Game of Thrones: Lord of the Flames

After receiving the promises they sought, the Dorne nobles gradually relaxed, and the atmosphere of the bonfire feast grew more lively.

The roasting meat of cattle and sheep sizzled over the flames, releasing tantalizing aromas. Servants brushed on spices and brine, then placed the cuts onto silver platters to serve to the noble lords.

Nathalie took Samwell's plate and thoughtfully used a knife to cut the beef into small, manageable pieces for him. Noticing his wine cup was empty, she personally fetched the bottle and filled it.

Her tender actions were like those of a devoted young wife serving her husband.

The Dorne nobles couldn't help but notice this scene, and any rumors of an ambiguous relationship between Caesar and Nathalie now seemed entirely credible.

Some nobles who had harbored fantasies of pursuing the beautiful duchess quickly sobered, realizing just how absurd and dangerous their ambitions were. They decisively cast such thoughts from their minds.

Nathalie also began to sense the way the Dorne nobles were looking at her and Samwell. Her cheeks flushed with a shy blush, though she didn't stop her attentive actions.

Samwell, knowing how easily embarrassed she could get, smiled and waved off the nobles before leading her away from the crowd for a quiet stroll along the Greenblood River.

The lively chatter and laughter of the feast gradually faded behind them, leaving only the gentle sounds of the wind and the rhythmic lapping of the river against the shore.

A few small boats drifted on the water, their lanterns reflecting against the starlit surface in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. To the east, the dark mouth of the Narrow Sea loomed like a hidden lair of some terrible beast.

Although Nathalie had confidently served wine and meat under the nobles' watchful gazes earlier, she now felt inexplicably nervous and timid as she walked alongside Samwell.

The two strolled silently along the riverbank, the atmosphere growing increasingly warm and intimate.

Nathalie lowered her head, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

Back in Starfall, she had mustered the courage to kiss him because, at that time, Caesar had not yet married.

But now, things were different.

The thought that her beloved already had two wives filled her with silent sorrow.

Over the past few years, her mother Ashara had tried introducing suitable suitors for her, but Nathalie rejected them all.

She could never forget the man who had taken her from the Red Mountains and brought her into the life of nobility.

"Are you upset that I made you the Duchess of Dorne without asking for your permission?"

His gentle voice steadied Nathalie's chaotic thoughts.

She raised her head to meet his gaze, catching the warmth and sincerity in his eyes. Her heart, which had been plagued by uncertainty, felt as if it had fallen into a vat of honey—sweet, dizzying, and wonderfully secure.

"Of course not," Nathalie replied with a smile and a shake of her head. "If it weren't for you, how would I ever have had the chance to live in a grand castle or hear the cheers of thousands?"

Samwell chuckled.

"Do you remember the first time I brought you to Starfall?"

"Of course I do," Nathalie pouted slightly. "You left me at the harbor and went to the Dayne castle on your own. I was so mad back then, thinking you looked down on me because of my humble background and lack of manners."

Samwell laughed heartily and reached out to ruffle her hair.

"Do you know now why I didn't take you with me back then?"

"Yes," Nathalie playfully glared at him and smoothed her hair. "You were probably worried the Daynes would recognize me. But how did you know my true identity at the time? Did you already know my mother?"

"Of course not," Samwell said with a smile. "I only suspected she was a noblewoman based on her demeanor. Combining that with some deductions, I guessed she might be Ashara Dayne. When I took you to Starfall, I had someone sketch your portrait to confirm my suspicions."

"I see." Nathalie lightly bit her lip before tentatively asking, "If you had discovered back then that I wasn't related to House Dayne … would you still have treated me the same way?"

"No."

The light in Nathalie's eyes dimmed slightly.

Samwell smiled and continued,

"If you weren't of Dayne blood, I couldn't have forced you to inherit Starfall. But that wouldn't have changed our relationship."

"What… what kind of relationship is that?" Nathalie's heart pounded so fiercely she thought it might leap out of her chest.

Samwell stopped walking and turned to face her.

They stood so close that they could feel each other's breath and even hear the beating of each other's hearts.

Nathalie's delicate hands twisted nervously as Samwell's bold, fiery gaze made her feel both flustered and entranced. She couldn't bring herself to look away.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as their eyes locked.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Samwell slowly leaned forward.

As his face drew closer, Nathalie's mind went blank, a soft buzzing overtaking her thoughts.

Her fair cheeks turned crimson, her petite nose quivered faintly, and her half-closed eyes glimmered with unshed tears.

Years of pent-up emotion surged all at once, leaving her weak in the knees.

Thankfully, Samwell gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace as his lips captured hers.

Sweet and tangy, like ripe strawberries.

Nathalie felt as though she were enveloped in boundless joy. Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as years of longing and hope were finally answered. She responded to his affection with tender eagerness.

After a long moment, they finally broke apart.

Samwell softly tucked her loose hair behind her ear, his voice tinged with guilt.

"I should have answered your kiss back in Starfall…"

"I understand," Nathalie interrupted him. "You like Lady Margaery too, and she's a better match for you as a wife. I don't blame you, nor do I ask for a title. Just being your lover is enough for me."

"I'll give you a title," Samwell said firmly.

"But you're already married—"

"I've already taken two wives; a third won't be an issue," Samwell said. "But I'll need you to wait a little longer. With the battle for King's Landing approaching, we can't hold a wedding right now."

"I don't mind." Nathalie leaned into his chest. "As long as you're willing to marry me, I'll wait as long as it takes."

Samwell gently stroked her soft hair, feeling a pang of heartache.

"Trust me, it won't be long. After the battle for King's Landing, I'll marry you."

"Okay."

"Do you need me to send troops for the battle?"

"No, I have enough to deal with the Lannisters. Besides, Dorne has just stabilized. Your troops should stay here to prevent any trouble."

"Whatever you say." Nathalie nestled against him like a contented kitten, her restless heart finally finding its safe harbor.

(End of Chapter)