Bloodline 11

"Oh, Arianne!"

Obara and Nymeria sheathed their daggers and hurried forward, while Arianne Martell opened her arms to them.

"I'm so proud of you both. I love you so much." Embracing them, Arianne kissed each Sand Snake on the cheek.

It took a while for the affectionate reunion between sisters to end. Nymeria glanced toward the door and asked with some puzzlement, "Where's Tyene?"

Princess Arianne spread her hands. "Prince Doran wouldn't allow Tyene to serve as my attendant. Apparently, he was very worried she'd bring poisoned wine into the Red Keep."

The room gradually darkened. Obara raised a brow. "Attendant? The Red Keep?"

"You're as sharp as ever, Obara."

Arianne stretched in a tantalizing pose, then frowned at the bed in the room. "Sometimes, I truly have to admire the people of King's Landing for their fondness for not bathing."

Nymeria shrugged. "That's normal. Even the air here reeks."

At that, Princess Arianne giggled.

"Your Highness?" Obara was still waiting for Arianne's answer.

Arianne pursed her lips. "You're as dull as ever, my Obara."

Leaning against the wall, the smile on her face faded slightly as her black-pearl eyes swept over the two Sand Snakes. "I came here as Dorne's representative. It was Prince Doran's order."

Nymeria tilted her head in thought. "His order... Arianne, then what is your task?"

Her voice carried a faint note of mockery. "I thought the Lannisters were no longer worth our prince's continued 'wooing.'"

Princess Arianne shrugged. "My father seemed to think we'd done rather well. I was honestly surprised at the time."

Obara and Nymeria exchanged equally surprised looks.

Arianne lightly toyed with a lock of hair around her fingertip before continuing, "What surprised me most was the current situation in King's Landing... The good news is that I don't have to