(Erlend Mudd, Firmridge)
Neither Gerold nor Symond had disappointed his expectations. Completing their assigned goals and keeping Marwyn on his toes.
Nestor finished it by keeping all three in check, preventing a large-scale conflict from erupting and swallowing the rest of the Vale into it. Something he was thankful for, well aware of how these types of situations could get out of hand.
Most importantly, word had spread, whether about the Belmores or how he dealt with the mercantile Arryns, suppressing any thoughts of resistance.
Dealing with the Arryns personally was a strategic move, signaling to the rest of the nobility that only he could deal with his blood. Leaving outsiders to do so is a recipe for disaster. Non-related traitors, such as the Belmores, had no such privilege.
As he told Edmund, this was a matter of balance. One can't give their subordinates too much power; otherwise, they risk being overturned.
Dealing with family must always remain an internal matter, giving outsiders the power to do so on your behalf sets a devastating precedent that few can afford. Something the Targaryens learned the hard way.
This was the lesson Erlend strove to teach his children, their long lives guaranteeing that they would eventually face such a situation.
As for why Grafton found out about their treachery before him? Did they?
Naturally, he was already aware of their plot almost instantly, his imprints showcasing their value.
If anyone was to see him now, they would see the bemused smirk spread across his face. Erlend knew that the man was eager to show his loyalty and his distant cousins served it upright on a platter.
So he let them be, with a few subtle charms here and there, leading to them approaching Grafton before they did the other Houses whose loyalty was 'wavering'.
The Graftons were now undoubtedly firmly in his corner, and their loyalty to him was unquestionable to the rest of his supporters, thus preventing any overt disagreements that could divide them.
Oh, there would be a few spats here and there, but that was the norm.
Looking at the signed parchment in front of him, Erlend double-checked for any discretion. Finding nothing, he sealed the document and held it up.
Just in time for a shadow to emerge and bow its head. Grasping the given document before disappearing where it came from.
To Erlend this was normal. Unless he and his lovers were feeling raunchy, his shadows were always present in the shadows, not so different from a certain ANBU unit if he had to compare, though far more effective.
Recalling how the old monkey had perished always left him speechless, honestly what a shit show that was. Be it the sunny fourth, the demented third, or the genius second, their fall was always so outrageous that it left him genuinely wondering about some theories.
This also helped drive his motivation to make contingency after contingency to protect his loved ones.
Erlend knew that as long as his descendants had decent talent and were allowed to grow up, they would easily be able to kill anyone, gods excluded. Even that wasn't a certainty for long as he expanded his senses and observed the two striking orbs placed at a secure location.
So far, even Valyrian steel failed to contain the raw power that both seals emitted. Suggesting that Erlend would either have to create a synthetic metal or something of that sort to handle that raw power.
It also needed to be a metal that grew alongside the orbs and their eventual wielders. Leaving him perturbed. He would have to leave this for after he dealt with the Night King since the time to deal with that frozen popsicle was nearing.
Regardless, his protections were always only meant to protect his bloodline when they were most vulnerable and unable to fight back. Otherwise, it would just stifle their potential growth and turn them into a disgusting parody of those celestial worms.
Something no sane person Monarch would desire.
…
(Sunspear)
Erlend gazed at the controlled chaos below him with a critical eye.
Controlled, because this was undoubtedly a coup that Doran had no intention of fighting against. It was happening so easily that Arianna, the culprit behind it, was at a loss.
Aside from the confused servants, the guards showed no resistance, as they willingly surrendered their weapons and allowed themselves to be escorted.
Erlend's ruthless destruction of his distant kin had been the signal to light the fire of rebellion in the driven princess. Urging her to take action before he turned his eyes towards her homeland and finally responded to her father's passive aggression.
Arinna Martell didn't disappoint, swiftly gathering the support of many dornish lords and ladies, all who sought a regime change from the stifling hands of Doran. Even Ashara had joined in the fun, instructing her steward to provide material support to the disgruntled princess.
Elia was also annoyed with her best friend's antics, but neither she nor Oberyn made a move to counter this scheme. Having received Doran's message long ago.
Sure there were a few stragglers, but they holed themselves in their seats, not daring to show an inclination to any side. Fearing that this was just another of Doran's plots.
Which was fair, as it was indeed another of his schemes.
Still, Erlend had no intention of missing the drama between the father-daughter duo. This was like one of those Turkish soap operas he always heard about.
…
(Arianna Martell)
Taking a deep breath, the eldest child of Doran Nymeros Martell finally took her first steps in grasping what was rightfully hers. Behind that door was the last hurdle to her ascensions and she was adamant on taking it down.
Arianna was not an idiot, the minute the guards had surrendered peacefully, she understood that her father had no intention of fighting back.
He was a willing victim, even more so after word of their liege's terrifying accomplishments. No one wanted to be a second Gulltown, the mere thought of their fall was horrific to stomach.
Opening the door, she was met with the sight of her father peacefully sitting on his balcony, not even looking at her. The conflicted Areo bowed his head towards her, before passing right by her. Solidifying the idea that her father had long since seen through her.
Her father didn't turn to face her, instead keeping his gaze straight. "You've done quite well for yourself, Princess."
Princess, that left a bitter taste in her mouth. How long has it been since her father called her that?
"Why?" She had to ask, wondering what her father was up to.
Not deigning to answer her question, "Why what?" her father responded with a question of his own.
She had no intention of holding back, "Don't play the fool, father. You already did that before and look where it got us." Her words were scathing, forcing him to pause for a moment.
Letting out a resigned sigh, "As fiery as your mother. Not a trait I appreciate being passed on." He said.
It was blatant mockery, one she wouldn't stand for. "Was it worth it? Letting your ego and ambition get so ahead of you that it forced us into an unenviable position."
"I admit that I underestimated His Majesty's power. A lack of information and a gauge of his true abilities made me overconfident."
Her eyes softened, at least he was willing to admit his mistake, "So you understand what must be done." She spoke gently as if she wasn't in the process of overthrowing him.
Tutting at her, "Please Arianna, do you really think you would have succeeded this much if I hadn't allowed you to? No matter what, I have ruled Dorne for decades, and it will take more than these recent follies to arouse their dissatisfaction." He explained, uncaring for the ugly look she adopted.
Clenching her fists, the Princess of Dorne wanted to punch his smug face right then and there, but she didn't. Taking control of her emotions, she gave the old man a sickly sweet smile.
"I see you have grown just as demented as the old thorn of Highgarden. Perhaps it's best that you take an extended retreat to the Warden Gardens." It wasn't a suggestion, and they both knew it.
Shaking his head at her, "You still allow your emotions to rule you. When you take over, I hope you can restrain yourself, otherwise those snakes won't hesitate to strike." Her father said more grimly, the mocking tone in his voice taking a harder edge.
"I'm not that stupid, father. If those fools think they can control me, then they have another thing coming." Arianna wasn't an airheaded bimbo like those courtly ladies, she knew her reign would not be an easy one.
She wouldn't hesitate to cut them down should they get ahead of themselves. King Erlend proved time and time again that no House, no matter age, prestige, or blood would be able to escape punishment.
Something she wanted to emulate and even perfect if the chance presented itself.
As if guessing her thoughts, "Don't get caught, or bite more than you can chew. Remember, I'm always there if you ever need a seasoned ear to talk to." Her father offered.
Her lips twitched, even when giving up power, he didn't hesitate to leave some room for him to gain some. Then again, she had long been used to her parents' schemes. Her mother was hardly any better.
"If Quentyn decides to get ahead of himself, then I won't show any mercy." She spoke, changing the topic that he would no doubt bring up again later.
"As is your right. Quentyn was never meant to rule over you, that was never my intention." He took her by surprise, choosing to support her decision without a thought.
"What's that supposed to mean, your letters never said anything about that." She moved closer to her father, this was new to her.
"I wished to tie you to Aegon, and after those tragic circumstances… Edmund. Unfortunately, your cousin got to him first." He admitted unabashedly.
That wasn't something she was aware of at all.
Taking a moment to adjust to the new information, her already complicated emotions towards her father had only gotten worse.
This isn't something you can just keep mum about. No matter what, as long as her father discussed it with her, they could have avoided so many mistakes. This was a glaring fault of his, keeping everything so close to his chest, that no one could tell him when he was being stubbornly stupid.
Arianna could already feel a headache incoming, "You're an idiot." She finally let out.
"I have no interest in the little prince, and doubt I would have any such thoughts in my late cousin, may the stranger watch over his poor soul."
"Yet, you would be Queen."
"Queen-Consort, with as much power as my husband-to-be feigned to give me." She retorted immediately.
At least as a ruling princess, she would be afforded rights, privileges, and respect. What's the point of being a bloody vase?
"Queen Catelyn enjoys many rights and privileges that are unheard of, and it's expected Rhaenys would too."
"That's because they grew up together, you old snake. Do you think Edmund would just give away so much power to an outsider?"
That thankfully shut him up. Not to mention her aunt's reaction to her father's scheme. There was no way Aunt Elia would accept her daughter losing the safest position she could have.
There was also a personal aspect to it. Cousin Rhaenys was far too possessive of Prince Edmund to just give him up without a fight.
"There's nothing wrong with remaining as the ruling princess of Dorne. I have never had any delusions that I could go further without risking everything, this is the Era of the Mudds, Father. Not Martells." Emphasizing her last words to the delusional prince.
For what else could you be but a delusional man to go against an unbeatable tide?
No, in Arianna's mind, it's far better to go along with it. Aunt Elia and Cousin Rhaenys both thrived from willingly sinking into the tide's embrace.
She felt she could go further, improve from it, and benefit her land and people in the process, that was her aim and one she was motivated to achieve by any means necessary.
…
"Quite the impressive turn you've made, Princess." A voice broke the silence between the two royals.
Both of them turned simultaneously to face the newcomer who was lazily leaning on the balcony rail, looking completely relaxed in their presence.
Arianna had to admit that was one of the most handsome men she had laid eyes upon, giving those ethereal Daynes a run for their crowns, with warm bronze hair and smiling sage eyes.
Appearing out of nowhere, his appearance frightened the two Martells. Both instantly go for their hidden daggers and look warily at the interloper.
Her father silently motioned for her to move closer to him, "It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, your Majesty." He said with a strained smile.
The King simply shrugged his shoulders, "Don't be daft Doran, if I wanted you dead, I wouldn't be talking to you right now." His amusement was practically dripping from his tone.
"May I ask what exactly brought His Majesty's attention towards us? Dorne has remained steadfast in its loyalty to the Crown since the Conquest." She lied as easily as she breathed, ignoring the incredulous look both men gave her.
"You certainly got balls, Princess. I can give you that." The King chuckled at her words, not taking them seriously whatsoever.
"I'll be clear then. Seeing the effort you two have made to protect your home, I've decided to be quite generous and let bygones be bygones, provided that you swear an oath of loyalty to me, right here and right now."
Arianna bit her lips in thought, this was the opportunity she had sought for so long. Hoping to wash away the shame her family had brought upon itself in recent years. Yet, she was also leery of the King's intent, worried about his true intent and why he was so willing to forgive them so easily.
Her father was the first to speak, "I, Doran Nymeros Martell, swear to always remain loyal to King Erlend Mudd and the Crown. Never wavering in my duties and forever remaining true to my word." He declared without hesitation.
This surprised both her and the King, who appeared to be two parts amused and one part impressed by her father's decisiveness.
Not wanting to give the King the wrong impression, "I, Arianna Nymeros Martell, Princess of Dorne, swear my body and will to His Majesty, King Erlend of House Mudd, my words are his and may my blade remain sharp, piercing all those that defy him." She shouted out, in fear of giving him the wrong impression.
This was her chance to legitimize her coup, no matter how willing her father and vassals were to accept the transfer of power, the other Kingdoms wouldn't dare acknowledge her ascension unless the Crown backed her.
If her father's oath had shocked him, then her oath left both of them speechless. The implications of her words were not lost on either man.
Arianna couldn't help but blush at her own words, the rush of the moment had gotten to her, and she wanted nothing better than to flee back to her chambers.
Regardless of the outrageous oath, she had just given, "Your oaths have been recognized, may you remain true to them for the coming future." His Majesty proclaimed grandly, followed by a bright shining light engulfing the three of them for a moment.
Arianna felt it deep in her bones, a binding that she reached to her very core, making it clear that this oath was not one to be taken lightly, the consequences were not something she was confident in dealing with.
Her father didn't look much better, seeming to have visibly aged as the weight of his oath was keenly felt.
"Well… Shit."
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Note: I kind of went OOC on Arianna's character, but I feel like it's an improvement over the raging whore type most authors go for, and more leaning towards her independent and defiant characteristics. The world has greatly changed, so the characters within it must change with it, and unlike canon, Arianna has grown up with so many living role models to try and emulate, from Visenya, Elia, Catelyn, and even Ashara to a certain degree. Can't forget the Sand Snakes, Ellaria, and Oberyn who have spent the majority of their time in Firmridge, which also has affected her psyche.
As for the last part, I may or may not explore it later on, though it won't be a primary focus since Erlend has many more important things to deal with, such as the threat in the North. To put it into perspective, I've always imagined Arianna as a sexier version of Jasmine... so it's hard not to be interested in her.