At noon, just after Viserys had finished lunch with Arianne and the others, Oberyn appeared punctually at his guest room door, interrupting their plans to get some exercise and work off their meal.
After all, Arianne was still discovering the pleasures of intimacy. Before, she had only experimented with Nymeria and the others, never experiencing the delight she found with Viserys. And since he would not be staying long, they treasured every spare moment together.
For once, Oberyn had dressed properly that day, wearing a dark brown silk robe embroidered in gold thread with the sigil of a spear piercing the sun. His hair was neatly combed, too.
"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked when he saw Viserys. His tone sounded a little odd, and undisguised amusement lingered at the corners of his eyes.
Viserys did not take the bait.
Oberyn did not press him either. He shrugged. "The horses are ready. Let's go."
The Water Gardens lay about three leagues from the Old Palace.
But Viserys did not ride King Ghidorah. Instead, he shared a carriage with Arianne. Oberyn rode ahead to lead the way. Ellaria, who had been constantly at his side, did not accompany them, and the three Sand Snakes sisters remained at the Old Palace as well.
After passing through the Three Winding Walls, the carriage followed the coastal road. Arianne remained nestled in Viserys's arms, her fingers unconsciously stroking his chest.
"My father was diagnosed with gout when he was young," she began, her voice tinged with recollection. "At first, it was only pain in his toes. Later, it spread to his calves, knees, and fingers. Now he can barely stand and spends most of each day in a wheelchair."
"He rarely leaves the Water Gardens," Arianne continued. "The air there is mild