New Stage

The sun, like a gigantic fireball, gradually sank toward the western horizon. Its afterglow dyed the edge of the sky into a brilliant sea of fire before slowly fading, as wisps of dusk as faint as smoke emerged.

Hook Alley, the Martell manse.

Princess Arianne stepped down from her carriage, lifting her skirts, as Obara Sand and Nymeria Sand, who had been waiting for her, hurried over.

Nymeria gave her a brief once-over and could not help smiling. "It's rare to see you in such a good mood lately, Arianne."

Arianne lazily stretched and curled her lips slightly. "Yes, this period has truly worn me out."

Obara furrowed her valiant brows and pointed at her. "Your lips. They look like some passionate fellow kissed them hard."

Nymeria giggled, her laughter especially crisp and bright amid the darkening dusk. "They're nearly swollen. Clearly, our princess made good progress at the Red Keep. Has that man already been utterly bewitched by you?"

Arianne shrugged as she walked. "Yes, clearly."

She shot an irritated look at the still-laughing Nymeria. "All right, all right, stop laughing. Come with me. I have good news to share with you, my dear sisters."

The bathhouse.

After the maidservants removed Arianne's gown and underclothes, she lifted a foot, stepped lightly over the edge, and lay directly in the tub. Her dark hair instantly fanned out through the water like lively aquatic weeds, swaying freely in the ripples.

With her entire body wrapped in warm water, Arianne half-closed her eyes and let out a relieved breath. "Aside from the stench of shit and piss everywhere in King's Landing, what I hate most are those heavy, cumbersome court gowns."

Obara and Nymeria came over carrying a wine jug and cups. One remained standing, while the other sat down and leaned