บท 41: The Offer
Victor explained his proposals carefully.
"I think we all come to the conclusion that we will face two completely different scenarios in the future. Either the Targaryen dynasty falls, and Elia Martell will be in danger of death while Dorne will lose all the political capital they invested in crown prince Rhaegar.
Or as you all hope for, Rhaegar will live in harmony with Elia and take over as the next king of Westeros. There will be a new crown prince with half the blood of House Martell. This would be the optimal solution for Dorne.
I would like to offer you two different deals. One deal for each possible future. But there is a condition for both of those deals. The relationship between House Di Natale and House Martell would need to be very close, like family. Oberyn already rejected my first proposal, which I later learned was for a very valid reason. I don't dare to make promises with the marriage of my sisters as my father would probably try to skin me, therefore. This only leaves my personal marriage as a chip. I know Oberyn has three daughters already, but let's be honest, my grandfather would never allow such a marriage. I am sorry Oberyn, but as an heir to a noble family I cannot marry someone with the surname Sand. And this leaves us with the reason why you have to be present today, Prince Doran."
The reactions of the two brothers were quite different. Oberyn didn't show the expected anger but was rather disappointed in missing such a good deal. On the other hand, Doran was excited. In the mind of the future ruler of Dorne his daughter's marriage was not much more than a bargaining chip. Using this chip to bind the Di Natale family towards Dorne and House Martell seemed like a big win for Doran. Even his wife would probably not disagree with this marriage, as she preferred the nobles of the free states over the nobles of Westeros anyways. This could even promote the exchange between the two free states of Lys and Norvos, further strengthening the alliance. Arianne was only borne three years ago anyways, which means there would still be a large amount of time before the marriage could even happen. Doran could use this time to observe Victor and the future he predicted. If Elia Martell stayed married to Rhaegar and everything went well the only better option for Arianne's marriage would be one the other noble families of Westeros and honestly, I seem like none of them would really prefer a marriage with Dorne. It wasn't long before his mother tried to gain a good marriage for Elia and Oberyn, just 6 six ago, and was denied very rudely, especially by Tywin Lannister. Doran made the decision quickly.
"I can agree to this marriage. But Arianne is still very young so we will first determine the engagement and wait at least ten years before the actual wedding can start.
(Age for marriage was very young in Westeros. Joffrey Baratheon married Margary at only 14 years of age.)
Now that we determined our future family relationship you can talk about your thoughts, Victor. What kind of alliance would you suggest for either of the two scenarios." Doran said in a very happy mood, as if the incoming death of Elia Martell wasn't of any concern for him anymore.
Victor was getting a little serious as the next discussion would be extremely important for the future.
"Let's first talk about the alliance if Elia Martell becomes the Queen of Westeros and everything went well for House Martell. In that case we could aid with Elia's future children and send special military personal for their protection. Oberyn must have told you about the elite soldiers of House Di Natale, they are at the top of the Known World when it comes to protecting people. And even if everything goes well the future crown prince, Elias's son, will need a lot of monetary assistance. Dorne is not rich enough to support him with so much money. By controlling the Stepstones and the major trade route House Di Natale can guarantee a steady stream of economical support. As an exchange I would like the development rights of the south coast of Dorne. I know that most of the coast in Dorne is filled with steep cliffs, but I am confident I can develop something with the alchemists of Lys to change this situation. It may take a few years, but I am confident to achieve it before formally marrying Arianne. If I manage to create a large port city in the south of Dorne this territory would be included in Arianne's fiefdom and would go to our future children."
Doran and Oberyn were already very pleasantly surprised. The fortune of Dorne would change drastically if they could use their long coastlines for economic development. This deal was already extremely worth it. Doran would exchange the marriage of his daughter for the development of Dorne's coastal area any day. Victor could see that they already agreed to his first plan in their hearts, which meant that his future marriage was already decided. According to what he knew about Arianne in the future, at least without his appearance, he was in for quite a headache. A sacrifice he was willing to make, so that his two little sisters wouldn't have to suffer from political marriage. At least he could control Arianne. That's what he thought now, the naive man. Already happy about seemingly reaching his first goal, he continued with the second more demanding choice.
"If what I predict would truly happen, I would have to try and save Elia Martell before King's Landing gets conquered. On the one hand my part of the bargain where I support her future children would therefore be void, but the resources I would need to invest in the next few years to make sure she can escape will be a lot. We are all clear that neither I nor Dorne can send an army north. Neither by land nor by ship would we be able to achieve much. Dorne is blocked by the Stormlands and the Reach, while my way by the sea would get blocked by the fleet of the free states Tyrosh, Myr, Braavos and Pentos. None of those free states would want the influence of Lys to reach that far north. Even if I could win and reach Dragonstone, how many soldiers could I realistically carry, and would that really help? All in all, the cost would not be worth the risk. Which means the only option is taking Elia out in secret."
Victor paused and let Oberyn and Doran digest his words for a moment. After seeing that both brothers didn't voice their opinion he continued.
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