Unknown Ship - Heading for Pentos — Around the same time
Tyrion Lannister had been on top Of the ship for around a week if his calculations were correct. He had been disguised and given a fake name for his protection, while he rarely moved more than the perimeter Of the ship he had escaped with.
He tried talking with the sailors, getting some information from them but Varys had warned him not to draw too much attention on himself until they would arrive at their destination. Thus, this left the short Lion to mostly spend his time with Varys.
"Where are we going again?" he asked the eunuch as they sat on a crate.
"We are to pay a visit to an old friend of mine in Pentos, Master Illyrio," he reminded him and then noticed the face Tyrion was pulling. "You are not happy with our means of travel?"
Tyrion scoffed.
"I am not happy with a lot of things. I have spent 7 days just replaying things in my mind and asking questions, I will most likely never get answers," he explained and let out a sigh. He glanced at his companion. "Did Cersei really have a plan to kill me?"
He was not that surprised when he first found out since she was furious about Joffrey and truly believed that he had done it. And Cersei, being Cersei, was not going to let it go so easily.
Of course, Tyrion did like to have the faintest glimpse of uncertainty.
They had fought before many times, and there had been real threats between them but actually have him killed? Even when he had been declared innocent?
"She did," Varys said, snapping him from his thoughts. "Let me remind you that I am not a man who lies," he continued.
It was known to everyone that Varys never lied when asked a question. He could withhold some information or skip important details but he would never, openly at least, lie. It was what made him such a formidable ally but also a troublesome opponent.
The eunuch was observing Tyrion, who had seen better days. Despite the provisions on the ship, he had not bothered to shave or cut his hair. It did work in their favour, however, because that way not many would recognise him; until they were in safer grounds.
"If I may ask, my lord," he started after a few moments of silence. "Why did you not kill Lord Tywin that night?"
Varys did not have a way to contact his little birds or find out any information about King's Landing, not while they were travelling by sea. Only after they would arrive in Pentos, could he stretch his ears and get everything he wanted.
What he did know, though, was the fact that Lord Tywin was alive; for if he had died then even they would find it out rather soon.
Tyrion tried not to think about that cursed night too much but he often failed. With Varys bringing it up, he was forced to confront it whether he liked it or not.
"I had my chance and I took it, if that's what you are wondering," he started, looking at his hands. He could still feel the weight of the crossbow and how easy it was to pull the trigger and let the arrow fly. "However, my good-mother pushed him out of the way and took the bolt for him."
He had caught a glimpse of her with the arrow in her stomach, blood leaving the fresh wound as she stumbled back; only for Tywin to catch and keep her on her feet. He had to escape right after but that image of her with an arrow, an arrow that he had set loose... it was haunting him some nights.
Despite what she had done, she did not deserve to get injured that way; let alone for someone as unworthy as his Father. The arrow was meant for him and she should have let it do its job, for it would finally free them all from the tyrannical rule of Tywin Lannister.
"You sound surprised by her actions," Varys pointed out, once again proving just how good he was when it came to reading people, especially people he had come to know well enough and work with.
Tyrion looked up for a moment, noticing a seagull passing above them; its white wings contrasting with the bright blue of the sky and matching the faint clouds scattered across it. He then looked forward again, his head turned sideways to have Varys more into his vision.
"I was surprised because I did not have her capable of doing that. I mean, with how abusive and controlling my Father is to her, I expected she would just let him die."
The eunuch eyed him carefully, tilting his bald head faintly to the side.
"How are you so sure that this was their relationship? One of abuse and control?"
The dwarf scoffed at the question and looked at his friend, seeing that he was not joking and was rather serious about the question. Despite that, Tyrion chose to answer him.
"I have eyes just like the rest of the world does and I can see it."
He chose not to bring up the bruises he spotted on Visenya's neck, proof of his father manhandling her when they were alone. He had a lot of time to think back to his years growing up and he connected the dots with the incidents, based on how often his good-mother would wear dresses to cover her neck and sometimes even her arms.
If one was not aware of it, they would think it was for her to change fashion ideas and have more diversity in her dresses. One, who had lived with her, however, would notice how her dresses were either a little revealing, eye-catching even or fully concealing; and how rare it would be for her to wear the second type of dress.
"Mayhap that is not the case, my Lord," Varys said, earning the full attention of the dwarf. "Mayhap it is what everyone wishes to see upon looking at them or mayhap it be what they will let the world see," he argued faintly.
This put Tyrion into thought and he could not help but wonder. Perhaps partially it was all a play but even if it was, it would not excuse the bruises or the unjustified possessiveness of his Father.
He kept looking at Varys, now curious how the Spider seemed to know far more than anyone; especially the short Lion. Then, though, he reminded himself of the passage that he had been shown that led to the Tower of the Hand.
If Varys knew of such passages, who said that he didn't use them himself or at least let his little birds do and spy on the couple; when they thought they were safe behind the closed doors of their chambers.
Great Hall — King's Landing, CrownLands — Late Evening
The day had finally arrived when Tommen would wed Margaery in a far more blessed and more peaceful union between the two houses. Unlike the first wedding, this one was extravagant for special occasions but not ridiculously expensive like the first one.
Everyone had gathered, many hesitant at first but as things went well; the mood was one many enjoyed. The wedding was beautiful and many clapped when the newlyweds kissed right after the vows, signalling the beginning of a better ruling era.
Of course, after the marriage; there was the feast.
This time, it had taken place inside the Great Hall, a room spacious enough to allow guests to sit, dance and socialize without feeling overcrowded. Ironically, it was the same place where many royal after-wedding feasts had taken place including the marriage of Aerys to Rhaella, Elia to Rhaegar and even Visenya to Tywin.
The room was already getting full as many guests moved to the side tables to sit with their respective houses as the first course of the meal was about to be served soon. The royal couple had been the first to arrive and sit at the long royal table at the back of the hall but also in the middle; to greet their guests.
Couples and families would make their appearance and offer a bow and some gifts to the newlyweds. Most of the Royal Family had all been present as well. Olenna, Loras and Mace had all been the first to approach before taking their seat at the left side of the table; next to Margaery.
Cersei with Jaime also made their appearance right after but it was only the Lioness, who sat at the table. As a Kingsguard, Jaime had once again to stand and stay on guard; close to the royal table.
Eventually, Visenya and Tywin also made their appearance soon after; still early but not too early to leave a good entrance.
As per usual, Tywin had been dressed in black, wearing his leather long coat with the golden Lannister Lion on the placket. A red undershirt could be spotted from the collar opening of the jacket and he also wore matching red pants.
Visenya, as per usual, had worn something more fitting for the occasion but also more to her status. One can say she went a little bit extra that day but only one person truly knew what plan she had for it later during the feast.
Her dress was a nice deep maroon red made of silk. As per usual the straps were placed lower and thus her shoulders, upper back and collarbone were exposed. Unlike other dresses, this one was rather tight, with the bodice and the skirt connected as one, instead of the usual two pieces.
It wrapped around her body and hips, smoothly framing her legs while two knee-length slits existed at each side of her legs to allow easier walking and dancing movement. Golden designs had been placed and sewed at the sides, starting from her hips and heading to the floor. The same pattern could also be seen across on top of the straps as a maroon-red cape was attached to them, with the golden Lannister Lion reflecting the torch lights at the back.
The sleeves of the dress were leather black that stopped a little bit after her wrists. As per usual, she had golden matching jewellery around her neck while her hair had been first braided and then pulled into an elegant bun-ponytail that fell on her back.
She walked side by side with Tywin, her hand gently placed in his. Many Lannister guards that were on duty offered them a head bow as they passed and made their way towards the royal table before offering a small bow to them.
"Your Graces," they both said at the same time, Visenya offering a small smile to the young couple.
After that, they took their respective places with Tywin sitting at Cersei's right and Visenya right next to her husband at his right. Soon after them came Trystan, who had also worn his best in terms of red and some black, bearing the golden Lannister Lion.
He gave his formal bow and then took his place at the right of her mother covering the last chair left on the table.
It was not long before the feast had officially begun and guests enjoyed the nice food that had been served. Once again, Margaery had made a small speech about how all of the food remaining would be given to the citizens of King's Landing for free and earned applause from the crowd.
Once the food was over and the wine kept being served in huge quantities, people got bolder with their actions. Music was playing and many couples or just unmarried lords and ladies chose to dance.
"Oh, my love. Aren't they so sweet when they are dancing?" Margaery said with a smile, observing how many couples had joined the festivities.
Tommen smiled and watched her like a love-sick puppy until he felt a sharp pair of eyes on his profile. Turning his head towards the source, his eyes landed on Visenya's amber ones. The Dragoness was very passively hinting with small head movements towards the dance floor.
It did not take long for the young boy to understand the message as he stood up and extended his hand.
"Will you do me the honour of dancing with me, my Queen?" he asked, a little embarrassed but feeling braver once Margaery placed her hand upon his.
"The honour will be all mine, my King," she said and stood up, drawing the attention of many with her beautiful dress.
The young couple joined the others and soon they started to dance. At first, Tommen was a little bit stiff but Margaery's eyes reassured him as did her smile. He was careful with his steps, easily falling in sync with her as they danced amongst everyone.
Many had stopped to observe for a little bit, before joining as well; the floor was covered by colourful dresses that twirled and moved left and right, covering elegant steps.
Visenya watched them with a small smile but also pride, glad that she had initiated their first dance. She could see that with time, Margaery could truly learn to care for Tommen, who still had a little bit of childish innocence but would grow to be a good and proper King.
"Well done," Tywin whispered to her ear, making her smile turn into a prideful smirk that she had to hide behind her goblet.
However, the moment was soon interrupted by a familiar pair of yellow robes and black pants as the emblem of the pierced sun by a spear contrasted with its red colours. Prince Oberyn, in all his glory, stood in front of their table.
"Lord Tywin, Lady Visenya," he greeted, smirking upon seeing the passive glare of the Old Lion.
"Prince Oberyn. To what do we owe the pleasure?" he asked out of pure mannerism but his face did not hide how much he wished he could attack the cocky Dornish prince.
Oberyn focused fully on the woman in front of him and extended his hand.
"I would like to invite your Lady Wife for a dance," he said, rather openly and let his smirk grow upon seeing the glare coming from him.
The couple exchanged a look with the Dragoness a little bit surprised by the offer but also not turned down by the idea.
It is rude to deny, her gaze told her husband.
Doesn't mean I like it, was his reply but in the end; he knew the rules.
It would look bad if he denied it, considering the latest bad blood between the two houses. So, in the end, he had to give in much to his dismay.
"You may," was his answer, rather forced.
Visenya held back her smirk and detached the cape from her shoulders to have an easier time moving and dancing. She stood up and walked around the table before meeting Oberyn halfway.
She placed her hand on his and let him lead her to the dance floor.
Upon being noticed, many stopped or moved to the side since it was not every day that they could see Lady Lannister dance; let alone with someone other than her husband. Considering also the fiasco between the two families, one that Oberyn made quite known during Combat, one did not expect to see those two about to dance.
Even Margaery and Tommen had stopped and had returned to their respectful places for refreshment but also to watch, mostly Margaery to watch as she knew drama could easily spark any moment.
The dance was a rather simple one or would start as simple.
Oberyn and Visenya stood across one another and gave a small bow before the two of them started their steps. They were mirroring one another and were in sync. When Visenya would take a step to the right, Oberyn would take one to the left at the same time. When she would take a step forward, he would take a step back and vice versa.
She had her face more serious but he did not hide his smirk at having his chance to dance with her, especially with how many people moved out of the way and focused on them.
Eventually, they had to turn and both moved until their backs almost touched, hands extended to their sides.
"You can smile you know, no one will have your head for it," Oberyn whispered as he was the first to turn and she followed suit.
They extended their hands, palms facing one another but did not touch. Their other hand was placed behind their back as they started to walk and circle in one direction.
"I do believe you smile enough for both of us," she replied with some challenging sarcasm, amusing him as they changed the direction of their dances.
"We cannot make it believable unless you stop hiding how much you enjoy it."
He said in a low tone as their hands connected and he pulled her closer.
Their dancing continued, now their bodies far closer than before and their moves seemingly far more intimate. She started to lead him back, both having their bodies facing partially sideways.
"What makes you think I enjoy it?" she asked, trying her hardest but the corner of her lips threatened to curl up, something he noticed.
"You can fool others but can't fool me," he said and took a step forward, placed his hands on her waist and lifted her for a small spin.
Upon placing her down, he copied her and started to dance and march forward; forcing her to take slow steps back while never breaking eye contact with him.
"Is that so?" she asked with a small smirk.
Their other hand interlocked and pulled to the side, bringing them close enough that their chests almost brushed. Being of the same height, they stared into each other's eyes as they moved once again, clockwise.
The music had slowed down to fit their dance and a few other couples had been brave enough to join them but the majority just stared at how well those two moved.
Whispers had started all around them, a quick rumour spreading faster than wildfire from one court lady to the other; with many curious Lords picking it up as well and passing it to their fellow Lords that were seated close by.
"Did you know that Prince Oberyn and Lady Visenya were once betrothed when younger?" one could hear them pass from mouth to mouth.
"I heard that they were so close to getting married and she would move to Dorne with him," another gossip spread.
"How romantic would that be? A Prince and a Princess from two different worlds," someone would comment.
"You have to admit that they do make a good couple," one would add, sparking discussion with similar agreements.
"Have you seen how those two dance? There must be something between them."
"Just notice how they look at one another."
"Just look at his smile when he sees her."
The words spread like wildfire, many now paying even closer attention to the Dornish Prince and the Dragoness as they kept dancing; like they were the only ones in the room. Of course, the discussion was picked up by their ears as well.
"Our betrothal that never happened, really?" she asked with an amused smile as he lifted his hand and allowed her to pass beneath it with a small spin, not once letting her hand leave his.
"I told you, I wish to make him suffer. Since I cannot harm him per our agreement, I can torture him just a little bit before my departure to Dorne," he explained and placed his hands on her waist for another lifted spin, only that this time; his one hand went a little too low.
"Your hand," she hissed behind her small friendly smile and moved half a step back to put some distance between them.
However, he quickly caught up with her and continued dancing in such close proximity. He did not hide his smirk, amused and intrigued by her reaction but also his chance to hold her without being threatened by one of her daggers.
"Trust me, Princess," he said, bringing his face closer to her ear as they kept dancing. "I am a man and I know exactly how to trigger another man," he said, dark eyes looking over her shoulder and directly at Tywin.
The Old Lion had been sitting on his chair but was far from pleased.
Jealousy was evident in his green eyes as his one hand clenched and unclenched his fist in a steady pattern. His other hand held his goblet but he did not move it closer to his lips.
Instead, he kept watching as Visenya danced with Oberyn. At first, it was all decent but then the music changed and they came closer in the dance. While many did that, he did not like it; evident by how hard he was glaring and how much he had clenched his jaw.
The whispers of some forgotten betrothal of the past also reached his ears and it only seemed to make him lose more and more of his temper each time Oberyn's hand moved across Visenya's body.
The anger radiating from him was sensible by the people close to him, specifically his children.
Cersei was looking with surprise, not expecting her father to ever show that much emotion but then could not help but smirk. She knew that his precious wife was finally falling off his good graces and there would be hell to pay for dancing with the man, who wanted the lions dead not so long ago.
Jaime watched from the sides. At first, he was shocked to see his father allowing his wife to dance with the Dornish Prince and then he was surprised by how intimate their dance became. He could not lie, they did make a good couple and he could see that Visenya had a more natural smirk or even smile while she danced; caused by something Oberyn was telling her.
However, he then dared to look at his father and saw his sharp glare. He was not directly in the line of vision to see the details but he knew his father was fuming internally, containing back any thoughts of homicidal anger that threatened to escape.
The question was, for how long?
Trystan did not expect his mother to accept the dance invitation, let alone to dance. He had never truly seen her dance but now he wished he could see more of it, based on how smoothly and easily she moved; as if it was that easy to do so.
Then, as they came closer; he felt the anger coming from his father.
Even with one chair separating them, the half-lion could see that Tywin was not happy. The rumours and gossip reaching their ears only seemed to add more oil to the fire, bringing the ultimate volcano eruption a little bit quicker.
Olenna was watching with amusement, more than once looking at Tywin's direction while drinking her wine. She had never seen the lion snap but was she eager to truly witness it. She enjoyed the show at its fullest, now more than glad she chose to remain in King's Landing rather than return to Highgarden.
There was no good drama back there.