He returned to the hall and sat on the Iron Throne again.
Soon, six people were led into the hall.
At their head was a bald, round-faced knight built like a bear, with the arms of House Yronwood engraved on his armor.
Beside him walked a keen-featured knight and four women.
One of the girls was particularly striking. She was tall, her golden hair like flowing sunlight, her blue eyes like the clear waters of an oasis. Her skin was fair and fine, quite unlike the honey-colored complexion common in Dorne.
She wore a well-fitted pale blue gown. The full curves of her chest rose and fell with her slightly nervous breathing, carrying the youthful vitality of someone generously endowed by nature.
She stood uneasily behind the burly knight, her head slightly lowered and her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt.
"Your Majesty."
The bald knight, Ser Archibald Yronwood, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "I have come to seek an audience with Your Majesty at the command of Lord Anders, Earl of Yronwood. This is Ser William Wells, and this is his lordship's eldest daughter, Lady Ynys Yronwood, with her three maids."
He stepped aside to introduce them.
Ser William Wells bowed composedly.
Ynys curtsied with some fluster, her long lashes trembling as she stole a quick glance at Liu Qian on the Iron Throne.
Archibald cleared his throat and explained their purpose in a ringing voice. "Your Majesty, Lord Anders wishes to forge a closer alliance with you. Lady Ynys's betrothed, Ser Rohanne Allyrion, unfortunately fell ill and died after being taken captive by you. The lady is now sixteen, and in Dorne, marriage should not be delayed beyond that age."
He paused, looking earnestly at Liu Qian. "Therefore, Lord Anders is willing to offer Lady Ynys