Pedro Pascal Character Imagines

Five More Minutes (Oberyn Martell)

Summary: All Oberyn wanted was five more minutes with her.

A/N - Finally, the prequel to "Daddy's Little Princess". Who's ready to cry?

Oberyn quietly entered Dianna's chambers and walked over to the window. He drew back the curtains and opened the window, letting in the salty air.

Dianna stirred behind him.

He sat next to her on the bed. "My love?" He kept his voice soft. She rolled over towards him and opened her eyes.

They were hazy with both sleep and sickness, but she was still the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen.

He stroked her pale cheek. "How are you feeling, today? I thought we'd go the garden. The flowers are blooming."

Dianna's eyes closed and she nuzzled her face into Oberyn's hand. "Five more minutes."

Oberyn chuckled softly.

"Lay with me."

Oberyn shrugged his tunic off and crawled under the covers with her, putting his arm around her waist. His hand settled on her swollen stomach.

Their baby was due any day now and Dianna's health weakened every day. She'd always been a sickly child, so the Maester had advised her against getting pregnant.

But the only thing Dianna ever wanted to do was bear Oberyn a child, like her best friend and Oberyn's main paramour Ellaria had done. She was hoping this one would be the long sought-after son. Oberyn would be happy as long as the child was healthy, but Dianna wanted to give him a son more than anything.

Oberyn did all he could do to keep her comfortable. He made sure she was served only the best food and that she got plenty of rest leading up to the delivery.

But he feared it wouldn't be enough.

Around noon, Oberyn helped Dianna dress for the day. Ellaria braided her hair to keep it out of her face and helped her into one of Doran's spare wheelchairs.

Dianna had protested, but Oberyn and Ellaria would hear nothing of it. Oberyn wheeled her out to the garden where the youngest Sand Snakes were playing.

Little Loreza ran over to them. "I picked you some flowers!"

Dianna smiled and took them. "They're very pretty. Thank you."

They stayed in the garden for most of the afternoon.

Oberyn was glad to see color returning to Dianna's cheeks. She was so pale and weak most of the time.

Ellaria had glowed when she was pregnant, even if Loreza's birth had been difficult.

There was talk in the capital that the baby was strong and that's why Dianna's health was deteriorating. It was poisoning her and killing her every day it stayed in her womb.

"Like a true Viper," one of the noblemen had said.

Another had piped up, voicing his opinion. "Never trust a Northern girl to carry a Dornish heir. Their blood can't handle it."

Oberyn tried not to listen to the rumors. He never believed in the Old or New Gods, but he prayed that both mother and baby would make it.

Oberyn's prayers were not answered, however.

A few days later, Dianna went into labor. She tried to push, but was simply too weak.

It broke both Oberyn and Ellaria's heart to see her give up completely and collapse onto the bed.

"My prince, if I may speak with you," the Maester said.

They left the room.

"I'm afraid if we do not do something, both the lives of the baby and the child may be lost."

Oberyn was silent. He didn't want to choose.

"Do you understand me, my prince?"

Oberyn nodded. "Do what you have to. Save...save my child."

The Maester went back in and a few minutes later, Oberyn heard Dianna's cries. Then there were the cries of a child.

Ellaria came running out. "It's a girl. It's another girl."

Oberyn wanted to be happy, but he found it difficult.

Ellaria wrapped her arms around him. "She will be fine, my love. She's strong."

The Maester opened the door and said, "You can come in now."

Oberyn re-entered the room and saw Dianna lying on the bed, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow.

"We had to make an incision to help the child pass, but if the wound is properly cared for, she may recover."

Ellaria handed Oberyn his daughter.

"Does she have a name?" Oberyn asked.

Ellaria shook her head. "She fainted soon after, but we could make out one word. Alia."

Oberyn smiled. "Alia. It's perfect."

They had never discussed names, but it fit the baby girl.

It was a few days later and Dianna had not regained consciousness.

Alia had been given to a wet nurse since Dianna was unable to feed Alia herself.

Oberyn sat by her bedside, waiting for her to wake up.

Ellaria cared for Dianna and showed her off to the Sand Snakes and the nobility.

Dorne had rejoiced at the announcement of another healthy baby girl, but Oberyn found himself unable to enjoy the festivities. Oberyn was sitting by her bedside like he did every day when she stirred.

"Oberyn," Dianna whimpered.

Oberyn shot out of his chair and sat on the bed with her. "Yes, my love?"

"I'm cold. Come hold me."

Oberyn laid down next to her and gathered him in his arms. Her skin was cold and damp, so he tried his best to warm her up. Her breathing was shallow as she gripped his tunic between her thin fingers.

"Oberyn."

"Shh, I'm here my love. It's okay."

"I'm sorry."

Oberyn sniffled, holding back tears. "You have nothing to apologize for. Nothing." Oberyn held her as she shuddered. He whispered sweet nothings into her ear as her hand finally went limp and slipped from his chest.

Five more minutes. Please, just give me five more minutes with her, Oberyn begged.

"I love you," he whispered to her.

Dianna, mother to the last princess of Dorne, died with a smile on her lips.

Oberyn held her for a while, unable to believe she was gone. Finally, everything hit him at once and he let out a cry so loud it echoed throughout the castle.

Ellaria hurried to Dianna's chambers and found Oberyn sobbing his heart out, clutching his dead paramour to his chest.