This is the last installment of these one shots for Oberyn Martell.

You've warmed up to Oberyn considerably by now, although you still don't love him or even live being a pawn in this royal game.

Then Oberyn is injured in a jousting match and you discover just how deep your feelings for him have become.

Some swearing and talking about sleeping around. And mention of sex.

And some minor violence.

..................

You're tense. And restless and unhappy. But that's how you've felt for months now. Everything is a dull game and you long for something to take your mind off of the dreary existence of your life.

Oberyn continues to be attentive and patient towards you. You appreciate the small acts of kindness he performs. A beautiful vase of bright colored flowers sitting on a table in your sitting room.

Having the servants prepare you a delicious dessert from your homeland. Some new books that he had shipped here, just for you.

You understood that Oberyn was desperately trying to win you over by showing you that he did indeed, care for you.

Even if you weren't his ideal woman to be married to.

You tried hard to show gratitude to Oberyn whenever he did such thoughtful things for just you. But you still longed for your home and family.

No matter what Oberyn Martell did to show you that he cared, he still couldn't have all of you.

..................

Oberyn was in a cheerful mood this morning. During breakfast, he'd told you all about the plans he'd made for the upcoming week. He'd planned to hold a jousting match.

You tried not to cringe. You'd never be a fan of jousting matches. You saw little point to them. Why did men insist on getting all donned up themselves in full armor and try to knock one another off if a poor, frightened horse, just for the hell of it?

"You'll enjoy yourself," Oberyn declared as he'd given you a quick kiss before sauntering out of the dining hall.

You'd simply shaken your head in disappointment and rose from your seat to go on your morning stroll through the gardens.

................

You're sitting in a special designated area, set up just for the royals or any important guests that's high above the arena where the jousting match is to be held. There's blankets and cushions and food piled high on a nearby table, along with wine and water.

You're alone, since Prince Oberyn is participating in this silly excuse for entertainment. Your attendants are there and your own personal servant girl. Or lady in waiting. Her name is Marinette.

She tries to engage you in some kind of conversation. You try to keep up your end of the conversation. However, your mind is on Oberyn.

You find yourself concerned for his safety and wish that he was the one sitting here, next to you instead of Marinette. The thought surprises you. Usually, you're content with your own company. But you find yourself longing for...Oberyn's company.

You discreetly watch the men who will participate in this nonsense, searching out Oberyn.

"It's about to start, your highness," Marinette says cheerfully and you just nod your head, wishing it was already over and done with.

.................

You loathe to admit it. But you're somewhat enjoying yourself. (Although you still think this is pointless and brutal.)

You're also still worried about Oberyn getting injured. Or worse. You know that this isn't some fight to the death combat. But you also know that sometimes things just happen that can lead to...death.

You're surprised by this. Not wanting anything to happen to Oberyn. At first, you think that perhaps the reason you feel that way is because you'd stuck here, wholly alone, not having any true allies.

Then you realize that it's much more than that. It's because you feel something for Oberyn. Something more than just respect. But possibly...a sweet tenderness and fondness for him.

..................

Oberyn is competing against a very strong opponent in the joust. They're the only ones left. You clutch Marinette's hand tightly, as your heart flutters wildly in your chest.

You watch with anxiety and concern as the riders come flying towards one another, their jousting sticks pointed straight ahead.

They come together and...suddenly you see Oberyn tumbling from his horse. He lies there, unmoving and....you hear yourself screaming out his name just before you rush out of your secluded area and down towards Oberyn.

...............

You're sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Oberyn's hand and gently combing your fingers through his disheveled hair.

He's asleep and you ache to speak with him. You ache to hear the sound of his voice. You're been weeping for what seems like hours. Perhaps it has been that long. You don't even know what time it is.

You've not eaten since this morning and Marinette keeps urging you to eat something. You cannot. Not until you know for certain that Oberyn will be all right.

.................

You'd fallen asleep beside Oberyn. You feel a gentle hand caressing your face and you can't remember a dammed thing.

"Y/N?" A voice says as your eyelids flutter open. You're staring at....Oberyn. He gives you a lopsided smile and you bolt upwards and then...you're flinging your body at his, as the tears come.

"Oh, my princess. Ssh. Ssh. I am going to be just fine." You feel Oberyn's hand on your back, his fingers gently stroking.

You move back, tears still slipping down your cheeks and dripping off on to Oberyn's bare chest.

"If you wanted to have sex, mi amor, there had to be an easier way to get me to do it."

You give him a weak chuckle before moving to gently press your lips to Oberyn's. His kiss is hungry, but you don't want to excite him too much. He's still weak from his injuries.

"Oh, Oberyn. I was so frightened that I'd lose you. Oh, hold me!" You carefully snuggle close to him and he gingerly places his arm around you as you stroke his chest.

"I'm not going anywhere, my love. Not ever."

"I don't want you to. I need you, Oberyn. I know I was against this marriage arrangement from the beginning. But I've come to love you. I truly have."

"Oh, Y/N," Oberyn murmurs, stroking your hair. "I am so pleased to hear you say such a thing. Truly. I love you as well."

You look at Oberyn and trace a finger over his face and he smiles. You know it now. This is where you belong.
Maybe you hated it at first. And maybe you won't always feel like this is your home.

But as long as you have Prince Oberyn Martell at your side, you can make it work.

"I'll be whatever you want me to be."

"The only thing I want you to be, my princess," Oberyn says softly as he caresses your cheek. "Is mine."

You gently kiss him and then smile.

"I can do that."

................

Author note:thanks so much for reading! This is the ending of these particular Pedro Pascal one shots +characters.

But please check out the next installment of one shots!