Sarella Sand POV
"I hate this." Tyene complained as she played around with her food, a cute pout on her face as she expertly ignored all the male attention she was receiving from the other people in their table.
"Tyene. We're guests here in Hightower." She whispered to her little sister. "Stop throwing a tantrum just because you didn't get a seat in the main table."
Tyene stabbed her steak with her fork before she glanced at the main table placed upon the dias, where Stephen and Asha were dining with the main family of House Hightower.
The main family of House Hightower included Lord Hightower, his wife, eight of his ten children, his children's spouses, and some of his grandchildren.
The main table was already so crowded that some of the Hightower grandchildren had to be seated at other tables. So it was unfair for Tyene to complain about not getting a seat there.
"That squid bitch is sitting with him, so why can't I be there as well?" Tyene asked. "What does she offer him that I don't? Why does he always choose her over me?"
"It's not about that Tyene, and you know it." She said as she put her hand over Tyene's shoulder to stop her from stabbing her food. "Asha is the daughter of a Lord Paramount, and we're the bastard daughters of the second son of a great house. There's a significant distinction between the two."
"I know that." Tyene said with a sigh. "It's just… at least the lords and ladies pretended to respect us while we were in Dorne. But here, the men eye me like I'm a piece of meat in the market, while the women look at me with contempt. I don't like it."
She squeezed Tyene's shoulder in comfort. "It is what it is Tyene. Believe it or not, but Stephen does cares for you. But that doesn't mean that he'll always-" Her words were cut off when a beautiful young woman suddenly appeared behind Tyene and sat beside her.
"What are you two gossiping about?" The young woman asked cheerfully while Tyene went back to donning the polite innocent facade that she always wore around others.
"Oh, we were just discussing how amazing the Hightower is." Tyene said in a gentle voice as she smiled at the newcomer. A newcomer whom she suspected to be a member of House Hightower. "My sister Sarella always wanted to come and visit Oldtown."
"Did she now?" inquired the young woman, inspecting her from head to toe as if sizing up prey. "May I ask why? What drew you to this city? Was it the tournaments, the handsome young knights, or the grand balls hosted by my mother?"
'It was the Citadel actually.' She thought but decided against voicing that opinion. Instead, she asked. "Your mother?"
The young woman blinked and then erupted into a fit of laughter. "I apologize for my behavior," she said, realizing her mistake. "I was rudely interrupting you both without even introducing myself. Allow me to do so now." The young woman stepped back and assumed the demeanor of a proper lady. "My name is Lynesse Hightower, the youngest daughter and the tenth child of Lord Hightower. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Pleasure to meet you too." She said with as much grace as she could muster. Though even then, she found herself lacking when in comparison to Lynesse. Not that she minded too much. Womanly pursuits were never her speciality.
Tyene gently nodded as well, managing to keep up with Lynesse's grace and elegance with ease. "Why are you here with us and not in the main table, Lady Lynesse?" Tyene asked.
"Ugh… don't call me Lady Lynesse. That makes me feel so old. Just call me Lyn. That's what my friends call me." Lynesse said cheerfully, though she some of the cheer felt… fake for the lack of a better term.
"I would love to have more friends." Tyene said as she gently took Lyn's hands in her own. "Though you still haven't answered my questions Lyn. Why come here? Wouldn't the main table be more interesting to you?"
Though even as Tyene asked that question, she understood the hidden subtext behind it. 'Why are you not trying to talk with Stephen like everyone else?'
"This feast is dreadfully dull. My family would rather discuss tedious farming techniques with Prince Stephen than his triumph over the Ironborn," Lyn complained, attempting to pout like Tyene but failing to be as convincing. "Can you believe it? Prince Stephen is the youngest knight in all of recorded history, and yet my brothers are more interested in how he's cultivating spices in Dragonstone. Who even cares about spices, anyway?"
"I completely understand." Tyene said with a sympathetic smile. "Adult talks are so boring. And the main table is filled with adults. I didn't even know that House Hightower was so large until I saw it today with my own eyes."
"Ugh, don't even get me started on that. Being the youngest in the family is already a struggle, but after four of my older sisters got married, I have to deal with their annoying husbands and their bratty children too. It's a total nightmare," Lyn huffed, shooting a venomous glance towards the head table. "Although, I must admit, I wasn't expecting my father or my oldest sister to even show up at this feast. They usually leave running the Hightower and the city to my eldest brothers. This is actually the first time I've seen them attend a feast since I was... I don't know, a little girl."
"Well, Prince Stephen is a Prince. I would be more surprised if they didn't attend the feast." She said but Lyn quickly shook her head.
"No, you just don't get it. Malora is... weird. She never comes down from her chamber at the top of the tower. I wouldn't even be surprised if she completely ignored the King and just stayed up there if he ever visited Hightower," Lyn said before she scrunched up her brows. "Maybe she's sick and want the Prince's blessing. And talking about his blessings. Are they real? I mean, do they actually work? I've heard so much about them through rumours, but all of them sound so unbelievable."
"They're real." Tyene said with a nod and she had a feeling that Tyene wouldn't have revealed this piece of information if it wasn't already a common knowledge among the people. "The Prince conducted a Blessing Ceremony in the Sept of Sunspear where he healed Prince Doran and 777 other men, women, and children. He became rather popular in Sunspear since then."
"Really?" Lyn asked, looking even more curious now. "So if a man without arms goes to him for his blessing then he'll regrow both his arms?"
"Yes." Tyene said with a gentle nod but refused to give anything else away. Like how that man will become rather thin and weak after the blessing, and will have to eat a lot of food over the next few moons to recover his health.
"I see." Lyn said, looking a bit annoyed at not getting more info. "What about you two. You are the Sand Snakes, aren't you? Forgive me, but you two don't look very… snakey to me."
"Our names are only given to us because of who our father is." Tyene said with a gentle smile and as she shook her head. "I'm afraid our reputations have been highly exaggerated."
She snorted at that but quickly hid that snort being a few polite coughs.
Lyn gave her a curious look before she went back to talking with Tyene. "I heard Prince Stephen won the two of you over to his side by fighting all the knights present in Sunspear. Is that true?"
Tyene looked at her this time and she took this as her cue to speak. "There were only 7 knights. Though they were some of the best knights produced by Dorne."
"And Prince Stephen defeated all of them?" Lyn asked, a faint flush on her cheeks as she glanced at Steph in the main table while rubbing her thighs. "Did he… use his thing."
"His thing?" She asked, feeling confused.
"Oh, you know. His shining sword. Did he use it in that duel. And is it really as sharp as they say?"
She shook her head. "No. The Prince told me that he'll only ever use his Shining sword in a war, when he is protecting the helpless against the evil. But yeah, he did defeat all 7 of them. Very easily at that."
"How easily?" Lyn asked as she leaned forward and gazed at her with morbid curiosity. "Did he play around with them like how a knight would play around with a couple of kids? Did he use the Valyrian sword that he took from House Harlaw? What about his armour. Does he have a shining armour as well?"
"Well…" She said and started answering Lyn's questions.
And that's what they did for the rest of the feast.
Lynesse Hightower bombarded them with questions about Prince Stephen, and they did their best to answer without revealing anything too personal or significant. Meanwhile, Tyene discreetly inquired about the overall sentiment of the Reach lords towards Stephen, as well as House Hightower's opinion of him.
Their talks continued for well past an hour until Lyn finally revealed something that left both her and Tyene speechless.
"Your father wanted you to marry Prince Stephen?"she asked, placing a gentle hand on top of Tyene's clenched fist holding the fork.
She really didn't want Tyene stabbing Lyn and causing problems for all of them.
"Yeah. My father even promised a huge dowry if the Prince took my hand. He thought that I didn't knew about the offer but I found out regardless." Lyn said conspiratorially before she sighed. "It was all for naught though, as the Prince sent a refusal letter to all the Houses who sent him a betrothal offer. Stating that he didn't want to marry just yet."
"Yes, that's typical of him," She replied, and upon noticing Lyn's curious gaze, she continued, "Prince Stephen values his independence. He enjoys wandering around wherever he pleases, and doing whatever he desires. I don't think he's ready to give up that freedom and settle down with a woman anytime soon."
"Is that so." Lyn said, sounding disappointed and more than a little heartbroken before she glanced at Tyene. "You seem like you know him very well. Is there really no way I can convince him to… you know… marry me?"
'If Tyene knew how, then she wouldn't tell you for the gold in Casterly Rock.' She thought silently. 'Nor would I for that matter.'
"My cousin, Princess Arianne tried her best to win over Prince Stephen's heart." Tyene revealed. "But alas, the Prince keeps his heart close to himself."
"Maybe he just needs a woman who's more understanding of what he wants." Lyn said as she stared dreamily at Stephen. It was a bit creepy. "A woman who can melt his cold frozen heart and wake him up to the feelings of love and joy."
Suppressing a roll of her eyes, she couldn't help but ponder if Prince Stephen would have an uninvited guest in his chambers tonight. Lynesse appeared to be the type of girl who pursued her desires without much regard for the consequences.
Arianne had tried it and failed. And while Tyene had succeeded, she doubted that Lynesse would.
Stephen had certainly received his fair share of offers from the various Dornish ladies while he was in Starfall, but he had rejected all of them.
"Well, I certainly wish you the best of luck, my dear friend." Tyene said with a gentle smile, giving Lyn a supportive side hug. "But do remember to wear Jasmine perfume when you meet him. It happens to be his favourite."
"I won't. And thank you so much for your help Tyene, Sarella." Lyn said with a grateful smile. "When I become his wife, I'll be sure to keep you two close my handmaidens."
"We would be honoured." She said as she bowed, trying to stifle the chuckles attempting to escape her lips at Tyene's deception.
Stephen harbored a strong dislike for Jasmine, having had a personal experience that made him hate its scent. Tyene's decision to reveal this to Lyn was almost cruel, and she would have felt remorse if she hadn't taken a good measure of Lynesse Hightower and found her wanting.
"Of course." Lyn said with a proud smile before she paused and a frown took over her face. "Though, tell me Sarella. What is the Prince's relationship with that Greyjoy girl?"
"What do you mean?" She asked, sobering up quickly as she knew that this was important to Stephen. He didn't want his relationships being revealed to other people, and would not be pleased with them if they revealed the beans to a stranger.
Lynesse inquired, "What kind of relationship do those two have? Are they together romantically? Are they friends, or are they merely allies who pretend to be friends? What's their deal?"
"I'm not sure if I should say this. Stephen is very sensitive about his personal life being gossiped about." She said.
"Does that mean that they're sleeping together?" Lynesse asked.
She shook her head immediately. "As I said before, I would rather not talk about it."
"They are sleeping together, aren't they. Otherwise why would you not say anything?" Lynesse asked.
"Why do you ask Lyn?" Tyene interrupted her before she could give a reply to that. "Do you perhaps want to slip into his bedroom tonight?"
The expression on Lyn's face as she gazed at Stephen clearly showed that she would.
"I wish you good luck, my friend." Tyene said in what looked to be a sincere smile. "Win his heart and show that Greyjoy bitch who the boss is."
"I will." Lyn nodded with a smile as she got up from her seat, ready to go and prepare for a night with Stephen.
"Oh, and don't forget the Jasmine perfume." Tyene said and Lynesse shot her another grateful look before she curtsied to them and left.
"That was… I don't even know what to say to that." She said once Lynesse had left the Great Hall.
"That slut doesn't want Stephen, but all the wealth, power, prestige and privilege that comes with being his wife." Tyene surmised.
"But… weren't you just complaining about not getting the same things?" She asked, allowing some of her amusement to show on her face.
"I… I was." Tyene said with a fake pout as she glared at her. "But you're not supposed to point it out Sarella. Do you see me pointing out that you've got no tits or ass?"
Her eyes narrowed at her little sister. "Oh, you did not just go there."
"I did." Tyene said smugly as she readied her most lethal weapons against her little sister. Her tickle fingers.
It was long before Tyene was brought low by her Tickle-tickle strategy and begging under her feet for mercy.
—
"You know Tyene. I did not expect you to come with me and Stephen. Not to this place at least." She said as she stared at the Seven giant statues inside the Starry Sept.
As she gazed upon the ancient statues, a profound sense of wonder overwhelmed her. The age of the statues and the sept itself astounded her.
The walls had borne witness to the secrets of those who lived a thousand years ago, or perhaps even earlier. The marble-carved statues might well have been some of the oldest in Westerosi history.
It made her want to explore crook and cranny of this entire edifice, despite knowing that such a thing won't be possible.
"Is it because I don't pray to the gods?" Tyene asked, giving her a gentle look. Her white dress radiated innocence and purity. "Do I not look pious enough, sister?"
"You've certainly got the 'looks' part down," she remarked. "But I can tell that you're only trying to impress Stephen and not the gods. So, I must ask again, why are you here, Tyene?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, for my own sister to cast aspersions upon my character. But I assure you, Sarealla, that I am a devout worshipper," Tyene said with utmost seriousness before her tone took a teasing turn. "Why, I sit between Stephen's legs dutifully and worship his Rod of Pleasure every single night, without fail."
"Oh gods… Spare me the details you degenerate."
"And then I sit on him, taking his cock inside me, and pray that his seed would take hold inside me." Tyene whispered in her ears while she tried to push her sister away, not wanting to learn about what she did in bedroom with Stephen.
"Please, Tyene, stop," she pleaded before getting an idea to steer the conversation away. "Do you think Lynesse went to Stephen's chambers last night?"
Just like that, Tyene's enthusiasm was dampened, and her little sister glared at her adorably. "Who cares. I hope she stumbled on her way to his room and choked on a guard's dick," she retorted.
"You really don't like her, do you?"
"Why would I ever like her? She's going after my man," Tyene replied with an upbeat tone, but her insecurities were evident. "I can forgive Asha because she was there before me, but I would never tolerate someone coming after me and getting ahead in line."
She let out a sigh and pulled her sister into a light embrace, hoping that Tyene wouldn't hate her for stating some necessary facts. "Tyene, Stephen is not your man. I know you want him and I know he cares for you, but he's not yours. Eventually, he will be with other girls, and you need to be ready for that," she spoke up.
"Oh I'm ready for them. I've got enough poison in my-"
"Tyene." She said, interrupting the little gremlin in her tirade. "Please."
Tyene sighed at her words. "I know what you mean Sarella. It's just… not easy."
"At least the sex is good, isn't it?" She asked as she wiggled her eyebrows, trying to cheer up her little sister.
"And how would you know that?" Tyene asked, giving her an unimpressed look which she returned with one of her own.
"Are you really asking me that? My dear sister, I might not join you in your depravity but I'm not deaf by any means."
Tyene looked away with a huff and she used this moment of silence to stare at the statues once again.
It's wasn't long before the silence was broken by Tyene once again. "Do you think Stephen would've slept with Lynesse if she went to his room last night?"
She looked at her little sister and shrugged. "Lynesse is a beautiful young woman. Stephen is a virile young man. So it is definitely within the realm of possiblity."
"He passed up on Arianne." Tyene pointed out and she sighed.
"That's because he didn't want Uncle Doran to force him to marry Arianne," she explained. "But Lord Hightower doesn't have the power or influence to force him into such a marriage, even if Steph took his daughter's virginity. There's a difference."
"Yes. Instead of forcing Steph to marry his daughter, he'll just kick us out of Oldtown." Tyene groused.
"It's doubtful. I mean, have you seen how much respect Stephen commands from every knight and squire in the castle, especially after he defeated them all in the sparring yard this morning? Lord Hightower would risk losing a lot of influence if he tried to force Stephen out of Oldtown. Not to mention the potential for displeasing the Crown."
"Do you have to make everything about politics?" Tyene asked with a pout. "Can't you simply agree with me that Lynesse is a bitch and be done with it?"
"No. Besides, why didn't you ask Steph if he slept with that woman or not if you're so curious."
"I don't think he'll like it if I interfered on his matters." Tyene said with a sigh. "I hate this. I hate Oldtown."
"At least Lynesse's older sisters are married, right?"
"Her eldest sister isn't." Tyene pointed out before she paused. "Can't see Stephen sleeping with her though. She looked kinda crazy, even if she had a nick rack."
"Who knows. Maybe Stephen has a type."
"Yes, he has. And it is Milfs or young innocent girls like me. He told me so himself."
"What are Milfs?"
"Mothers I'd Like To Fuck." Tyene said with a shit eating grin. "It's a made up word that Stephen taught me, but I can definitely see the appeal."
"And what are you, a Cilf? A Child I'd Like to Fuck."
"Call me a child again and I'll spike your drink with laxatives." Tyene glared at her and she raised her hand in surrender.
Before their banter could continue, they heard footsteps coming in their direction and turned to saw Stephen coming out from within the Sept, a barely concealed look of rage on his face while two Septas desperately trailed behind him, trying to keep up.
"Oh… I wonder what Septon do or say to make Stephen so angry?" She asked, more to herself to Tyene.
"Perhaps they shared with Stephen the details of the boy diddling parties they organize among their choir boys?" Tyene remarked with a chuckle, as Stephen approached them and then continued walking out of the Sept with barely a glance toward them.
She and Tyene quickly following in his wake, having to almost run behind him in order to keep up with his speed walking. Though he thankfully slowed down once he got out of the Sept and reached the flight of stairs leading down to the city.
"What did the Septon do to make you so angry, dear?" Tyene asked as she took Stephen's arm into her own and looked up at him with genuine concern.
Stephen stared into the distance with a glare before he let out a sigh and turned to look at both of them. "Let's talk while we're walking."
With that, he started to descend down the stairs of the Starry Sept and she and Tyene followed.
"So… what did the Council of the Most Devouts tell to you to make you this angry?" Tyene asked.
"Hm… it's not about what they said but how they said it." Stephen said with narrowed eyes. "Those bastards think that they could leverage their position as the Leader of the of Faith to order me around however they like. The sheer gall of those bastard, to presume to command me."
"What did they command you to do?" She asked, getting a little concerned at Steph's growing anger. She hoped that he won't do something... impulsive in his rage. Like destroying the Starry Sept.
"They're demanding that I donate a portion of my trading profits to the Starry Sept, build a sizable Sept in Dragonstone, and financially support the Septons and Septas in the Iron Islands when I eventually travel there. They have a laundry list of similar demands," Stephen said through gritted teeth, before unclenching his fists and exhaling deeply in an effort to calm himself down.
"I didn't know that the Most Devout were so arrogant." She said with a frown and Stephen rubbed his eyes in annoyance.
"Not all their requests were unreasonable. If they had sent a beautiful Septa to make these appeals politely, I might have considered fulfilling some of them. But the Septons couldn't help but reveal their true colours," Stephen said, turning to stare at the Starry Sept once again, a look of confusion on his face. "I'm not sure why they believe they have any leverage over me."
"Does it really matter?" Tyene asked. "Fuck the Sept. And fuck its Septons. If you want to hold a Blessing Session then you can simply do it in the city. I mean, didn't you do something similar in Flea Bottom?"
"I can, but that would certainly strain my relationship with the Starry Sept. As frustrating as it is, I'd rather not engage in a conflict with them. They have the ability to tarnish my reputation if they spread false information about me," Stephen explained. "In King's Landing, I was able to do as I pleased because I had the High Septon on my side. However, here they believe that I am under their control. I would find all this rather amusing, if I weren't so angry right now."
"What do you plan to do then?" She asked as they finally reached the bottom of the Sept where their party was waiting for them with the horses.
"I have a few ideas, though I'll need the support of Lord Hightower for some of them." Stephen said as he climbed his horse. "For now though, let's go to our next destination."
"The Citadel." She said with an excited smile.