#shelbswrites

He was ready to throw you to the wolves and to the men who visited his brothel. But you begged to be spared. You were still a virgin, you told him. A glint formed in his eye. 

So there you were, in a cage, in the center of the room. You had been adorned with a silk robe and expensive perfume for a special guest. Your hands were shackled and your neck was collared. Men and women were engaged in acts all around you. The air smelled of sweat and spice. It made you nauseous. 

Soon a man in a mustard robe entered the room. He looked like a god and you weren’t the only one to notice. Many of the guests paused as he sauntered in. He was gorgeous, you could admit. His face was set sternly as he eyed you. 

“Here she is, my Prince.” The master of the brothel sang. “A precious jewel I have saved just for you.” You backed into the bars of the cage as the men approached. The Prince looked you up and down before humming. 

“She is untouched, my Prince. An exotic beauty for you to claim.” The master pulled the chain to the collar on your neck. You lurched forward and fell to your knees before the Prince. You could have sworn his harsh stare softened for a moment when you hit the floor of the cage. 

“Should she meet your expectations, my Prince, she may be purchased.” The master offered you up. Your heart sank at the thought of being a sex slave for a cruel man. You looked down and saw his clenched fists at his sides. The Prince’s hands seemed to shake. You felt tears well in your eyes. In mere moments he would be in control of you and those same fists may lead to pain.

“She will do.” The Prince said before walking away. The tears fell down your face as the master unlocked the cage you were in. He yanked the chain again and pulled you close to his face. 

“If he is not pleased with your services, I will call upon my most ruthless clients.” He whispered a deadly promise. You nodded shakily and tried to hold back whimpers.

The master led you down the hall to the best room in the brothel. Beyond the door was the Prince. He sipped on a goblet of wine and watched as the master pushed down on your shoulder for you to kneel. He removed the chain from your collar but left your hands in shackles. 

“Should you need anything else, my Prince?” The cruel tone of the master had disappeared. 

“Remove her restraints.” The Prince nodded towards you.

“Are you quite certain, my Prince? They are usually more compliant…” The master tried to explain.

“Remove them.” His voice echoed in the room and made the seedy man move quickly to comply. “She will be stroking my cock. I do not wish to hear the chains jangle.” 

The man gave you one last glare before bowing in the direction of the Prince and leaving. The door closed behind him and sealed your fate. 

You kept your gaze on the ground and tried to steady your breathing. Maybe you could beg for the Prince for mercy or a goblet of wine to calm yourself. His footsteps were soft as he approached you. You couldn’t help the tears anymore and let them fall. If he was going to force you, let him see the pain he caused.

Unexpectedly, the Prince fell to his knees before you.

“What is your name, little one?” His voice was gentle as he asked. It wasn’t a command like he gave to the seedy man. 

You looked up at the Prince in shock. His stern expression was gone and replaced by kind eyes. Some dark place in your mind screamed that it was a trick. No one had ever been kind to you without expecting something in return. So you said nothing to him.

“You are terrified.” He observed. You watched as he raised his hand towards you. Instinctually you flinched. You waited for the hard slap to hit but instead a soft palm rested against your cheek. You peered through your eyes as you watched the Prince examine your face.

“I know you may find it difficult but you need not fear me.” He whispered. “I have no desire to take what you are unwilling to give. I swear, I will not harm you, little one.” The Prince promised as his thumb wiped away your tears. 

His hands moved to take hold of your own. He brushed his thumbs over your bruised wrists tenderly. “My name is Oberyn. I am the Prince of Dorne.” He explained. “Where I am from, we do not hurt little girls. How old are you?” He asked again.

“I…” Your voice was scratchy as you finally spoke. “I do not know, your Highness.” 

“You need not address me with such titles.” He gave you a sad smile. “You may call me Oberyn if I may call you by your name.” 

“I do not… I have not…” You tried to explain. It had been so long since anyone had called you by your name. It felt wrong to say anything.

“Would you prefer if I called you my Flower for now?” Oberyn suggested kindly. You nodded, unable to form words at the beautiful name he had bestowed upon you.

“It is a fitting name for a beauty such as yourself.” His compliment caused tears to fall again. You had been sold for your beauty. To be reminded of it was hard to hear. “Do not cry, Flower.” Oberyn’s hands moved carefully to your face again. “I do not mean to cause you distress. I would like to care for you tonight, if you permit me to.” 

“That would not be proper, sir, please I could not ask you to…” You began to ramble. A prince was not meant to care for a slave. As much as you wanted his careful touch you could not accept it.

The Prince placed a single finger to your lips to stop your stream of thoughts. “I know you may not believe me, but there is a part of myself that craves to care for others. I travel to brothels to find the pleasure I so desire. But I never leave my lovers wanting.” He smirked. “And when we have tired ourselves out, there is nothing I want more than to care for them in their afterglow.”

“You came here tonight to find pleasure, sir.” You observed.

“I must admit, that is why I came here to begin with.” You watched his face for any signs of disappointment and found none. “But when I came upon you in that cage, my desires changed. I wish to care for you and see you safely out of this establishment. In the morning, I will purchase your freedom. I will take you wherever you need to go or you may return with me to Dorne. It will be your choice, my Flower.” He smiled softly at you. It felt genuine. There were no tricks to be found. If Oberyn had wanted to hurt you, he would have already.

“I do not deserve any of this, my Prince.” You looked down at the floor again, unable to handle anymore kindness.

“My name is Oberyn, Flower. Please call me that.” You never thought you would hear a prince say please. “If you will allow it, I wish to tend to your bruises and help you rest. But if you prefer, and if you would be more comfortable, I can help you into the bed and leave you to sleep.” He felt your body tense under his hands. “I won’t join you in bed if you do not wish but I can not, in good faith, leave you here alone.”

“Where would you sleep then?” You asked quickly, afraid that the Prince would sleep somewhere unsuitable. “I could sleep on the floor, sir. It would be no trouble.” you rambled. “I do not wish to put you out of your own bed.”

“Hush, Flower.” Oberyn commanded softly. Your mouth snapped shut at the order. It was easier to obey than to make a choice. Especially when you could make the wrong choice and displease him. “It is your decision to make. But you must make it on your own. I will do nothing against your will.”

“Please,” you paused, unsure if you could say the next part. The Prince bobbed his head in motion for you to continue. “Please… Oberyn,” your voice cracked as you spoke his name. “If you desire to care for me…” You watched as he waited for your words. “Then I wish to be taken care of.” You felt wrong admitting you wanted to be cared for. You hated that you craved him soft. But you knew it would please him to take care of you. You wanted to give him what he wanted.

“Very good, my Flower.” Your heart fluttered at the praise. “Come now, let us cleanse you.” You watched the Prince stand and hold out a hand to help you up. He led you to the lounge in the corner and motioned for you to sit. You fell back onto your knees out of habit. “Up on the chaise, Flower.” Oberyn ordered. You scrambled to comply and sat on the lounge as intended. The Prince kneeled in front of you. 

“I do not wish to command you to do anything.” He reached up and caressed your cheek again. It was becoming the greatest feeling in the world to have his hands touch you so. “But I will not see you on your knees for the rest of the evening. I am not a Prince tonight. And in the morning, you will no longer be a slave. I am only Oberyn at this moment. I am not your better and you are not to see yourself as beneath me. Do you understand?” 

You nodded at his declaration but it wasn’t enough for the Prince. “I need to hear your lovely voice say it, Flower. Tell me that you are worthy of my care and attention tonight.” You shook your head as fresh tears rolled down your cheeks. It would be impossible to feel worthy of anything from him. He was being far too generous for you.

“In due time, then.” He grabbed one of your hands and brought it to his lips. “Take a moment to breathe, my Flower. I will prepare a bath for you.” He turned his attention to the water that had been heating all this time over the fire. You watched as he carefully poured it into the basin and added the cooler water that had been left by the basin. You wrapped your arms around yourself trying to contain your nerves as the Prince took great care to make the bath the right temperature. 

“May I help you bathe, Flower?” Oberyn asked softly. You had been naked in front of men before but only in humiliating circumstances. It was always to inspect you and make you feel inferior. But you could tell Oberyn would not see your body as something disgusting. You could sense it.

He smiled as you nodded. “May I help to disrobe you?” He asked again for your permission and waited for your nod again. Once received, his hands helped to pull away the fabric. Your hands immediately went to cover your breasts and between your legs. “You are safe with me.” Oberyn said once the fabric pooled at your feet. You could tell he saw the marks left upon your skin. The bruises and scars. It wouldn’t be long before he saw the faded lines upon your back as well. 

You looked up to his face and found the stern look had returned. He was disappointed in your appearance. “I am sorry, my Prince.” You apologized.

“No, no, my Flower.” He was quick to hold your face carefully again. “I am not displeased with you. I merely wish I could wash away all of the hurt that has been left behind.” His brown eyes were sincere and you allowed yourself to crumple into him. Your forehead fell against his chest and you felt his arms come up around you. 

“You will never have an unwanted hand laid upon you ever again, my dear.” Oberyn swore. You could hear the rage hidden under the whisper. “As long as you are with me, I will not let any harm befall you.” The Prince ducked his head down and placed a kiss on your forehead as though he was sealing the promise he made to you. He said nothing more and pulled away, a gentle touch on your back leading you towards the basin.

He held your hand and helped you in. The water was almost too hot and the sweet smell of flowers was overpowering to the point where it made you feel sick. You lowered yourself down in the tub and tried to put it out of your mind. A Prince was offering to care for you. How could you object to any of it?

“Relax, Flower.” Oberyn pushed your shoulder back so you could recline in the tub. He dunked a rag into the water and pulled your arm out with it. Gently he ran the cloth over your skin. He paused at the bruises on your upper arm and leaned in to leave a kiss behind. 

Oberyn seemed to hum as he worked. His ministrations traveled over your body. He paid close mind to your wrists where the shackles had rubbed raw. The soap stung against the tender area but you bit your lip to keep your wimpers quiet. 

He rounded the basin and kneeled behind you. He carefully pulled the pins from your styled hair and let your locks fall down your back. He began to massage your scalp and while it felt heavenly, you cringed knowing how dirty it was. 

The Prince must have noticed and instructed you to lean forward so he could wash your hair. He was careful to keep the water from running into your eyes and seemed to know how to care for your unruly locks. 

You felt his hands begin to separate your hair. You mind Oberyn worked your hair into the style with a certain familiarity. You were afraid to ask what he was doing. Speak when spoken to and do not ask questions. 

“I am braiding your hair, Flower.” He mused, sensing that you wanted to ask the very question. It was strange how he knew what you were thinking. “I am well trained in the art of braids. My youngest daughters love it when I take the time to help with their hair.” He had yet to mention his children before.

“You do not know much about me, I now realize.” He began. “I have a lover who awaits back in Dorne.” Your heart sank a little at his admission. “Ellaria is the mother of my eight daughters. She has taught me much about the care and keeping of our girls. I cannot help but dote on them and acquiesce to their demands.” You could sense his smirk even from behind.

“Ellaria believes I spoil them.” Oberyn stood and held out a hand to aid you. “I cannot argue that. I like to spoil those I find to be special.” He winked and you felt heat rise to your face. He found you special. 

You stepped out of the tub to be engulfed by a soft robe. Your body seemed to buzz at the comforts it was offered. You were not used to warmth.

Oberyn led you to the bed and motioned for you to sit once again. You hesitated before sitting on the edge of the bed. “Well done, my Flower.” He beamed at you before placing a kiss to your hairline.

He presented you with the bread and grapes that had been left for him. Your stomach growled at the sight. It had been a while since you’d eaten. The master had wanted you weak and in preparation had limited your food intake. 

Oberyn took a grape between his fingers and held it to your lips. “You must eat, Flower.” You paused before taking it into your mouth from his fingers. It felt strange to have someone feed you but the gesture added more warmth to your soul. “Good.” Oberyn smiled brightly. He ripped a piece of bread and brought it again to your mouth. 

You hummed at how soft and fluffy it was. “What a wonderful sound to hear.” Oberyn chuckled. “I should like to hear it again.” Oberyn pushed the plate into your hands and let you take control. The dark place in your mind demanded that you scarf the bread down in seconds. That dark place was afraid that it would be taken from you at any moment. But you forced yourself to eat it slowly. You tried to savor the taste and texture. It had been a long time since you had tasted something so wonderful. 

“Thank you, my Prince… I mean Oberyn.” You corrected yourself as he handed you a goblet of wine. 

“It is I who should thank you.” The smile was still present on his handsome face. “You have done so well allowing me to care for you, my Flower.” You ducked your head at the praise. The wine fueled the warmth in your stomach nicely while you watched the Prince undress himself.

He glowed in candlelight, you observed. He was muscular and seemed to be sculpted by the Gods themselves. Maybe he was truly a deity come to give you salvation. His skin was not flawless though. You could see the marks left behind from battles and personal spats. He saw no issue with your own body because his own came with similar scars. 

He approached you yet again and towered over you. You looked up at the Prince in awe, your mouth agape. Oberyn brushed your cheek with the back of his finger. A sigh left your lips at the contact. 

“My Flower,” Oberyn whispered with a hint of desperation. “I cannot help myself any longer. Please, may I steal a kiss from your lips?” You said nothing but tilted your face up. He met your lips quickly and placed a hand on the back of your head, beckoning you closer. His lips were soft and you wondered if he could feel how chapped yours were. He did not seem to care as he parted your lips with his tongue and held you close to him.

You pulled back suddenly, lightheaded and out of breath. “Was that too much, my dear?” He was quick to address your discomfort.

“No, my Prince.” You said as you caught your breath. “I merely forgot to breathe.” You let a giggle pass your lips which made Oberyn chuckle heartily. 

“You are magnificent, Flower.” He pulled you in for another kiss. A quicker one this time but still just as sweet. “Will you rest with me now? The hour is late and you will need your strength if you are to embark on a journey with us.”

“Will you tell me of Dorne, please, sir?” You asked quickly, not fully sure of where you found the courage to ask him such a question. You were taught to never ask questions, only answer when spoken to. But Oberyn did not seem to mind.

He placed a kiss upon your forehead before pulling you up into his arms. “I will tell you anything you wish to hear, Flower.” The Prince pulled back the covers and placed himself in the middle of the bed. His hand motioned for you to join him. The dark place of your mind made you hesitate.

“Come to me now, my dear. Rest in my arms and I will tell you of my home.” Oberyn’s words  pulled you in and you rested your head on his chest. His arm wrapped around your back while his other hand began to play with a loose strand of hair.

Oberyn’s voice was sweet as honey as he told you of Dorne. You could hear the love he had for his kingdom as his voice soothed your nerves. He talked of Ellaria and his daughters with such love it made your heart clench. He had been so kind to you that your heart began to long after him. You wanted nothing more than to be under his protection and care for as long as he would allow but if his heart was already full, there would be no way for you to fit in. 

“Is there something that troubles you, Flower?” Oberyn asked. He was quick to notice changes in demeanors, you realized. “You must know that you may share your thoughts freely with me. Do you not wish to return to Dorne with me?” You watched a sadness flicker across his face.

“No, my Prince, it is not that.” You admitted. 

“What ails you then, Flower?” Oberyn pressed gently.

You sat up and moved out of his arms. You wrapped your arms around yourself and tried to keep it together. You did not want to cry in front of him again.

“You already have a Lover, my Prince.” You said after a moment to catch your breath. “Will she take kindly to me?” You looked down and picked at your fingers. You felt foolish to believe in all of the hope you were given tonight. 

“Ellaria is a gentle soul.” Oberyn reached for your hand and held it tightly. “She knows of my needs and knows that I cannot be with just one person.” He kissed your neck sweetly. “We have had Lovers together and separately. And while you may not be our Lover, we will be happy to take you in for as long as you will stay. There will be no jealousy, Flower. You will not be cast aside in favor of another. I swear I will do whatever I can to make you happy.”

“But why me?” The question that had been on your mind finally was spoken aloud. 

“Why you?” Oberyn returned the question. “I do not understand…”

“You must meet other slaves on your journies, sir. Have you ever rescued any of them or offered them refuge? There are others in more dire straits than mine. I do not deserve it more than anyone else.” 

“You may be right.” The Prince said after contemplation. “But I will not leave you behind here. Please, little one,” Oberyn asked, turning your head to look into your eyes. “Come with me. It would haunt me for the rest of my days if I did not know you were safe.”

“If I go to Dorne, will you find a way for me to repay you for it all? I could not live comfortably if I did not feel I had earned it.” 

“I will see what I can do.” Oberyn smiled before giving you a deep kiss. 

“For now, let us rest.” Oberyn pulled you back into his arms. 

“I am very grateful, Oberyn.” You said after a moment. “Thank you for finding me worthy of your care tonight.”

“You warm my old heart, Flower.” He placed a soft kiss at your hairline. “You are worthy of love and I will do what I can to convince you of it.”

You didn’t say anything in return. You drifted to sleep in his arms feeling safe for the first time in a long time. 

»»————-　♡　————-««

Thanks for reading! -Shelby 😻

My Masterlist

Wanna request something? Check here first: Request Rules

Want to be tagged in my future work? Send me a message! Or fill out this form! (If you would like to be removed from the tag list, also please let me know.)