"Welcome to Dorne, Your Graces," Prince Doran said. Though he looked tormented by illness, he was composed and wise.
Although the prince lived in seclusion in the Water Gardens, he still held all of Dorne firmly in his grasp.
Doran's cousin Ser Manfrey served as acting castellan, while the elderly, blind Ricasso served as steward. His officers collected taxes and handed them to the treasurer, Allis Redbright, to count. His bailiffs maintained order in the Shadow City, his judges presided over arbitration, and Maester Mys handled letters that did not require the prince's personal attention.
Above all these men, he had also placed the Red Viper.
His own daughter and lawful heir fared much worse.
Arianne's duties consisted only of drinking, making merry, and entertaining distinguished guests. Oberyn visited the Water Gardens once a week; Arianne was summoned twice a year.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Doran," Gendry and Daenerys said.
"My apologies, Your Graces. My feet-please forgive my inability to kneel," Doran said sorrowfully. His personal maester and captain of guards knelt before the royal couple instead.
Doran sat in a specially made wheelchair with wheels of ebony and steel and goose-down cushions.
Gendry wore gold clothes embroidered with black thread, bearing the royal Four-Part Sigil.
Daenerys wore matching clothes, with the addition of amethyst-set jewelry adorning her hairnet and wrists.
The two looked young, possessing extraordinary beauty and charm.
Doran looked at Gendry with envy. A handsome, tall warrior king, he was a king who could win the hearts of any lord or knight.
His son, however, was rather too ordinary. Quentyn was short and not particularly handsome, having combined his father's and mother's shortcomings. His daughter at least had beauty to her name.
They gathered on a balcony in the Water Gardens. Many of