The Kingdom's Future (End)

"The Sand Snakes are free. That's what Uncle Oberyn taught them, Father."

Prince Doran's smile was weak and feeble. "Leave us, Areo."

The prince's captain of guards gave a slight nod, struck the floor with the haft of his longaxe, then turned and withdrew.

Once only father and daughter remained, Prince Doran studied her for a long while before slowly speaking. "Tell me, Arianne, why did you kill Kevan Lannister? Did you consider the consequences if it was discovered?"

Her father sounded utterly weary, and that irritated Arianne. "For the honor of House Martell! Father, your brother went to King's Landing in your place, and they killed him!"

Prince Doran seemed unconcerned by his daughter's accusation, his expression sorrowful. "Whenever I close my eyes, I can see Oberyn laughing and talking with me."

Arianne's fury flared. "You are the Prince of Dorne. You should avenge your brother, not mourn here like a coward!"

With that, Arianne went straight to the cyvasse table and sat across from her father.

Prince Doran looked at her. "I did not permit you to sit."

Arianne glanced over the board, picked up a "heavy cavalry" piece, moved it several spaces, and set it down. There was still a trace of anger in her voice. "You may summon the captain of guards and have him whip me for my insolence. You are the Prince of Dorne. It is your right."

Prince Doran shifted his gaze to the board and picked up an "elephant," using it to capture the "heavy cavalry" Arianne had just moved.

"Who helped you?"

Her anger faded beneath her father's disregard. Perhaps she had long grown accustomed to this manner of interaction between father and daughter.

She picked up a "dragon" and captured her father's "elephant." Curling her lips, she said, "A new