is Uncle Oberyn here?" What do you want?
"Sh." Ariane interrupted him, making a gesture with his hand. "Just hurry, we will be waiting for you.
And without saying more, he withdrew from the room. He left the door open on purpose, letting out a laugh when Raiden claimed him in a scream, and hurried his steps. He sighed and closed the door, letting out a low laugh. Despite the age difference, Arianne and he were very close, she was closer to him than his other two brothers, and although Raiden had a place in his heart for Trystane and Quentyn, he would not deny his special affection for Arianne. After all, she was the only female sister, although he was younger, her protective instinct was activated with her. And that happened often, since Arianne got into trouble almost every time she breathed.
His mind raged about his uncle Oberyn, he hadn't seen him for months, he probably brought important news.
Anxious, Raiden dressed in his typical clothes. A silk tunic of gold and brown colours, thin beige pants and her gold rings, given by her father and mother. He left the room, and in the hallway he met a maiden carrying a tray, probably for breakfast.
"Alia, good morning." He greeted, smiling, stretching his hand to get an apple out of the tray. The maiden looked at him badly but then denied, smiling.
"Prince Raiden." He tilted his head slightly. "Your family is having breakfast in the gardens. Follow me.
Raiden did it, following the maiden outside. When he felt the sun coming, a sigh escaped from his lips and then took a bite of the fruit, but not before blowing it and cleaning it against his robe. The temperature in Dorne was always suffocating, and although it used to rain, he was never a fan of the heat in his home. He distinguished in the distance the silhouettes of his uncle and Quentyn away from the table, in a duel of swords, and inevitably a smile formed on his lips.
Once they arrived at the table, Alia left the tray on it, and left. Raiden approached the adult with sharp features and dark hair, Quentyn when he noticed him nearby, walked away, with a bad face. Oberyn noticed his nephew's face, and confused, he turned around. When his dark eyes met Raiden, and Oberyn stepped back one step to look at him well. He had grown quite a lot.
" Uncle Oberyn." The smile in Raiden was inevitable, and Oberyn soon got infected with it.
Smiling big, the adult quickly surrounded him with his arms, squeezing him against his body. He was tall, of course, but he still didn't reach his uncle's height. The warm reunion made him feel happy; the last time he had seen his uncle Oberyn, he was only a ten-year-old boy, and now Raiden was entering adolescence. He would soon become a man.
"My nephew." Oberyn walked away, excited, to observe him. "You have grown up, brat, even your hair is silky like that of a princess.
Raiden was slightly offended. Yes, maybe he put too much effort into combing his curls, but he didn't like disdainful nicknames. He was going to protest, but Quentyn's laughter reached his ears and he decided to simply make a bad face and lightly hit the adult with his elbow, he moved away completely later.
"My hair is not even that long," he protested, his curls barely reached a little below his ears.
"And tell me, have you improved with the sword?" Oberyn questioned, ignoring his protests. "Or do you prefer a spear?"
He was going to respond, his training was going more than well, he was learning techniques with the sword and improving his dexterity, at least, that's what they told him. His mother, Mellario, interrupted the conversation.
"I think what he prefers is to have breakfast first," he said, with rebuke, earning Oberyn to raise his arms, surrendered, and then pat the minor's back.
"To have breakfast," said the adult excitedly. Raiden smiled.
Before sitting down, he approached his mother, saying good morning and leaving a kiss on his cheek, as he always used to do. His father Doran, on the other hand, slapped him on the arm, greeting him. Raiden looked a lot like Doran in it; both were not too affectionate, even their brothers were not, but they all had a certain weakness for their mother.
They sat down for breakfast, sharing a moment with the family, Ellaria, Oberyn's lover, arrived minutes later and the whole Martell family, or at least most of it, enjoyed the morning together.
☀️
-Send Raiden to the North? Are you crazy?" Ariane raised her voice, as well as getting up from the comfortable armchair in the living room, looking at Doran without being able to believe it.
His father sighed, probably seeing that fuss coming, while rubbing the bridge of his nose. On another occasion, Raiden would have laughed at his frustration, because Arianne was the one who always made her father fright, but now, she was trying to process the information.
Doran informed the whole family that he would send him to Winterfell, as Eddard Stark's pupil. Of course, he did not have the opportunity to say why, because his firstborn quickly acted defensively, even before Raiden had the possibility of getting angry.
"Can you let me finish, Arianne?" Doran asked, gesturing to his daughter to take her seat. She did it, snapping her tongue in the process. - Like my son and your younger brother, Raiden has grown up with all the luxuries. He barely knows how to use a sword - the adult looked at his son, taking his wife's hand. - I know that your mother and I have educated you with enough values for you to be a great man, Raiden, but you could learn from Eddard. He is the most honourable man I have ever met. In addition, he has children your age, maybe you can make friends.
Raiden looked at his mother, part of him agreed with this decision, that is, he wanted to explore the world, and what better way than that, but at the same time, it meant leaving his comfort zone, his home, his comfort and privileges. Of course I was afraid. Mellario, his mother, scratched, as if asking for the word.
"My son, believe me, I didn't agree with this decision, but we want you to know that your opinion counts.
"Yes, although if you don't want to, I'll drag you." Oberyn joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"Well, I think I should go." Quentyn said.
"Of course you want to." Now it was Trystane who spoke, looking badly at Quentyn, Arianne sighed.
Of course, Quentyn wanted him to get out of there. Since Raiden has a memory, his second brother has rejected him in the family countless times. At first he thought they were jealous because his parents were a little softer with him and Trystane being the younger children, but when he saw how well he got along with his other brother, he knew that it was something personal. However, he never knew what.
"I..." Raiden cleared his throat, trying to make sure that his voice didn't get so choked. "I think it's a good idea.
He knew that his answer had perhaps been too simple, and when he was going to add something else, Arianne interrupted him.
"Do you feel good?" You're going to freeze your ass there!
"Or I'll die of heat here." His voice sounded rough, unintentionally. I was tired of how everyone debated his future. - I have heard stories of Eddard Stark, he is a capable warrior and the Guardian of the North. If father thinks I can learn from him, then...
"Then there's nothing more to argue." Oberyn stood up, unlike everyone in the room, with a smile. "I'll take care of taking you. A trip uncle and nephew, oh?
"No." Doran spoke quickly. "Everyone will go with you, consider it a visit and an opportunity to say goodbye to your brother.
"What?" Quentyn's squeaky voice resounded in the room. "Why us?"
"Because you are a prince, and since my health is so bad and I will not be able to go, the least I can do is that you also visit the place and represent me.
-But-
"Quentyn." His mother spoke, looking at him severely. The boy sighed, surrendered, and left the room with a dog humour.
Raiden saw him leave, his gaze then meeting his mother's. The sweet woman smiled softly at him, and he felt all the fears disappear.
"Go pack, son. They leave in two days. -Doran gestured his hand and he nodded.
He left the room and went straight to his room, somewhat overwhelmed, but he could not deny that pinch of emotion. Raiden always wanted to adventure, explore and perfect himself like a gentleman, and this was his opportunity to discover his place in the world, to discover what he was capable of. He, for some strange reason, had never felt one hundred percent part of Dorne. It was as if he didn't fit in, and no matter how much he loved his family, he often felt like a stranger at the table.
That night, after dinner, Raiden went to sleep with millions of questions. Will the North be as cold as they say? Was Eddard Stark really the most honourable man his father had ever met? Finally, he fell exhausted, sleeping deeply.
☀️
And so it happened, two days later, the most difficult part for Raiden, was to say goodbye.
Seeing his mother's face flooded with sadness and his dark eyes crystalised by tears, they definitely broke his heart. He hugged her as hard as he could, breaking the hug minutes later, leaving a kiss on the woman's forehead.
-Take good care of yourself, my boy.
Mellario stroked his son's cheeks, smiling with melancholy while letting out some tears, Raiden smiled, feeling the lump in his throat slightly suffocate him.
"I'll do it, mom." He took his hand. "When I get back, I'll bring you flowers.
He promised, knowing how much his mother loved them. Mellario couldn't help but let out a sob, while Raiden was now going to say goodbye to his father.
"Dad..." his eyes were at this point, he had so many things to say and, even so, he couldn't find the words.
"I know," said the man. "You are going to become a man and I am sure that, when all this is over and you return with us, what we will see will make us proud.
Raiden sighed trembling, and in an impulse, he knelt down to hug his father, making it a little difficult due to his wheelchair, but the man reciprocated the hug with the same intensity, feeling his chest hurt. When they moved away, he smiled at both of them. He was going to say talk, but then, Trystane took him by the arm.
-Raiden, it seems that someone else came to say goodbye.
He frowned at his brother's mocking tone, and when he turned around, he met Nereida. Nereida Roy.
She was the daughter of a nobleman who had moved to Dorne several years ago, she was of the same stature, with brown skin, captivating amber eyes and dark curls almost as messy as hers. Raiden and she were quite close, especially since Nereida was two years older than him and a very close friend of his sister. And in addition, his father had mentioned once or twice that, when he is older, Nereida would be the best option to take as a wife.
He never denied it, he liked it, it was beautiful, strong and even once he beat him in a duel.
A push, by Trystane, took him out of his thoughts and stumbled over his own steps. He didn't fall because he found the balance, but he was perhaps too close to the girl. Nereida looked at him with her big honey eyes, and smiled at him. Raiden noticed just now that his hair was tied in a messy braid and wondered; will he have run until he arrived in time to say goodbye?
"Hello," he greeted, feeling his palms sweat. He could feel the laughter of Arianne and Quentyn behind, probably making fun of their stupidity. When he turned around, he saw Oberyn giving his older brother a soft blow on the back of the neck.
"Hello." She greeted him back, smiling without showing her teeth. "You're leaving.
She affirmed and he just nodded, squeezing his lips with a sad look.
"Are you coming to say goodbye?"
He was encouraged to ask, wanting to hit himself internally because that was the worst flirtation anyone in history could try. She just laughed.
-Yes. I hope I can see you soon, maybe you'll be a man when you return.
-Maybe?
"Or maybe you'll just come back dumber than you are.
He couldn't help laughing, lowering his head, and then looking at her again.
"I'll be a man," he said. "And maybe I'll come back taller than you.
She hit him on the shoulder, in a soft and playful contact. He could hear his uncle Oberyn's face. Raiden understood it, poor man, I had to watch him flirt mediocrely.
"Goodbye, Prince Raiden." She formally greeted him, he didn't know what to do, should he hug her?
He hesitated, hugging her might be too much, kissing her hand? No. Too formal.
He felt a soft kiss on his cheek and opened his eyes surprised, his ears warming up due to shame, looking at the girl without saying anything.
"I hope you have a good trip.
Her sweet voice resounded in his head.
-E-Eh, yes, you're the same. -Trystane let out a laugh at his stupidity. - I mean, I- it's just that, you-
"Well, enough." Oberyn interrupted, taking him by the arm and taking him away before he humbled himself more.
Nereida, contrary to feeling offended, laughed at him and said goodbye with a gesture of his hand, which he returned to her while now Arianne said goodbye to her. He rode his horse taking care not to fall or scare the animal and when they began to embark on the trip, Raiden turned to look at his parents one last time, smiling with melancholy as he moved further and further away.
☀️
Lady Catelyn Stark was more busy than usual, for her, everything had to be perfect for the arrival of the southerners. The Martells were a family that could hold resentments throughout their lives, people to fear, in their own words, so they should make a good impression. Doran Martell was a prudent and thoughtful man, while his brother, Prince Oberyn Martell, was a high-level warrior.
Undoubtedly, his visit to the North was a great honour for the northerners.
All the servants of the Starks had been preparing everything since the sun barely began to rise. Ned Stark, however, was with his sons, watching the elders practising their archery and their two younger children playing with sticks pretending to be swords, completely relaxed and oblivious to his wife's nerves.
"Tell me, why will the Prince of Dorne visit Winterfell?"
Theon asked Robb, and Jon thanked him mentally because he was just as confused and curious as he was. Robb hesitated before responding, looking at his father a few steps away.
It was true that the news had taken everyone by surprise. And although it had been a while since the crow had arrived with the letter, they were still trying to find a reason for the prince to travel so far.
"I don't know," he replied, gathering all the arrows they had used to practice shooting minutes ago. "Father says that maybe it's not such an important matter. But mother is very nervous.
"The prince is coming!" The youngest of the two girls, Arya, ran by, going to her father. "Mother says hurry up.
Lord Stark attended to his wife's message, and he walked hurriedly by belling his children to follow him.
"Fir your clothes." The man asked, if his wife saw them like this, he would also earn a scolding.
Lady Catelyn was already in the place next to Sansa. Clearly annoyed by her husband's delay, but Ned simply smiled at her, positioning himself next to her, while her children did the same and formed in a row.
The large doors of Winterfell were wide open showing a large gold banner, almost orange, with a red sun and a spear crossing it. The carriage entered later, Arianne and Ellaria travelled there, while the men were on their horses.
While Arianne got off the carriage, with the help of northerners, Prince Oberyn, the red viper, as it was known, got off the horse to help as well. Raiden's brothers did the same while he was too focussed on travelling the place with his eyes.
The trees surrounded the beautiful place, the flags with drawn wolves hung from the walls, the falling snowflakes perched on its curls and even people looked at him curiously but kindness was seen in his eyes. Raiden let out a snort that condensed in the cold air that surrounded him. Winterfell was beautiful, and as cold as everyone described it.
He reacted seconds later, due to a soft blow from Trystane on his foot. He disassembled his horse with a quick movement and stood up, tried not to shudder when his ankle was punctured by the force of his landing, a consequence of wearing boots so as not to die of cold.
As they approached the family, Raiden's eyes travelled across everyone's face. He visualised who he assumed was Eddard Stark, he looked quite formidable and imposing, but at the same time, kind.
His gaze stopped on a thick, reddish hair. And what he saw caused a chill in his spine. Blue eyes, no, Raiden would describe them as celestinos, almost as bright as the sky in summer, they met theirs. The girl gave him a smile that practically took his breath away and made him feel, despite the cold that sinks to the bones, a hugging heat in his abdomen.
The scratchy voice of the Winterfell guardian took him out of his trance, and he had to blink repeatedly to be able to look away from the young woman.
"Seven blessings, Prince Oberyn," said Ned Stark. "He honours us with his presence.
Oberyn smiled without showing his teeth, shaking the northerner's hand.
"The honour is ours, Lord Stark." He moved away a little. "My brother is very sorry not to be here, his health is delicate for now. So he sent me instead, I hope not to offend.
"Not at all." Ned denied, barely smiling. "My wife, Catelyn Stark.
The woman, with mahogany hair and blue eyes, smiled at the man in a golden suit, Oberyn took the woman's hand and left a gentle kiss on her back. Raiden almost laughed when he saw the surprise in the eyes of the northerner. Ned introduced his children one by one, starting with Robb until he reached Rickon, all under the attentive eyes of the Martell family.
"He is our brother, Jon Snow," said the little girl who she remembered as Arya, taking the boy's arm.
Raiden knew it by his last name and by the hard look that Catelyn gave to her daughter. He was a bastard.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, boy." Oberyn greeted, giving him a friendly and sincere smile. "But how rude I have been!" He laughed. "This beautiful woman here next to me is my lover, Ellaria." He turned only a little to take the woman's hand, smiling. "She is Arianne Martell, Dorne's heiress... Quentyn Martell...
He continued, until he reached Raiden, who moved uncomfortable when he suddenly felt all the attention in him.
"And this boy next to me is Raiden Martell, prince and third son of Doran.
Raiden knew it. If it were for Oberyn's presentation, no one would have assumed that he was a Martell. It was obvious that he stood out from everyone for the fact that he was different. The Martells had physical characteristics that he did not possess; olive skin, large dark eyes and shiny black and curly hair. On the other hand, his skin was whitish, his eyes were electric blue and the only thing he agreed on was in the jet black hair.
Raiden looked like a real prince under those golden clothes and furs, yes, but not like a Martell. What no one knew was that he was as prudent as his father, Doran; as brave as his uncle Oberyn and as brave as any other Martell.
However, although always the people who got to know him the first thing they did was to notice how different he was to his family, the northern man in front of him, only gave him a kind smile.
"It's an honour, Prince Raiden.
Ned Stark had been the only one who had not noticed that difference, no matter how notorious it was.
"Some servants will show them their rooms, if they like to get comfortable now. I imagine they are tired." Catelyn spoke, smiling kindly.
"Our men can take care of their belongings." Ned made a slight movement with his hand, and his loyal subjects were soon getting all down from the carriage.
"My nephews will surely be happy to rest, but I need a good wine." Oberyn threw the hint, which did not go unnoticed. "Lord Stark, could you have the honour of your company?"
Eddard agreed with pleasure. When the Martells were on their way to their respective rooms, Raiden could not help but take longer than the count. The reason? Sansa Stark.
Her features were of a Tully, she was too similar to her mother.
With curiosity eating, he turned to see her for the last time, and to his pleasant surprise, Sansa was doing the same. She would have liked to maintain eye contact, but as soon as the young man was discovered seeing him, her celestine eyes quickly moved away.
"Raiden!" Quentyn called him, in a scream for nothing kind.
With a snort, Raiden turned around and walked inside, without saying anything, while fighting to take off his leather gloves.
☀️
Oberyn took a seat, the sound of the crackling of the wood burning in the large fireplace for an attempt to warm up, accompanied the southerner while taking a sip of the glass of wine that had been served to him.
"Lord Stark, I think the time has come for us to talk.
Ned agreed, nodding curiously, he knew very well that there would be an issue to deal with, even before the Dorians arrived in Winterfell. You just had to find out what it was.
"I'm listening, Prince.
Oberyn took another sip of the wine, tasting the flavour, and then leaving the glass back on the table.
"You know, my Lord?" My brother is a reasonable man, countless times he has said that he trusts you more than any other guardian of the seven kingdoms," he said.
"It's an honour for me," the northerner smiled smirely, "but I still understand what you mean by that.
"Doran is worried," he reported, and in the face of Ned's expression of confusion, he continued. "Arianne is the Dorne heir for being the oldest; Quentyn has a future as a great warrior; Trystane is the youngest, he is a child still and quite spoiled. On the other hand, Raiden is his biggest concern.
"It's his third child, of course he must worry about his well-being. But I still don't understand how it is that...
"How do you get into this, right?" He guessed what the man was going to say. "He wants to make Raiden an honourable boy, what better than to learn from you, Lord Stark.
Ned could not avoid the expression of surprise on his face.
"You've never heard of a Dornian in Winterfell, Prince Oberyn, is it?
"Raiden is not like any other Dornian." Oberyn interrupted him. "He doesn't tell me, but I know he doesn't feel part of Lanza del Sol. Our people love him, yes, and I'm sure he loves our people; but whenever I visit him, he seems to be daydreaming." He took a sip of his wine, looking the man in the eyes. "It has been not known of a Dornian in Winterfell," he repeated, smiling. "Who better than Raiden?"
☀️
ᅠᅠ
"Are you skilful with the sword, Stark?" Quentyn asked, with such a bragging tone that Raiden rolled his eyes.
After receiving the guest right in Winterfell, changing their clothes to a warmer one and settling in their room, the Martell brothers noted their presence in the daily practice of the young Starks. Trystane, Raiden and Arianne were simply spectators, while Quentyn did not waste the time to start bragging about, according to Raiden, his basic combat skills.
"And... there he is." Trystane whispered, making him smile.
"I guess I can brag a little," Robb replied, gently shrugging his shoulders. "Why?"
Quentyn smiled and drew his sword, approaching the eldest of the Starks, while Jon retreated to where the three Martells were, understanding what was going to happen. He positioned himself next to Raiden and the view was fun because, although the two were 13 years old, the Dornian was a few centimetres taller.
"So, why don't we try that?" Quentyn was practically strutting, Arianne let out a low laugh, and her brother looked at her in a bad way.
"It will be an honour to defeat a prince." Robb accepted the challenge, standing straight on his feet.
When the fight began, Raiden assumed that it would end quickly, since neither of them wore shields. Soon, the swords began to collide again and again, that Raiden was already beginning to feel his ears hurt before the metal crashing.
The duel was almost in equal parts according to Quentyn, but both the brothers and Jon, who were observing everything calculatingly, realised the advantage that Robb had. He had grown up being educated as a future heir. Oberyn and Ned went out and met the fight, approaching curiously, Eddard trying to hide his smile of pride. Quentyn and Robb, noticing the presence of adult men, began to take the confrontation more and more seriously.
"He's going to win," Raiden spoke in a low murmur, referring to the northerner, earning Jon's curious look.
"Prince Quentyn is good," Oberyn interrupted, praising his nephew.
"Even so, your brother is going to win." Raiden dared to whisper to Jon. It was clear that in skill they were equalled, but Robb had more skill when it came to fighting.
Jon looked at him, raised a funny eyebrow and looked at the duel among the young people again. Raiden lost attention shortly after, now focussing on young Stark, Sansa, if she remembered wrong, go out and approach curious too. She was accompanied by someone who remembered as Arya, the little chestnut peliñada watched the duel with a sparkle in her eyes.
He swallowed saliva when his gaze joined Sansa's, and both looked away as quickly as they could. Finally, with a loud roar, Quentyn's sword fell to the ground, young Stark had emerged victorious. Eddard smiled proudly, while Oberyn applauded.
"A clean victory," the Dornian flattered the young winner, Quentyn picked up his sword from the ground with an expression of defeat and Robb thanked with a slight tilt of his head. "This reminds me of something. Raiden. - he called him and the named one turned around, confused. - Come with me.
Everyone was silent, curious, and Raiden practically ran to where Oberyn was to go to a more private place to talk. His uncle guided him to the entrance of the castle, Raiden watched the northerners work and some children run between laughs until the walk stopped and Oberyn turned around to see him.
"Lord Stark accepted that you stay here," he informed him.
Raiden smiled, happy, however, he noticed that his uncle didn't look very happy about it. He frowned and was encouraged to ask him.
-What's going on?
"Raiden." Oberyn put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure you'll be okay here?" Son, Winterfell is not like at home, here you will be alone. I know they are trustworthy, but even here, you must take care of yourself, is that okay?
Raiden was confused, however, he understood a little the reason for his concern.
"I'll do it, you shouldn't-
"I'm worried." Oberyn interrupted him with a smile. He disheveled his hair and earned a snuff, he hated when they did that. - I have something for you.
His hateful look went on to a curious one, seeing his uncle take a sword out of his belt. He gave it to him and he soon felt the weight in his hands. When he drew it, he was surprised to see the valyrium steel.
-Is it...?
"Yes, it is," he confirmed his suspicions.
"Uncle, where did you get it?" His eyes shone with astonishment as he completely drew the sword, the glow of daylight hitting the blade.
"Say it was given to me by a drunk in the Bastion of Storms.
Raiden looked at him badly, but at the same time it seemed strange to him, valyrio steel in the Bastion of Storms? He should have belonged to some royal member. Even so, he didn't question that, his uncle almost always got into trouble and it was better not to know.
"Well, thank you for giving me something that was from a drunk," he murmured with obvious sarcasm.
Oberyn laughed, denying, patted his back.
"Believe me, it has more sentimental value and in gold than the wines in which that drunk drowned.
The sharp-eyed man watched him continue admiring the sword, feeling something stir in his stomach. He opened his mouth to say something, however, he only remained silent. Raiden hugged him seconds later, thanking him in a low voice for the gift, telling him that he should not worry about anything and Oberyn, although a certain part of him was relieved, could not calm that bad feeling that settled in the mouth of his stomach. But only the strong hug corresponded.
"We will leave in the morning with your brothers," he said as he separated from the hug.
"I thought they would stay longer." Raiden frowned.
"I know, even Lord Stark believed the same thing, but your mother would kill me if we stayed longer. You know she is quite protective with Trystane. -Oberyn smiled, settling in the fur coat she was wearing. - In addition, my balls are freezing in this place.
Both laughed, and went back to the castle.
Eddard announced that he was giving a dinner in honour of his guests, and as soon as they enlisted, Martell and Stark shared a table and food. Raiden observed the place in detail. To be in the middle of winter, the dining room was warm, the yellow light of the candles gave an even elegant touch to the place. The young people sat together, while the adults shared another one. Raiden found himself sitting next to Trystane, in front of Robb and Jon.
"You were brilliant in today's duel." Ariane flattered the northerner, and for Raiden and Jon the blush on his cheeks did not go unnoticed. Both looked at each other and hid their funny smiles when they bite the bread.
Raiden liked it.
"Thank you," Robb nodded. Quentyn snorted at the bottom.
They began to talk about combat, swords and techniques. Robb was surprised that Arianne knew about it, and he and Jon were even more surprised to learn that the women in Dorne were also struggling. Raiden participated in the conversation, but soon distracted, again with whom he had captured his attention when he arrived; Sansa Stark.
The girl looked at him and smiled at him and he smiled back.
He looked like a fool looking at her, until he felt an elbow from Trystane. Raiden turned around, willing to hit him, since he had that damn habit of elbowing him in the worst moments, but his younger brother laughed and stopped him.
"Go talk to her," he whispered.
-What?
"You've been looking at her since we arrived. If you are going to stay here, you must talk to her, stupid.
Offended by the insult, he raised his hand to hit him in the back of the neck, but again Trystane laughed and prevented him from doing so.
"If you don't go, I'll go.
His younger brother made the gesture of standing up, but quickly prevented him, putting his hands on his shoulders and keeping him there, while now he stood up. He captured Robb's brief attention, but he then continued talking to Arianne. Raiden sighed and took his glass, giving him a long sip in search of giving himself something of value. It was the first time he drank so much wine, at home he was allowed to have only one glass, but this time his vase had been filled and, at this point, he began to feel a little dizzy.
Finally, he began to walk to where Sansa was sitting with his friend Jeyne, just a few steps away from him. He approached, trying to keep his heartbeat relaxed, as he watched as Sansa whispered something to his brown friend and she left quickly, as if to leave them alone.
Once he stood in front of the girl with her hair kissed by the fire, she smiled softly at her.
-Lady Sansa. -Raiden didn't know how she did so that her voice didn't drown, but she greeted with a soft nod.
"Lord Raiden." She greeted him with a nod too, but he was a little disappointed. The greeting had sounded as if she was reading a script. Monotonous.
"Actually, it's Prince Raiden, I'm not a lord." He tried to ease the atmosphere, barely laughing.
She opened her eyes slightly and nodded, with a smile, more relaxed.
"I'm sorry, Prince Raiden.
He smiled even more, denying.
-No problem. It's okay." He pointed to the free place in front of him, looking her in the eyes later. "Can I keep you company?"
Sansa hesitated, nervous, and then nodded quickly.
"Yes, of course.
He took a seat with one leg on the bench under the table and the other in the hallway, to be able to face the girl. It was not the most polite way to adopt a posture, but he was more nervous than normal. Sansa fixed his hair while he took a seat next to him.
"Your home is charming." He finally spoke, leaning a little to be heard clearly. "Colder than I expected. But it's charming like that.
Sansa felt her cheeks warm up, however, she was encouraged to speak.
"Is this your first time in the North?"
He nodded. - It is. Although I wish I could have made the trip earlier.
"You and your family are welcome to stay in Winterfell.
Yes. Every time she spoke, Raiden noticed the monotony of his words, it was clear that his answers were taken from a script, which he was very used to, but that did not mean that he should like it. He forced a smile, looking down for a few seconds, not knowing what to say, while playing with the ring on his little finger.
What should I say? He felt silly. I didn't know why he had the impatient desire to make the girl in front of him leave the words rehearsed and simply talk to him without barriers. And Raiden knew it, he had to earn his trust for it.
He remained silent for a few seconds, thinking what to say, until he finally deigned to ask.
"Do you like flowers?"
She opened her eyes, surprised and somewhat confused by the question.
"To me?"
"Yes, you." He chuckled. "Do you like them?"
-I- ah, yes.
-In Dorne we have gardens full of them. Someday, you and your family can visit us as well.
Sansa went from surprise to a softer expression, smiling with emotion and nodding. Raiden felt the heat spread through the tip of his ears, but he ignored it.
"I would love that.
He nodded, they continued talking, Sansa told him about his brothers, the North or that he was learning to embroider. The girl was quite talkative once they gave her foot, and Raiden didn't bother her, were it not for the fact that she felt slightly intoxicated by the wine.
Then, her talk was interrupted by Catelyn, who interrupted, trying not to laugh at the disappointed face of both, when sending Sansa to sleep. She did it, saying goodbye to him. And when he stood up, his gaze met that of his uncle Oberyn, who raised his eyebrows funny, and he simply rolled his eyes, deciding that he had already had too much for today, letting himself be carried away by Trystane from his arm to the room to go to sleep.
And so, he became Ned Stark's pupil. His home became Winterfell and the northerners, something very rare because he was a Dornian.