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[Stern silences were a staple of his youth. There is a little comfort in that. Frank takes another drink.]

My mother stayed in Dorne and I hadn't seen her since I was a child. My father died in the saddle the way all Dothraki wish to. It reminded me that life is short, that I had neglected another way of life.

[ A part of her feels bad about the things she had said, hating the very idea of losing either of her parents. But there wasn't any way for her to apologize for it now and sound sincere.

So, she went in a different direction. ]

She must've been happy to have you back after such a long time.

[Perhaps there will be a time for apologies. Perhaps not. He holds the goblet thoughtfully between his hands.]

Yes, very much so. She had thought me dead. My father was not one to write.

[A sniff is there in place of a laugh.]

[ She's silent for another long moment, looking at her hands in her lap. It's not really any of her business and yet... She's always been a curious girl. ]

What was she like? Your mother?

Very willful.

[And while it would usually be a negative or a complaint, he smiles wide. His eyes grow distant.]

She was always on the brink of being disowned. It never happened. She was too dear to my grandfather. Her journey to Essos tried his patience to the brink.

[As she can tell. Perhaps.]

[ She looks over in time to see the smile and it is both unexpected but welcoming. It makes his whole face seem... brighter. Warmer.

She feels a laugh bubble up at that, not able to really stop it so she turns her head away again, ]

I can only imagine. Coming back with a gift from the Gods.

[Her laugh is a magical, unexpected sound. He shifts a little, blinking. And it isn't a sound made in mockery.]

Yes, well, for a time. They were pleased with a younger me. An older? Well, it depends on the day. We all have such expectations to live up to with our elders.

[Frank drinks down the rest of his wine.]

[ Her smile dwindles into something more serious, knowing very well what he speaks of. She nods, ]

You seem to have done well done yourself. From what I've heard, you're quite respected in Dorne. Admired.

I try to do my best with my own investments. That's why it puzzles me so that the Lannisters who know the value of connections and money would so greatly disapprove of your father's decisions.

[He stretches to set the glass on the table.]

There are plenty of fledgling businesses and artists that need support. And I have done my share to be a brother's keeper of sorts.

It's because pride is as frequent as gold in our House.

[ Can she really claim to be apart of that House anymore, though?

She looks back over to him, ]

You are a fan of art?

Ah, but of course. The lion's pride.

[No tone of mockery or surprise. Just a fact.]

I am. There are a few artisans working on commissions. Did you happen to see the statue of Nymeria burning the freighter when you passed from the shipyard?

I cannot deny it exists.

[ There's a small, self-depreciating smile at that because he should know it very well by now.

But she shakes her head, ]

I don't think so. I... wasn't exactly looking around when we arrived. I have heard the story. I'm glad to hear of such women.

Gold and golden hair cannot be the only pieces of legacy.

[His smile is muted but still returned.]

She is not only a founder but a legend to our people. My mother would tell me stories. I've commissioned the statue to be renovated. It was made in the time of Aegon the Conqueror with a resurgence of kingdom pride.

[Which goes with the issue at hand definitely.]

Perhaps on a day you feel more up to explore I can take you to see it. Or at least the workshop of my chief sculptor.

Why?

[ Why does he want to show her his kingdom? Is it out of pride for it all or a means to convert her? ]

A few reasons. First being that you admitted you didn't see it the first time. And secondly, I enjoy your company and feel that I owe you a pleasant outting to make up for the first.

[The one where he discovered she is still a maiden with intact virtue and very much instilled with the Westerlands and Crownlands concept of modesty.]

[ Her brow creases at that, ]

You--you did nothing wrong. I was the one that was rude and unpleasant.

[ And, looking back on her behavior, she was. She still held her beliefs strongly but if she had misjudged him - and she had - then she was in the wrong. She knew that. ]

I could have warned you sooner.

[The baths and water gardens house as many romantic trysts as they do flowers. It is known.... to the common folk.]

Think on it. I feel as though I've challenged your patience quite enough.

[Though he's still here, isn't he?]

[ There's a small smirk at that, ]

I'm starting to think you enjoy doing that.

For now yes, until I find better ways to have and hold your attention.

[There's that smile again, quirking up the side of his face though he's trying to be absolutely stone faced. She just makes it happen. Even in her disdain. Could it be because so far in all the women he has met, she's not thrown herself at his feet? It cannot be just that. Lady Karen has a fire all her own.]

[ That earns him more of a genuine smile, though she averts her gaze again. ]

You've held my attention from the moment I saw you walk into the palace.

[So close. Closer than before.]

I can only hope for the right reasons, my lady.

[Reasons the way a woman notices a man. If he were more bold than he already is, he'd be admitting it by now. It is incredibly soon and he is aware that the ground he treads upon is shifting.]

Perhaps you may get your wish. Some day.

[ She'll give him that much. Because despite all her own hostility, he has never been that way to her. ]

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