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A Prince of the Seven Kingdoms by RedShadow74
Books » A Song of Ice and Fire Rated: M, English, Romance & Drama, [Daenerys T./Dany, Jon S., Rhaenys T./Rhaegar's daughter], Words: 156k+, Favs: 468, Follows: 599, Published: Jul 25, 2024 Updated: Jul 13
108Chapter 4: The Tourney Part Two
TYRION
"He put in quite the show didn't he" Tyrion jested, setting his now empty goblet on the table.
"This isn't a joke" Jaime turned on a heel to face his brother. "What if they grievously injured him, or-"
"Or killed him? Like they would be so mad, you'd have cut them down in the pit" Tyrion said, he stood up on his chair to reach for the pitcher of wine in the middle of the table, he mentally made a note to hold a personal grudge against whoever placed it there. His shirt fingers wrapped around the handle as Jaime paced back and forth. "Besides he won, why must you be so serious? It's all a game anyway" Tyrion poured the Arbor Gold, I'd prefer Dornish but at least I won't go sober.
"A game!?" Jaime exclaimed.
"Yes a game, did you see the look on Prince Aegon's face? I'd reckon it's his game" the Imp explained. Jaime stared at him for further explanation and his little brother sighed. "Who would stand the most to gain from seeing your ward belittled at his own tourney?"
"How would Aegon-"
"Who stands the most to lose face and political sway from gaining a brother who went from being a bastard boy with nothing to inherit to a prince and legend" Tyrion took a long drink while Jaime thought it over.
"So, he arranged to have him attacked so he would look the fool for trying to fight"
"Exactly, except it would appear your tutelage is quite exceptional" Tyrion complimented, Jaime only scoffed and smirked.
"Of course it is" Jaime finally pulled out a chair and took a seat. They were in the personal Lannister tent at the tourney grounds. There were two cots for the brother as Cersei would certainly not be staying at the grounds. overnight nor would her precious children. "Still it was a dirty play and the King won't stand for it"
"What was dirty about it? Because he did it from behind? Like you've never stabbed a royal in the back" Tyrion said and his older brother's gaze snapped to him. "See? Games between brothers can be quite fun, even if one doesn't know he's playing" Tyrion smiled.
"You really think this dinner invitation is a good idea?" Jaime asked only for his brother to shrug.
"It couldn't hurt to get on his good side, especially if his value amongst the small folk keeps rising, if Cersei had her way Myrcella would be queen" Tyrion idly said.
"Then mayhaps we should use this dinner to push Margaery onto Jaehaerys" Jaime proposed. Tyrion had already thought the invitation was a pointless idea, they had played no part in whatever plans took place in the Melee pit today. To all it had seemed the Vale attacked Jaehaerys and the Reach had come to his defence, none of which had anything to do with the West. And yet his father would find a way to benefit from this if possible.
"Unless of course, Father doesn't think Aegon will be king" Tyrion proposed more talking aloud to himself than his brother but Jaime replied all the same.
"What you play at is treason"
"Half the kingdom plays at treason every moon" Tyrion exhaled, and he filled his cup again. "Should Jaehaerys win the entire event I should Imagine it would only serve to fuel Aegon's desires to wrong his brother"
"So what must I keep a wandering eye on the royal family now? We are sworn to the entire family not to pick sides in petty squabbles" Jaime groaned.
"Tell that to the Cargyll's"
"Did you just correlate the Dance of Dragons to a petty, imagined feud?"
"What are wars if not petty feuds magnified?" Tyrion posed and his brother went quiet. "The dance occurred because Rhaenyra was a girl and the Hightowers saw an opportunity, the Blackfyre rebellions occurred because the realm saw Daeron as weak and Daemon saw an opportunity. Each time the Targaryens fought themselves it stemmed from a simple fact, the heir was undesired and the spare looked like a fine option"
"Jaehaerys doesn't wish to be king" Jaime stated as though it were an unspoken fact.
"You act as though his desires matter, the realm will drag him onto the throne kicking and screaming if they don't want Aegon, and if it doesn't work they will drag Rhaenys or Viserys up after him and on and on it goes. Mayhaps you knew the best of it, take up the white cloak and walk away from it all"
"Jaehaerys would never join the kingsguard"
"No, but I heard the old bear took quite a liking to him before the war"
"The king would never let Jae join the watch
"Rhaegar won't be kind forever and I can imagine Aegon would be more than happy to bid his brother farewell"
"The wall is a sentence for rapists and thieves" Jaime snorted.
"The Watch is an esteemed, and honourable order" Tyrion couldn't stop the slight smirk that curled his lips as the words passed them.
"Tell me you're not thinking of taking the black"
"And go celibate? The whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock, I simply wish to not see my fourth in this lifetime" The imp sighed.
"War is inevitable," Jaime said.
"Spoken like a true soldier" the younger Lannister said, before he could continue the rest of their pride entered the tent. Tywin first, of course, with his daughter and heir right at his side and her youngest two children right behind them, Joffrey a few steps behind them sulking like usual.
"Father this is a mistake, we should keep Myrcella's focus on Aegon, Jaehaerys is a fine second plan but to start hedging bets on now him is mad," Cersei said as their father sported his usual scowl, he shot her a glare and his daughter quieted down. He took the wine from Tyrion and took a seat at the head of the table. Followed by Cersei who gave her youngest brother her usual glare then her kids found various seats around the table.
"I do like hedging bets on longshots" Tyrion said with a smirk hoping to irk his sister further, given the look she shot him his attempt had been successful.
"Has the King said anything to you?" Tywin asked Jaime who could only shake his head.
"I haven't had the opportunity to see him, Last I saw Dayne was dragging the knights away to be interrogated" Jaime said and Joffrey couldn't help but scoff causing most eyes to shift towards him.
"Something you'd like to share?" Tywin addressed his grandson who looked up. He glanced around for a moment before finding his tongue.
"No" he said curtly only to receive a lingering glare from the patriarch which eventually caused him to cave. "I, it simply seems an overreaction, they were in a fight things happen in the heat of battle, all over some bastard"
Ironic Joffrey is whinging about bastards, Tyrion couldn't help but think.
"Some bastard who is second in line for the Iron Throne, and what would you know of the heat of battle?" Tywin questioned.
"I, nothing grandsire," Joff said, sliding down in his chair slightly as he looked at the ground between his feet.
"You will spend less time with Aegon's whores from now on," Tywin ordered, Joffrey looked as though he may argue but one look from his mother and he kept quiet. "You as well," The Old Lion added, looking over at Tyrion.
"I haven't spent time with Aegon," Tyrion attempted.
"I meant the whores," Tywin almost growled.
"Ah yes, them, will you have the maids at Casterly Rock spy on me?"
"You won't be going back to Casterly Rock" he almost seemed annoyed to say, causing one of Tyrion's eyebrows to raise. "There is work to be done" he said, Tyrion didn't question it but was interested in whatever work his father had which required his attendance.
"Work?" Joffrey did question it.
"A storm stirs in the east, and the seven kingdoms must be united if we are to weather it" Tywin said before drinking close to half a cup of wine and standing. "Jaime, Tyrion," he said as he turned and walked for the exit. The brothers Lannister didn't even have time to share a glance as they both stood and hurried after their father leaving Cersei and her kids In the tent. They walked with him in silence for a little while, Tyrion quietly cursing his father's long strides.
"What is it east that has you worried Father?" Tyrion asked seeking some hints towards what was happening. There were very few things that could make the Old Lion start plotting like so.
"War" he said simply, mayhaps Jaime was right.
MARGAERY
"That's what she told us," Loras said as he picked a few grapes from the table and shared his handful with Renly who sat next to him.
"What would Aegon stand to gain from seeing his brother bloodied?" Garlan asked the room, his breastplate off and his wife, Lady Leonette Fossoway dutifully tending to whatever minor bruises and scrapes he endured.
"Why are we going to dine with the Lannisters is a better question" Loras posed only to receive a swat at the back of his head from grandmother as she hobbled by.
"Because no one here thought to invite the Prince to our tent first," The Tyrell matriarch said. "The Old Lion is planning something" she finished before almost falling back into her chair.
"What would the Lannisters want with the bastard?" Renly couldn't help but smirk towards the end of his words.
"Because it is obvious Aegon is after Margaery, so he is placing his bets Myrcella can catch the other Prince's eye" she continued and Marg had to fight to roll her eyes, Aegon is after my body and name. She couldn't help but think, not that it phased her. She knew that as an attractive lady of a prestigious family, those were the first two things men sought after when approaching her. But a woman was allowed to desire things in a marriage and while Aegon's lust for other women was not one for her, the thought of being queen certainly made it easier to bear.
"So the Lannisters get Jaehaerys and we get Aegon, that still does not give a reason as to why they invited us" Garlan stated leaning for a cup of ale.
"Must I think for all the men in this room? Because they can't invite him without us, they did nothing, you three saved him. The lions intend to firstly, toast us in celebration of some farce of an alliance, secondly, push Myrcella on the prince, and thirdly, see if he shows any interest in our blooming rose here" her Grandmother explained as she gestured to Marg.
"And should I attempt on my end? Should he prove too shy to reach on his own?" Margaery asked, looking over to meet Olenna's eyes.
"He's fought in a bloody war approaching a woman should be child's play" Garlan laughed.
"Mayhaps not if he thinks that woman is already interested in his brother, the same brother who had him attacked simply for returning home" Willas countered finally speaking up from his spot away from the table they all crowded around. Suddenly there were loud cheers that could be heard a distance away sounding the conclusion to the third round. Alongside her brothers, Jaehaerys, and Renly, Sandor Clegane, Oberyn Martell, Monford Velaryon, and Beric Dondarrion would be in the final round so far along with whichever four that just won.
"What do you think my dear?" Her grandmother asked readdressing Margaery's question, she had to take pause and think about it for a moment.
"I believe so, even if it leads nowhere the information could prove useful for future endeavours" she answered, earning a smile from the older lady. Suddenly a young boy in the Tyrell green came barreling up to Garlan out of breath.
"Jason Mallister, Gregor Clegane, Thoros of, um" the boy paused only for Willas to speak.
"Myr," he said dryly and the boy nodded.
"Thank you m'lord, and a mystery knight" he finished listing the victors of the round and everyone looked at the boy in surprise at the last victor.
"A mystery knight?" Loras asked.
"Mhm, he gave no name, and did not remove his helm before or after"
"Thank you lad" Garlan said giving the boy a small handful of silver stars and the boy ran off.
"A mystery knight, this tourney is interesting already" Renly said, taking a few more grapes from his friend's hand.
"I may have to drop out, I have no interest in getting torn in two by the mountain" Loras said, feigning grief.
"If the mountain advanced it's going to take a small army to best him" Renly said before Standing and moving towards the exit. "I'm going to see if we can persuade more allies to aid us, at least until the mountain crumbles," he said as Loras stood to go with him. Garlan also stood not but a few moments later, he grabbed his tunic and sword.
"I too must take my leave," he said, kissing Leonette. "I'm off to find what I can learn about this mystery knight," he said, leaving as well. They sat in a brief moment of silence before their father came bumbling in short-winded.
"That… was a great round… you must come and see the next, with me my boy" he said between breaths to his only remaining son in the room.
"Don't you take entertainment in anything more sophisticated?" Olenna couldn't help but stare up at her son. Mace seemed slightly embarrassed but glanced back at his son all the same who only smiled and nodded.
"Of course father," he said standing with the aid of his cane. "Grandmother, Sister would either of you join us?" Margaery thought about it for a moment but before she could speak someone new entered the tent, busy day. A younger cousin of house Tyrell who glanced around as she moved to Olenna and leaned down to whisper something in her ear.
"Ah I see, thank you dear," She said before raising as well. "We would however Margaery and I have work we must attend to" Olenna said before reaching out for her hand. Margaery was hesitant for a second before raising as well and linking arms with her grandmother. The two women made their way out into the hustle of the tourney grounds causing the older lady to wrinkle her nose. "Leave it to men to make a game of warfare"
"Is that not what Cyvasse is, Grandmother?" Margaery questioned.
"Cyvasse is a test of wits and a game of strategy, a tourney is men waving sticks and pieces of metal around like buffoons" she said in return and Marg hummed lightly in response.
"Do you think I will be a good queen grandmother?" Margaery couldn't help but ask as she looked up towards the cloudless summer sky. Her grandmother was quiet for a short moment before answering.
"I think you will be a kind and loving queen and those are the first steps towards being a great one"
"If I may, where are we off to?" She asked and Olenna only smiled.
"The menagerie of court grows larger my sweet, it would seem a new birdie has landed in the fray"
AEGON
Aegon made his way back to the private tent of the royal family very clearly agitated. Not only had his plan fallen apart, the Tyrells made a public showing of siding with him. What this meant for his odds of a betrothal to Margaery he did not know but could only hope changed nothing. Perhaps this was why that fat bulb of a rose was taking his time with accepting the King's offer, he should be jumping at the chance to make his daughter queen.
Even his own thoughts angered him, if he failed here the matter would be left to his hands for the joust. Aegon knew he never should have let Jaehaerys taunt him into joining the lists but he would not be seen as craven next to a bastard that was how Daeron's reign was challenged. Not to mention Aegon's penchant for glorifying the Blackfyre, he couldn't help but think of how he hadn't seen his father smile nearly once in the two years of the war, not till his precious bastard returned home.
"EGG!" He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard his name called only a few feet away from the tent. The prince turned to see his sister approaching quickly looking rather upset, stopped and waited to see what she wanted. Rhaenys did not stop when she reached him, only grabbing him by the collar forcefully and pulling him into the tent he was already heading for.
"Unhand me, I am the crowned prince" Aegon almost snarled before grabbing his sister by the forearm to pull her off before he could, she tightened her grip.
"And my fool of a little brother" the princess said as she looked back locking eyes with her brother, her gaze intense. "Why did you have Jae attacked?" She asked, Aegon didn't flinch when accused, however.
"I do not know what you mean" He attempted.
"Please Aegon, I heard you, when you whispered your schemes to Harrold and his cohorts" Rhaenys admitted. "When word spreads of this do you know how it makes us look? People will see the royal family as divided"
"Please, people will see I simply treated the bastard the way he was meant to be treated, not rewarded but reminded of his place" Aegon said, dropping the mummer's act.
"And what place is that? As a Targaryen Prince?" Rhaenys counted only for her brother to scoff.
"He should consider himself lucky, as soon as I become king-"
"A treasonous statement, should I tell Father you are planning your coronation already?" Rhaenys said cutting him off only for him to raise an eyebrow.
"Why is it you care? Here I believed our opinions of him the same" Aegon asked crossing his arms, Rhaenys seemed slightly surprised at the question and even blushed ever so slightly.
"He has clearly gone through a great deal, must he suffer more for your amusement?" She asked instead, Aegon thought it suspicious she dodged the question. Was there something more he hadn't seen or heard about yet, it was possible that she had turned to him in refuge from their uncle.
"You know how dangerous bastards can be if he even gets a whiff of kingly notions-"
"The only one with kingly notions is you Aegon, and maybe Viserys when he isn't leering at me or getting utterly lost in his cups" She cut him off once more, this time it frustrated Aegon.
"If he gets in bed with that Lannister girl? You know they would love nothing more than to see one of their own as queen. The North would back their Lord's nephew in a heartbeat and the Riverlands are likely to follow, that's how it started with the blackfyres, too many whisperers in Daemon's ear and suddenly there were five rebellions one after another" Aegon said only for his sister to roll her eyes. Care not as she may, it was one of the main reasons now he needed to marry Margaery Tyrell now more than ever.
"Mayhaps I should just tell Mother, I would be surprised if she did not already know" Her words made sense, of course, their mother was a perceptive woman even if she did not always attempt to stop him. Rhaenys moved and pushed past him to leave, Aegon almost reflexively seized her forearm again causing her to stop and look at him.
"You had better not, else-"
"Else what Aegon? You will concoct another poorly thought-of scheme to seek revenge?" She said and Aegon gritted his teeth behind tight lips. "Aegon sixth of his name scared shitless of the thought of a mere bastard what a joke"
"Listen here-"
"You're pathetic, and if you react like this for nothing mayhaps Jaehaerys really should be-" was as far as Aegon let her get before he raised his hand and struck her hard across the cheek. She gasped in surprise, her hand went up to clutch at her face as she looked back at him, her eyes wide.
"You will watch your words, I am not like Father who will suffer insults to his reign" Aegon fumed his grip on her tightening. He would not stand such treasonous slander, not in front of him.
"You are hurting me Aegon" Rhaenys said, trying to pull her arm free again against his grasp.
"What have you decided to whore yourself out to the bastard like Daenerys?" Aegon questioned.
"No, of cour-"
"Which rumour would hurt more, I had Jaehaerys attacked? Or you have become a courtesan for the wildling fucker?' He threatened finally tossing her arm aside. Aegon was sure she knew he could do it too, turn the lie into rumor into truth and fan the flames into wildfire. Rhaenys stood there for a moment checking her arm. "You may leave now" Aegon finished with a smirk while he turned away, satisfied she understood his message. This opportunity has not passed, his uncle Oberyn had made it to the finals with Jaehaerys. Why send boys to do a viper's job?
Once Rhaenys was gone he had a servant sent for his uncle and waited a tad impatiently for the Dornishman to arrive. Thankfully he did not have to wait long as Oberyn strode in with his paramore, her hair wild and the top few buttons of his now wrinkled shirt opened.
"Nephew, I did not realize I was your dog to be summoned," he said unamused as he entered.
"Of course not, I simply wish for this conversation to remain as private as possible," Aegon told him and the Red Viper seemed curious. "Dornish Red?" the prince offered.
"Must be a mighty request if you are offering my favourite wine beforehand" Oberyn observed as he took a seat declining the drink.
"Jaehaerys, would his downfall not begin to make up for the slight against Mother and all of Dorne that was Robert's Rebellion?" Aegon asked as his uncle leaned back in the chair bringing one leg up to rest on his knee.
"So now you pretend to know what slights Dorne when you have barely spent a month there since you were a boy" Oberyn said and Aegon paused for a moment. "Do not mistake me for one of the boys of court who seek your favour Egg, if you called me here to do your dirty work I refuse" Aegon's shoulders fell at the words. "Lucky for you, I am interested in facing him for mine own reasons, mayhaps should he embarrass himself then we both may get what we want"
"And what is it you want uncle?" Aegon questioned curiously, he was met with a face-splitting smile from his uncle.
"I wish to see if this boy has truly earned the title Hero in the North, or if it is all Northman fluff to raise Lyanna's babe to a higher pedestal" before getting back to his feet as quickly as he sat. "So fear not dear nephew, I will be your champion"
JAEHAERYS
The Prince stood not far away from the fighting pit as he strapped his armour back on with the help of Daenerys. He had planned to be ready long before now but she had wished him to air out his injuries before pressing them back down with armour. Now they readied him as dusk began to settle on the tourney grounds, lanterns were lit to illuminate the pit for the final melee of the night. A few fighters were already in the pit including the Mountain, the Hound, The red priest Thoros, and Oberyn who kept giving him glances as he made a show of peacocking around the pit, spinning his blunted spear and smiling at the adoring crowd.
"You remember the plan?" Daenerys asked as she tightened a strap on the half plate.
"How hard do you think I got hit on the head?" He asked his aunt with a playful smile on his lips. Loras and Renly had sought him out with a proposal to join a scheme to surround and take down the mountain at the start which Dany readily agreed to for him. "You know I should have you handle all of my political matters," he joked, causing Dany to smile slightly.
"Don't be brave, let someone else draw the mountain's attention," she advised.
"Now you're a general too?"
"I mean it, I know little of the intricacies of a fight, but even I could tell you one swing and it can't mean a good thing, no?" and Jaehaerys nodded.
"I'm more concerned about the likes of Oberyn and Thoros, who don't fight like Westerosi knights"
"Neither did the wildings I would assume"
"They don't fight like wildlings either Dany," he said. Once he was done preparing himself Jae turned to ghost. "With her ghost" he ordered in Valyrian like always his wolf wordlessly padded over to Dany's side and stood with vigilance. Jaehaerys grabbed his tourney sword and turned to face the finals before feeling a hand on his forearm causing him to look back only to be met with the soft gaze of Daenerys.
"Win" she all but commanded him as though she could will his victory with words. They filled him with determination still and he nodded as she walked past leaving him alone to steel his nerves to what comes next. Jaehaerys made his way to the pit, the mountain alone was an intimidating sight but truth be told many of the knights here looked like a threat, the Hound reminded Jae of Tormund in stature but far less jovial.
"My Prince," Oberyn said as he moved to stand near, planting the butt of his spear in the ground.
"My Prince" Jaehaerys returned, earning a smirk from the Dornish legend.
"Your round was quite the bout, I hope it did not leave you incapable" Oberyn spoke his accent highlighting his words with a searching tone.
"A tad sore, but I should be fine" Jaehaerys explained and Oberyn smiled further.
"Good" Before he could speak further on the matter the crowd hushed as his father stood once more.
"My Lords and Ladies, the eve is growing long so I shall keep those brief" Rhaegar started, he did not smile like before as his eyes fell on the group. "You all, some battle-tested others tourney knights all of which have proven to hold no equals in any of the seven kingdoms, And now it is time for the best to distinguish himself amongst the rest, please my knights without further wait" He signalled to his man and a horn was sounded.
Jaehaerys had little time to think about anything as he was forced to bend back dodging an immediate thrust of Oberyn's spear, he followed it with a few more short jabs Jae had to backpedal from until his back hit the barricade. The next stab the young prince ducked under and quickly closed the gap on Oberyn bringing his sword up to swing, the viper was fast however and had already pulled his spear back to his body to block the strike. Jaehaerys shoved the Dornishman back hard and looked around at the chaos, the mountain was caught in what could only be described as a massacre as the huge man was surrounded on all sides by a myriad of the fighters in the pit. The red priest was in a match with one of the men Jae did not know, as was the mystery knight who seemed to beat all.
"You waste little time," Jaehaerys said to his opponent.
"I will not give you the benefit of claiming exhaustion cost you our fight," He said before advancing. Advancing was gracious, he almost danced around Jaehaerys making a game of looking for openings in his defence with the long-range weapon. Floating from one foot to another he did not let Jae get close again, who was forced to use the side of his blade to block the spear when he could not dodge it. "This is not your best I hope" he taunted.
Jaehaerys watched patiently as he tried to hold his own, the older prince caught him periodically wearing him down. Oberyn pulled back and the White Wolf lunged taking up the now open space and attacked ferociously. Oberyn hopped back but not far enough, Jae struck harder and harder with each blow but none made contact with more than the wood of the spear between his hands. I must be faster, His desire for speed came at a cost. The faster he sought to swing the sloppier his form became and before long Oberyn was back on the attack, parrying a block and whipping the end of the spear around striking Jaehaerys hard across the face. It stung badly but he felt no blood trickle and quickly tried to put the pain behind him as he brought the blade around to parry the next strike of his own.
The crowd's cheering grew thunderous as the fighting dragged on but Jae made no effort to see the rest of the pit events. He and Oberyn were locked in an intense duel, The Viper fast enough to make contact but with little more than glancing blows and The Wolf strong enough to bring him down but not able to hit more than air and wood. Had this been a real battle Jaehaerys would be dead by now, felled by a hundred slices, but this was a melee and his spear did little to dissuade Jae. That's when he saw it, the spear was beginning to wear in the middle and soon the Targaryen had a new goal as he took his swings with a new focus. He did not care if the attack was blocked he put everything he could into the swings knowing it wouldn't hit his enemy.
Thwack
solid contact against the spear left Jae open and soon he was trying to dodge a flurry of jabs and thrusts from Oberyn. More than a few hits added to the trail of bruises he already had, all the same Jae pulled back once his opening was there and did it again even harder
THWACK
This time the sound was audible over the crowd ringing out and pulling eyes their way, once more he was left open for the Martell to lash out and leave a trail of blows along his torso and upper legs. Jaehaerys was exhausted, Oberyn took everything to weather, he had not known how long they fought but he could tell the sky was a shade darker than when they began but time seemed to turn to mist in moments like these. Once more Jae stepped into it and swung at Oberyn as hard as he could.
CRACK
The wood splintered and the spear gave as it caved inwards, Jaehaerys almost did not notice it as he pulled back to attack the now defenceless man who quickly dropped the spear.
"Yield yield my prince," he said with a smirk. Oberyn climbed the barricade and Jaehaerys quickly looked around. The numbers had thinned greatly, The Mountain had fallen, The Hound fought Garlan in a fierce duel, Renly met Thoros, and the Mystery knight had just put Loras on his back and forced him to yield. He looked up and even with his visor down Jae knew he soon was set upon the prince. He almost felt relief in the fact he was facing another swordsman, if not for the fact this knight seemed as strong as an ox and rained blows without mercy. Jaehaerys had already been getting exhausted but he put up a defence the best he could, being forced to take a few strikes here and there, he found an opening and hit, causing his sword to sing sweetly against the steel. The knight grunted and for just a moment Jaehaerys thought it sounded far more feminine than any knight he had heard before. The knight was skilled that was clear but Jaehaerys knew how to skate around someone in slow heavy armour. Soon he was raining strike after strike on him, her?
He did as usual finding the weakest spots, elbows, knees, and even a strong blow to the helm leaving it ringing. This worked until a stray blow went wide, the Knight's hand shot up and gripped the weapon quickly and he, she, ripped it from his hands hard and suddenly threw it somewhere behind Jaehaerys didn't get the chance to see before the mystery knight's blade was laid at The Prince's throat.
"Yield" Jaehaerys was forced to admit, he was disappointed he had not lasted long in his second duel of the finals but of those who remained he couldn't help but feel pride and who he outlasted. Soon Jaehaerys slumped into a seat off from the pit, he watched on idly as he began to remove bits of his armour and tossed them aside from his to pack away later. Soon Dany sought him out, ghost still beside her as they approached. "Sorry, I did not win" Jaehaerys told her once she was close.
"You fought amazingly, I cannot think of many who can face Oberyn for nearly an hour," she told him and Jaehaerys' eyes snapped to hers.
"An hour?" He asked and she nodded, smiling brilliantly. They watched together as the pit began to dwindle, Thoros and Sandor had defeated their respective opponents, sending an annoyed Renly and laughing Garlan to the sidelines. They faced one another and the Mystery knight circled and waited not seeking a cheap strike of their own. Soon The Hound defeated Thoros and was met quickly by the nameless warrior.
"Well met my prince" Jaehaerys heard and glanced to see Oberyn had arrived. Daenerys seemed wary of him despite the friendly smile he sported.
"Prince Oberyn" Jaehaerys moved to stand but Oberyn quickly put his hand up.
"Please sit, I simply wanted to say it was a fun fight, most of the men of court fight like bloated boars, but ours was a dance of swans" he smirked.
"Or snakes" Dany chimed in causing Oberyn to nod in agreement. Before he could respond the crowd roared with life causing all three to look back at the fighters, the mystery knight and the Hound were both unarmed, the knight had tackled the hound to the ground and was wailing on his beastly mask with a fury unseen. The Hound to his credit never yielded and put up his hands in defence but either his strength failed him or his aggressor had started hitting in the right spot but with one final blow The Hound went limp falling unconscious on the dirt he lay on. After the knight caught their breath they stood and moved to the center of the ring to the applause of the audience.
"Unmask yourself Ser, and receive his Grace's glory" Connington had said from beside Rhaegar. The knight was hesitant a moment before unlatching the helm and slowly pulling it off to reveal a woman underneath to the gasps of the crowd even Dany was surprised.
"You will find that I am no Ser, my Lord Hand," she said, tucking her helmet under one arm and meeting the scrutinizing gaze of the crowd. She did not waiver however standing tall as a few men helped drag Clegane out of the pit. Connington whispered something to Rhaegar whose face remained impassive, and then he stood.
"What is your name?" He asked her.
"Brienne, of house Tarth, your Grace"
"You are Lord Selwyn's daughter" he said and she nodded in response. The crowd began to snigger and jeer slightly once her identity had been revealed, even Jaehaerys had heard the crude whispers of Brienne the beauty they called her, she could best any man in those stands, He wagered. "Well Brienne, your reward will be br-"
"If I may, your Grace" she interrupted and the King paused, even if he could see a vein almost pop on Connington's forehead at the act. "I would gladly forgo a prize of gold if, in its stead, I could be knighted" This sent a small chorus of laughs through the stands and caused the hand to stand up.
"I mean you no disrespect, but the king cannot be seen to break tradition in such a way, there has never been a female knight, and to make one now," Jon Connington said, he could feel Oberyn's annoyance burning next to him. He and Jae both knew the truth of it, his daughters and dornish women along with northern women and wildlings. Such a notion that women couldn't fight was an insult.
"Then I shall do it" Jaehaerys wasn't sure when he stood, let alone when he began speaking but he knew the words were his by the end. The laughter died down and all eyes swung to him. "You men laugh, but who here can truly say they could best her after what they have seen here today?" He grabbed Longclaw and cast the sheath aside. The confident strides he reentered the pit. "I've seen more than enough to say fuck tradition, kneel Brienne" he ordered. She glanced back at the king despite his hands fury at the act Rhaegar made no move to spot him, you've seen my mother, you know the truth of it too father.
She knelt, "In the name of Warrior I charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maid, I charge you to protect all women. In the name of the Smith I charge you to be strong and ever diligent. In the name of the Crone, I charge you to be wise and vigilant. And in the name of the stranger I charge you to keep these vows til the day you die. Rise Ser Brienne Tarth" Jaehaerys spoke the words Jaime once said to him, his valyrian steel blade rippling in the lantern light as it moved from shoulder to shoulder.
There were a few hesitant cheers from the crowd, none louder than Daenerys. All knew The Prince had done something unprecedented but that had been his entire life so far, why should it change now that he was back home? Jaehaerys moved to retrieve his sheath when Brienne called out to him.
"I- thank you, my Prince I only wished-"
"You have talent Brienne, no you have skill, a knighthood is a trivial thing, it's the acts of a knight that gives it value" Jae told her, another lesson from the Lannister, she bowed at his words.
"I will not dishonour you by making a mockery of the vow"
"Please, if people start bowing to me I think I may run north again" he joked with a dry smile, one that Brienne hesitantly returned. Soon he felt Daenerys wrap an arm around his and begin tugging.
"I wish not to intrude, my knights," Dany said, emphasizing the title. "But the prince must ready himself for an eve in a lion's den, you should join us," she said, glancing back at Brienne.
"Oh, I, I don't think"
"I must insist" Jaehaerys said, Brienne went quiet for a moment before nodding. Jae was whisked away back to his tent, once there he saw nice dress clothes set out for him and an array of oils and perfumes.
"I assumed you would not have the time to properly bathe so wear some scents to mask the stench of the melee, I'll send for someone to retrieve your armour from the pit" she said before exiting the tent leaving Jaehaerys his privacy. "You really need a squire by the way" she called out from beyond the tarp causing her nephew to smirk. Jaehaerys wasted little time removing the rest of his attire down to his small clothes. He took the sage advice of his aunt and did his best to conceal any adverse scents before dressing again.
RHAENYS
Rhaenys traced her fingers over the bruise under her sleeve as she walked the tourney grounds, she hadn't expected Aegon to lash out at her when she confronted him. The Princess was glad he left no mark on her cheek but she wasn't sure how to broach the topic with their parents. They'd punish Aegon and he would seek revenge on her over it, mayhaps the matter is best left in the past. Arys accompanied her as she travelled to the Lannister's pavilion, she intended not to go and simply dine with her cousins til she knew it was Jaehaerys then Tyene had all but shoved her out and Arys with her. Now she found herself en route to a different night of festivities, she could hear them from outside the oversized tent deep in their revelry and she took pause.
"I could escort you back to the royal family if you would prefer Princess" Arys offered, a chill flowed down her spine at the thought of a night with Aegon and Viserys. She quickly shook away the thought and pushed herself forward and through the narrow cloth opening. Inside she saw a grand celebration, a harp young player sat in the corner strumming a lovely light tune that filled the air with sweetness. Not far away from her sat a small round table with Lady Olenna, Lord Tywin, and a thin mousy mousy-looking man she did not recognize whose eyes were ever shifting across the room as the three of them spoke in hushed tones. Rhaenys spied Loras and Renly aside on their own, sitting rather close together as they too spoke quietly to one another. Daenerys was speaking with Willas Tyrell as he played her in a game of cyvasse, her friend Myranda beside her, judging from the grim expression her aunt was not doing well. Margaery seemed to make pleasant small talk with the victor of the melee today's Brienne who seemed uncomfortable in the social setting, pulling at her cuffs and collar periodically. Tommen and Myrcella were both on either side of Jaehaerys, the younger Lannister seemed in awe of the prince, his mouth running without end.
"Princess" Rhaenys stopped scanning the room and glanced to the side, then down to meet the gaze of the famed Imp of Casterly Rock. He seemed mellow, his cup half full though his words did not slur nor did his legs sway as he held a cup up towards her.
"Tyrion Lannister" she greeted in return. Rhae took the cup and glanced at it carefully for a moment.
"Blackberry wine, though I wish they'd have a fine Dornish Red" he told her before raising his cup and taking a deep swig.
"You should seek out my uncle's tent then, you'd drown by the morrow" she japed, earning a smirk from the shorter man.
"I think if I spent a night with the dornish, wine would not be my biggest fear of killing me" he returned and it was Rhaenys who smiled slightly this time.
"You made it" Once more she turned to the new voice, though she knew its source before her eyes made it. Jaehaerys had risen to greet her, a few others had risen as was expected but she couldn't seem to look elsewhere but Jae. He had a simple black and red doublet and his usual black pants and boots. His dark curls left to leave black streaks of hair down his features, his grey eyes locked on hers. She felt that dryness of her throat return and despite it being against her better wishes she took a drink.
"Princess Rhaenys," Margaery said, approaching and linking arms with her. "I must thank you, if not for you our dear Prince may have come to harm" she spoke and Rhaenys could not help but hate the way she said our dear Prince.
"How did you know the plot was being enacted?" Garlan asked from his seat that he retook.
"Oh uhm, Aegon is both a loud and lousy schemer" she said, earning a small chuckle among those listening to their conversation.
"It is good you did, less we would have missed out on that spectacle in the finals" Dany said, joining in now standing on the other side of her.
"Did you see The Hound and Ser Garlen?" Tommen gushed before going on for a bit about the other parts of the melee he couldn't help but mention. Soon Garlan was entertaining him with more stories of some of the Reach tourneys he took part in.
"Princess Rhaenys" her name was called by Willas Tyrell who offered her the now vacant spot across the board from him. Not wishing to turn him down she departed from Marg and joined him. "Do you play?" He asked moving some of the pieces from what looked a quick match"
"I do Ser"
"Please Princess" he spoke, gesturing to his cane. "The dream of knighthood has long since left me," he said with a soft smile.
"I heard you took up hawking in its stead"
"A fine avocation, one I hope to be able to continue when I become Lord of High Garden" Soon the board was set and they played amongst idle small talk. Rhaenys found her cup to her lips again and her eyes about the room once more. There was a noticeable shift in seating, Garlan was with Tommen still now joined by Myranda and Brienne. Loras spoke with Daenerys and Renly with Myrcella. Leaving Margaery to talk with Jaehaerys, a sight that left her burning inside and taking another cup full of wine. They sat far too closely and she seemed to smile and giggle at each word he spoke. "Your move princess" Willas said, pulling her from her thoughts.
"S-sorry" she apologized and began playing. Rhaenys played a poor game, though she barely paid enough attention to know it. She found her eyes glancing over to the scene she wished to interrupt.
"Your brother is quite the talent, a bit brooding mayhaps but I suppose he could be forgiven for it considering" Willas trailed off as he closed in on his win against the Princess.
"Considering?"
"Considering the war he fought in, and was fought in his name" Rhaenys couldn't help but tense at the mention of the rebellion, she had been just a girl at the time and barely remembered much of it only how sad her mother had been. "War can change a man"
"In what ways?" She had to ask, the stories told plenty of the men who rode off to fight and bleed for gold, women, crowns, and gods but they told little of what became of the men after. She saw her father's desolation at times, despite the stories she would hear of him as a young man, the man who would sing and dance and entertain the small folk. What had war done to that man?
"They can sometimes lose that sense of youth, they will often make friends or bring them with them and watch them die. Or when they kill for the first time-"
"Are men not taught to kill?" Rhaenys interrupts, slightly guilty for doing so, Willas only smiled sadly at the question.
"To take a life is a difficult task Princess, trained or not, only beasts find the act non bothersome" he explained making his final move. Her eyes flitted back to her brother only to find his chair seat empty. She looked around but did not see him anywhere, Margaery was now talking up time with her own brother and Tommen.
"Please excuse me" she said to Willas who only nodded as she rose. The three at their round table still all sat and talked quietly about what she did not know. Rhaenys sought out Daenerys who was speaking with Myranda and Myrcella now. "Do you know where Jaehaerys may have gone?" She truly wasn't sure why she asked but wanted to know. Her aunt gave her a curious, almost prying look as though she were trying to read her very thoughts at the moment.
"He sought a moment of fresh air, mayhaps you seek one as well?" She asked Rhaenys in a peculiar tone. She felt herself blush slightly but did not waiver.
"There was something I wished to speak with him about" she lied and given the gaze of Daenerys her aunt knew it was likely a lie as well. She only hummed in response before standing and linking arms with Rhaenys. Arys and Gerrold moved to follow them out as they stood and walked just outside of the tent. The cool night air rolled over her skin and gave her a line of gooseflesh along her waist and back. The tourney grounds had begun to die down as the moon had past reached its highest, most of the music and excitement had come from the distance where the commoners and lesser families kept their tents the private section turned into all but a phantom's village. Daenerys pointed out Jaehaerys who had found a seat on a distant bench drowned in the darkness of night.
"There he is, Ser Oakheart, Ser Hightower let us leave the prince and princess to their own devices" She turned to go back inside leaving Rhaenys to take the walk alone if she chose. Arys waited to hear what his charge wanted, she too waited a moment before turning to her sword.
"You may have the night to yourself Ser" she instructed. Arys looked to object when she looked back at her brother. "An order from your Princess" she instructed and all the knight could do was bow hesitantly and turn to leave. Despite being alone now Rhaenys stayed still another few moments wishing she had drank a bit more courage in the tent. Finally, her legs found motion and she began towards Jaehaerys. Once she reached him she saw he was turning what looked to be a small wood-carved toy of some sort in his hands over and over again. He paid her no mind as she approached, Rhae wasn't sure if he did not notice or pay attention. Once closer she could now make out the toy was a wolf of sorts and she noticed his real one was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is Ser Jaime?" She asked, unsure of what else to say to grab his attention.
"I gave him the night, I believe he is making up for lost time with his sister," Jaehaerys said quietly, Rhaenys knew the vicious rumours of court that the Lannister heirs were all bastards but none had proof to throw in Cersei's face. She supposed she had no grounds to judge a sister loving her brother however given the family she came from.
"Do not tell me your wolf has shrunk" she japed, this time his eyes looked up for hers and she felt her pulse begin to race as his lips curled into a half smile.
"No he is out hunting, though I fear he won't find much" he admitted before gesturing to the seat next to him which she took this time without hesitation. Once she sat, silence filled the air between them.
"Do you miss it? The North?" she asked and his eyes looked up towards the night sky.
"Sometimes, that's a lie, I miss it a lot, the Starks, the snows, the hunts, hell even my days at the wall with Mormont, but it wasn't where I was meant to be," he told her.
"No one is meant to be anywhere Jae if the first men never walked the land bridge they wouldn't belong in the North, if the Andals never came in a holy crusade they'd never belong here in Westeros, and if Valyria never fell to the room we wouldn't belong as kings here," she told her brother as he listened intently.
"I know, I only mean, I don't feel like I don't belong among the royal family, like everywhere we all go I'm the jester to point and laugh at," his eyes fell back down to the wolf in his hands. "I had hoped in the North I'd feel different, amongst my mother's people maybe I'd feel at home, but there I wasn't a Stark, even if I became friends with the Stark kids I was forever the Prince" He was quiet for a moment after, Rhaenys didn't know if she should comfort or reassure him. Strangely as of late, she could understand his feelings, the older she gets the less she can find common ground with her own family. She is no warrior like the sand snakes, nor is she a schemer like Aegon and Arianne and she retained no lineup of friends like Daenerys.
"Jae I-"
"I'm no Targaryen, I'll never be a Stark, I don't know what I am"
"You are Jaehaerys, not the Prince Jaehaerys, not the Hero in the North, just Jaehaerys," she said
"Rhaenys…" he trailed off before a small smile grew like he was reminded of a silly jape. "If you did not have to be the Princess Rhaenys, for just one night, say tonight, if you were here and now and could be anyone you desire, who would you be?" He asked her. She had never thought of such a thing, there hadn't come a day she desired to be anyone else but now that the idea was in her mind it grew like vines and weeds in an untamed garden. She could be a sailor or a singer, a musician come to perform or a merchant's daughter to have a night of passion with a night, or a prince. She could be all those and more, but he hadn't asked who she could be, he wished to know who she would be.
"I would be… a scholar," she said as her lips turned upwards slightly. "Come to study the histories and secrets of the capital"
"And this tourney?" He asked, smiling at her.
"Hmmm, I am here to simply enjoy the revelry on a night away from my studies, mayhaps drink a little too much and find some charming knight trying to talk his way into a kiss" she said and regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth, his smile flinch slightly and she looked away with an awkward pause.
"Rhae, we need not ever discuss it if you wish" he offered her an easy solution.
"Do you wish it forgotten?" she asked instead.
"I assumed you did, given the way you have avoided me as of late"
"I-" Rhaenys wanted to deny the accusation but she couldn't, he was right she had treated him like a leaper in the last week. "I was scared, that you would hate it or me for it, I was drunk yes, but I do not regret it" Jaehaerys was quiet for a moment, then a moment turned into a few minutes and she felt her stomach churn with trepidation and she stood before he spoke. "This was a mistake, I should find Ser Arys" she began to walk away.
"Rhaenys," he said, reaching out and grabbing hold of her forearm, the same one Aegon had held. He didn't grab it with much force but the fresh bruise still left her hissing in pain and ripping her arm from his grip. He now stood in confusion at his sister's reaction and took her hand. "Are you-" he began to roll her sleeve but she pulled away again.
"It is fine, a bruise I incurred" she told a half lie but it didn't seem enough for Jaehaerys who held his hand out. Hesitantly she put her hand back in his and let him roll up her sleeve wincing slightly as the cloth tugged. "I fell, it was simply a clumsy mis-"
"Rhaenys a hand did this" Jaehaerys said quietly, his thumb tracing gently over the purple and black skin. Of course, he could tell the difference, he had been hiding bruises for years, her brother looked back up and met her eyes with a dark intensity she had never seen in him. "Who did this to you?" His words were quiet but his fury was obvious, she wanted to lie, she knew she should lie but she couldn't find it in her heart too. He protected me from Viserys, what if he could do the same for our brother as well?
"It was Aegon, I confronted him after your first match it was foolish not to think he would be hot-headed"
"The only foolish thing to take place was him laying his hands on you," Jaehaerys said before he moved to walk past her. She did not know his destination but knew it couldn't be good at the moment, this time she grabbed his forearm and he looked back in confusion. "Rhae he-"
"I know what he did, but to just attack or accuse him would only stir up a bigger issue, I do hate to admit it, but if you seek revenge for Aegon's transgressions, then you must play his game, take your revenge on him and his friends in the joust over the next 2 days, seeing Aegon unseated painfully will be more than enough for me," she told him and he nodded. "If you do, he will only take it as a challenge"
"For you and Daenerys, I would challenge the world" The Princess wished she was drunk now so that she could kiss him again and blame it on the wine.
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