#jousting

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        Aerion’s squire strapped his armor to him as she looked at his helmet. It was nothing like she had ever seen before. It had his face, but it looked less human and more dragon-like, with a head of fire. Her fingers danced over the metal as she tried to imagine how it was made.

        “Do you like it?” Aerion asked her from across the tent.

        “Yes.” She told him over her shoulders. “It suits you well.”

        “I designed it myself.” He proclaimed proudly. “Bring it to me.”

        Picking up the lump of metal, she wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy. When she walked to him, he tilted his head forward ever so slightly so she could put it on.

        “How can you wear that?” She wondered. “It must hurt your neck terribly.”

        “It does not hurt if your neck is strong enough to handle such weight.” He responded, raising the visor so he could see better. He ordered his squire out of the tent, not needing him any further. 

        “Do I give you the wreath now?” She asked, not really knowing what to do.

        “No.” He told her, walking over to the spear that laid on the table. “I will ride to the stand and ask for it.”

        She nodded in response, looking at her creation. She thought back to what Aegon had said the day previously, that Aerion didn’t deserve her favor. The more she spent time with him, the more she agreed with the sentiment. 

        It was plain and simple, he didn’t care about her. 

        She wasn’t truly expecting for him to be in love with her from the first moment they met. But it was clear that Aerion didn’t care to build a connection with her. Leaving his room last night, she hoped that maybe he would show some form of negative feeling, but he was as cold as ever when they met in the tent.

        All hope wasn’t lost though. She was determined to keep trying, in hopes that she could break through his icy exterior. Aerion may not be the first to act, but there was a possibility he would reciprocate if she took the first step. Leaning forward, she smiled, fluttering her eyes at him. Building up the courage she asked, “What about a kiss for good luck?”

        “That could do.” Aerion said.

        Presenting his lance to her, he expected her to kiss it. At first, she debated whether or not she should correct him on the meaning of her words, but quickly decided against it, fearing rejection. As she pressed her lips to the painted wood, she made sure to keep eye contact with Aerion, in hopes to elicit a response from him. 

        His face didn’t move an inch, but there was a new spark lighting in his eyes. Standing straight, she gave him a wide smile. “Good luck husband. I know you will do well.”

        Before Aerion could even respond, she grabbed her wreath, running out of his tent. She had quite the silly image in her mind. She hoped that he’d run after her and plant his lips on hers for all to see, but he didn’t. He finished preparing for the tournament as she went to the stands.

        Most of the royal family who preferred to view over participation were already seated. Everyone watched her as she entered, congratulating her on her marriage. She gave them soft smiles and short nods as she made her way to her spot. 

        King Daeron had saved the seat beside him for her, as this tournament was in the honor of her wedding. She wasn’t used to being in the center like this. As the youngest, and being a woman, she was always considered last in family affairs.

        On the other side of the King sat Baelor, then his brother Maekar. She sat beside a woman she had never seen before. The woman had dusty pink hair that stood out. It was so unique that she knew that the woman hadn’t attended any of the previous events, as she would’ve remembered someone who looked like that.

        The woman smiled at her kindly, leaning over to ask her. “When there is a break, would you like to visit the stalls with me?”

        “Sure.” She responded, curious to see who this mysterious woman was.

        Trumpets began to sing loudly into the air to announce the beginning of the games. The crowd cheered as Aerion rode out on his brown horse, covered in sheets of metal resembling dragon scales. 

        Aerion stopped in the center of the track, facing the royal stands. Lifting his helmet, he waited for the King to give his acknowledgement. After Daeron motioned for him to continue, Aerion’s attention turned to her. Even though she didn’t know him well, she could read his face easily. His cocky smirk screamed ‘Watch me.’ 

        And she intended to do just that. Her eyes never left him as he pranced around the other tents, choosing his opponent. A knight, who bore the symbol of a tower emitting green flame, emerged from his tent. 

        Aerion picked the Hightower heir to be his first victim. Riding back to his side, Aerion waited for the knight to prepare. The Hightower knight settled his horse, but instead of getting into position, he rode up to the stand.

        Looking at her, he said. “I wish to ask for the favor of the new princess.”

        Many snickered at the knight's bold attempt to rouse Aerion. It was silent as everyone waited for her response. Standing from her seat, she walked over to the fence, not wanting to shout from a distance.

        “I am confused as to why you want my favor.” She said, not understanding why he thought he’d get it.

        “Because it is clear your husband does not believe he needs it.” The knight proclaimed, looking over at Aerion. “So it should be bestowed on someone who would appreciate it.”

        She didn’t even need to look over at Aerion to know he was watching her intently. While she commended the knight’s courage, she was also disgusted that he thought she would embarrass her husband in such a way. 

        “I believe that he does not need my favor to defeat you.” She insulted with a smile on his face. “I hope you do not get hurt.”

        Turning on her heel, she made her way back to her seat. Once she was situated, the pink haired woman leaned into her once more, whispering, “Keep boosting his ego like that and I think you’ll have a fine marriage.” 

        She smiled at the woman’s comment as she responded with. “I am merely telling the truth.”

        “Exactly what I mean.” The woman chuckled.

        The horn blew, signifying the start of the round. Horses ran at one another as each man had the tip of their lance, pointing at one another, and shields held up to defend. It happened in the blink of an eye. Aerion pushed his weapon forward, hitting the knight’s shield with such force that the knight fell backwards.

        He did not fall fully off his horse from the impact, but the saddle slowly became undone. The knight tried his hardest to get a grasp of his horse as he slowly slid off the side. He was unsuccessful in his efforts, landing on the cold hard dirt with a thud. 

        The crowd cheered, not because Aerion won, but because someone had. She clapped her hands, smiling. “I did not expect it to be so quick.” She commented, outloud, not talking to any specific person.

        “It is not supposed to be.” King Daeron told her. “I would dismiss my squire for making a simple mistake such as securing my saddle incorrectly.” 

        “I would not be surprised if Aerion paid him to do it.” Aegon said unamused.

        “Hush child.” Maekar scolded.

        The tournament continued. Aerion would choose his victim. When it was someone else’s turn to pick, most of the time they’d pick Aerion, in hopes to knock the prince off of his high horse. It always ended the same, with Aerion being victorius. The people began to get bored, but she never did.

        Each time he saddled his horse, covered in metal, she could tell he was as happy as he could be. He clearly enjoyed when someone picked him to be their opponent, so he could easily embarrass them. The small smirk he gave when the opponent groveled on the ground was mesmerizing. 

        After every victory, she picked at the bark of the sticks, anxiously waiting for Aerion to  ride to the stands and ask for her favor. But it never came. No other knight dared to ask for hers, and she was getting to the point where she’d give it to anyone who wanted it.

        The break had started with Aerion entering his tent. The woman that sat beside her stood. With a smile, she asked. “Are you ready to take a turn about the stalls?”

        “I am.” She nodded with a smile. “But first, I must know who you are.”

        “Oh right! I am Kiera. Valarr’s wife.” Kiera said, completely forgetting that she never introduced herself. “I apologize for missing the wedding. I was quite ill.”

        “I do hope that you are feeling much better today.” She spoke genuinely.

        “I am!” Kiera responded, linking their arms together. 

        They began to walk out of the box. Two knights followed them, making sure that no one would harm the two princesses, especially since one of them was to be the Queen Consort one day.

        “I was curious on how your marriage was going thus far.” Kiera said as they walked through the busy street.

        “Good. I think.” She responded, unsure. 

        “You have consummated your marriage, correct?” Kiera leaned closer, not wanting the guards to hear their private conversation. She nodded her head in response. “Well how was it?”

        Her face heated at the question, remembering the night previous. The conversation reminded her of what her sister had said about married women talking of their private lives with one another.

        “I mean it was okay.” She quietly responded. “But something was missing.”

        “What was missing?” Kiera wondered.

        “That is what troubles me.” She quietly spoke. “I do not know.”

        Kiera hummed, trying to think. “How does it go between the two of you?”

        “Well.” She trailed off, feeling embarrassed about talking of such things. But Kiera might have the answers she needs. “He… enters me, goes on for a few minutes, spills his speed, then sleeps facing away from me.”

        “And you?” Kiera asked.

        “And I?” She said confused, not understanding what Kiera was wanting to know.

        “Do you finish?” Kiera clarifies. 

        “Finish?” The words were not making sense to her.

        Kiera looked at the guards that walked behind them, making sure they were a good distance away. Getting closer, she whispered, “You know how he ‘spills his seed’?” Waiting for her to nod, Kiera continued, “After a while during the act, the pleasure builds until it reaches a peak. Have you done that?”’

        “I do not believe so.” She answered Kiera’s question, but then wondered. “How is it with Valar?”

        Having insight to a more developed marriage might help her in wooing Aerion.

        “Exhilarating!” Kiera cheered. “He always takes care of me and-. Oh my what is that?”

        Kiera stopped, unlinking their arms so she had the free hand to push her wedding cloak to the side, revealing the bruise left by Aerion’s teeth.

        “It’s nothing.” She quickly responded, pulling the cloak out of Kiera’s grasp to cover it once more.

        “Is he hurting you?” Kiera asked seriously, it was clear that she was worried. “I know it may seem like you have to hide it, but you can tell me.”

        “He just got a bit carried away last night and bit me.” She explained, trying not to tell explicit details.

        “That is no reason to leave a mark on you.” Kiera told her sternly. 

        “It is nothing like that, I promise.” She got quiet, embarrassed to admit it, “I did quite enjoy it…”

        “Thank The Seven.” Kiera sighed in relief. “If he ever does harm you, you need to tell me.”

        “I will.” She said with a nod. 

        For the first time she had arrived in Westeros, she felt as though she belonged. Even though they had just met, it was nice to have a female friend. One she could confide in, even with the private details of her life. 

        After walking around for a while, her and Kiera made their way back to the stands as the last round began. Right as the trumpets blew, signifying the start, Aerion rode to the stands. He leaned the tip of his lance against the railing. 

        Aerion didn’t even need to call out to her for her, as all knew who he wanted. As his previous lance had broken, he said “I am afraid that the kiss of luck has run out. I must ask you for your favor instead.” 

        “Even though I think you can do without it, I shall grant you my favor.” She gave him a teasing smile, putting her wreath over his lance.

        He gave her a nod with the smallest smirk. She returned to her seat as Aerion made his way to Valarr. “Cousin, it is time you faced The Dragon.”

        “I do believe Valarr will win this duel.” Kiera bet.

        “I think not, Aerion has yet to lose.” She disagreed. “His determination to win is strong. Plus, now he has my favor with him.” 

        Before Kiera could respond, Valarr rode up to the stand, requesting her favor. She happily obliged, planting her wreath on his lance. When she sat back down, Kiera gave her a cunning smile. “Now my husband has my favor as well. We shall see who prevails.” 

        She enjoyed this small bit of competition between her and her new friend. Sitting tall, she cheered on Aerion, just as Kiera did Valarr.

        When the horn blew both the men ordered their horses forward. They tucked their lances under their armpits, aiming the tips forward. When they collided, the crashing sound of metal and wood flew through the air. Aerion lost his grip on his horse, leaning off to the side. 

        Valarr’s lance had snapped into a million pieces when colliding with Aerion’s shield. The crowd cheered louder than before, excited about the Targaryen on Targaryen violence. Valarr threw his nub of a lance on the ground, Kiera’s favor going along with it. 

        He was quick to grab the new lance, turning to face Aerion. They charged at one another once more. Instead of aiming at Valarr’s shield, he angled his lance at Valarr’s shoulder. When he struck, Valarr fell back on his horse. 

        Kiera gasped, not wanting to see her husband harmed. Relief swept over the royal stands as Valarr sat back up. He rolled his shoulder, clearly hurt by the jab. Neither man waited before charging forth.

        Both women shouted, encouraging their respective husbands. The others around them looked displeased, finding their actions unseemly for princesses. They could care less about what the others thought, too focused on the events unfolding before them.

        Aerion rammed Valarr’s shield with enough force to make him fall right off his horse, colliding with the ground.

        “Yes!” She shouted, jumping from her seat.

        Kiera did the same, but screaming. “No!” instead.

        Aerion was triumphant against his cousin. With a broken lance, he raised it in the air in victory. Her favor clung to the vamplate, whirling in the air. He basked in the glory of the crowd, loving the attention. Turning to her, he gave her a nod before riding over to his tent and dismounting his horse.

        Valarr thankfully was alright, getting up from the ground fine on his own. His squire had retrieved his wild horse, calming it down. Kiera was relieved to find her husband okay, as her heart had stopped for a few seconds. 

        “Time did tell.” She smugly told Kiera. 

        “It did indeed, but we shall see next time.” Kiera responded.

        “I would love to talk with you more, but I shall go see my husband.” She said to Kiera. She gave a small bow before taking her leave. 

        Walking into Aerion’s tent, she found his squire removing his armor from his body. She smiled widely at him, happy to see him win, knowing she too won in her little bet with Kiera. “You did stunningly, husband. I greatly enjoyed watching.”

        “Where were you during the break?” He asked sternly.

        She was shocked by his question, believing that he didn’t care of her whereabouts. “I was talking with our cousin, Kiera.” 

        Displeased with her answer, he continued his questioning, “In Valarr’s tent?”

        “No. We walked around the stalls having womanly discussions.” She quickly denied with a frown. “I apologize if you expected me back here. You never explicitly said.”

        He sighed as his squire removed his last piece of armor. Dismissing the squire, he walked up to her. Grabbing her chin he forced her to look at him. Her eyes went wide, fearing what he would do. 

        “I heard you cheering for me.” He quietly commented, looking into her eyes.

        “Yes.” She responded, feeling whiplash from his now calmer demeanor. “Kiera believed Valarr would win, I tried telling her that was not possible.”

        Aerion’s thumb brushed over her bottom lip, slightly pulling it from the top lip. He smiled ever so softly at her. She would have missed it if she wasn’t so close. It felt like the perfect moment. One that would solidify their happy marriage with a kiss.

        She leaned in to him, wanting to connect their lips, but she was met with him pulling away. Turning from her, she stumbled lightly, trying to recenter herself. Stepping farther away, he told her, “We should head back to the Red Keep.”

        Her lips drew in a tight line as she reluctantly responded with. “Yes we should.”

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I kept getting distracted with the olympics while writing this lol. I am also happy to see people pointing out the little hip thrusts when he commands his horse forward bc i thought i was a freak for noticing it. Thank you all so so much for all the love and support on this fic!!! It really means so much to me and it drives my motivation to get the chapter out as quick as possible! Thank you again, love you all!!