Viserys looked at Arianne.
"I have informants in Highgarden," Arianne said outright, though her tone remained even. "Before Margaery Tyrell left for Valyria, she told her maid that she would become Viserys Targaryen's queen. His only queen."
Viserys said nothing.
Arianne continued, "She lives in your castle now, reading and taking walks with your sisters every day. And I hear she has grown quite close to you."
There was no accusation in her voice, nor any anger. She was simply stating facts.
Viserys spoke. "So you're worried I'll choose her and abandon you."
"Worried?" Arianne laughed, a hint of self-mockery in her smile. "Your Grace, I've known since childhood that my marriage would not be my own choice, but a bargain. As House Martell's heir, I would either marry into one of Dorne's great noble families to secure our rule, or into a powerful family in the Free Cities in exchange for support and benefits. I accepted that long ago."
She paused, her black eyes fixed on him. "But since we are already betrothed, of course I wanted to see for myself what sort of man you are. That's all."
"Besides," she finally added, her tone almost airy, "I know you turned Margaery down, just as you turned down these three foolish cousins of mine."
Nymeria immediately protested. "Who are you calling foolish?"
Arianne ignored her and continued, "That makes me think you might not be too terrible a husband."
Viserys raised an eyebrow slightly. "Might."
The corners of Arianne's lips curved upward. "Yes, might. After all, you haven't told me whether you're pleased with me, what you think of my looks, or what sort of person you believe I am."
The room fell silent for a few seconds.
"Princess Arianne, you didn't come to see me tonight just to