From This Day~ Part 1/2 (Ser Harwin Strong x Reader)
᯽ Please note that this is Part 4 of an ongoing series. Part 1-3 can be found on the "Growing Strong” Masterlist HERE. ᯽
Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong x Tyrell! Female Reader
Warnings: PLEASE READ FOR SAFETY. In addition to the warnings of GOT typical sexism, canon divergence, violence, references to the death of a parent, and sexual (non-explicit) themes, this chapter contains a scene in which a man puts a woman in a physically uncomfortable situation. There is no physical violence that results from that scene, but I thought it was worth mentioning anyways to be on the safe side.
Word Count: N/A because I get in my head about it and it makes me self-conscious.
Summary: Your days of mourning have passed… for now. Happier times await you, and your wedding to Ser Harwin Strong is imminent. But first, you have to endure a tourney, an internal battle with your own nerves, a pre-wedding celebratory feast, and a potential scandal that will attempt to undermine you and tarnish your reputation.
Dark plots are afoot at Court, and it appears as though being a stark supporter of Princess Rhaenyra has made you a target. It’s a good thing you’ve found an ally and partner in Ser Harwin- you’ll need each other for the upcoming Dance.
A/N: I’m continually blown away by the overwhelming response to this series. Thank you all so much, each and every one of you deserve nothing but the best.🖤🖤🖤
This chapter will have a Part 2 (which will get a bit🔥, so be forewarned of that) that I’m planning to post on Wednesday 10/12. I hope you enjoy!
PS, can we talk about last night’s episode though?!?!?! I have so many thoughts just dying to get out I simply cannot-
The fifth and final day of the tourney had arrived.
King Viserys had organized the event for Princess Helaena’s second name day, though Princess Rhaenyra had confided in you that Queen Alicent had all but insisted upon it. After all, the elder Princess was given such a celebration for her own second name day. A royal hunt had been deemed fit for Prince Aegon’s second name day, but a tourney in which chivalrous knights fought for honor was viewed by the King as more appropriate for his daughter’s celebration.
Once more, knights from all across Westeros had gathered in King’s Landing to compete in the games. There were not as many attendees as one may have anticipated, but this was largely due in part to the ending of summer. As the fall began and winter loomed, many potential participants were bound to their homes with preparations for the upcoming inclement weather.
Though, by the fifth day, the excitement and buzz about a tourney may have started to twindle, that had not been the case for this one. The participants had given quite the go of putting on a show for the crowd. Though many competed, four different knights had won an event so far. Everyone in attendance was eager to see who, if any of them, would conquer the last event to claim the overall victory. Should a fifth knight win the day’s event, duels would ensure to determine the winner. But the mere thought of that also enthralled the minds of the spectators.
Given that the fifth and final event was the melee, you weren’t feeling too discouraged about your favored participant’s chances for securing the victory.
A chill blew through the air as you sat beside Princess Rhaenyra in the royal family’s box, causing you to shiver. You were most fortunate to have one of the better seats for the tourney, due in part to your service to the Princess, and to the connections of your betrothed’s father. In the arena around you, many were still moving inwards, claiming whatever sitting and standing space they could find. The crowd shifted, never still for much longer than a moment; everyone was starting to get a bit impatient with every passing minute.
Princess Rhaenyra leant as forward as she dared, and craned her neck over towards the far right side of the arena.
You asked, “Do you see them yet, Your Grace?”
“No, but I doubt it shall be much longer,” Princess Rhaenyra replied decisively, though still with a small defeated sigh. She sat straight once more and offered you a pleasant smile. “Besides, this delay presents an opportunity for us to speak.”
“What is it you wish to speak about, Your Grace?”
The Princess rolled her eyes. “You’re so coy, Lady Y/N. Is there anything else I could possibly be referring to?” she coaxed. Then, in a hushed whisper, she added, “The wedding!”
A giddy smile threatened to shatter your calm composure.
But you were more than aware of those seated around you. Namely, King Viserys, who sat several rows back upon a plush throne, Queen Alicent, who sat in a seat beside him, and Hand of the King, Lord Lyonel Strong, who was seated on the other side of the King. After a quick glance behind you, you recomposed yourself.
Princess Rhaenyra questioned, “Are you looking forward to it?”
It was a difficult question to answer. While you could not wait for the next two days to pass so that you could finally be wed to the man that held your heart, the path you had tread since your betrothal had been officially announced had been strenuous at best.
After your father’s passing, you returned to Highgarden once more. A saving grace of yours was that you had not gone alone. As you were officially betrothed, it was completely appropriate that Ser Harwin accompanied you. You were extremely thankful for that; Harwin had selflessly been your support system in your time of need. You wished you would have been able to show him more of your home under less sombering circumstances, but he simply reassured you that once the two of you were wed, the two of you could return to the Reach, or even the Riverlands, whenever the both of you pleased. You adored the idea of that. After your father had been laid to rest in the gardens of Highgarden, you returned to King’s Landing once more, where the proper wedding planning began.
Though you would grieve the loss of your father for the rest of your life, the time for mourning had passed. In just two days, you would be wed to the man you loved, and a new stage of your life awaited you beyond that.
To answer the Princess’ question, you simply said, “Of course, Your Grace.”
Princess Rhaenyra did not seem satisfied with your response, as she narrowed her eyes at you playfully. “With all due respect, that is a rather dull answer, Lady Y/N. Now, tell me- is there anything specific you’re looking forward to?”
“Everything,” you gushed quickly. But then, you hastily added, “Well… almost everything.”
Your last few words caught the Princess’ attention, and she looked at you intriguingly. “Is there something you wish to discuss?”
You hesitated, and glanced behind you once more. To your relief, the attentions of the King, Queen, and most importantly, the Lord Hand, were entirely elsewhere.
Princess Rhaenyra placed a reassuring hand over one of your own and gave you an encouraging look. Though she had been seeking some gossip a moment before, her expression now was more serious and genuine. She whispered, “Y/N, I consider us to be friends, and I do hope you feel the same. If you are having any doubts, please do not be afraid to speak of them to me. I shall hold your confidence, as you have held mine.”
You felt incredibly humbled by the Princess’ insinuation, and it took you a moment to find your next words.
“I do not have any doubts about the wedding,” you corrected politely. You contemplated for a moment. “I am a little bit… nervous, though.”
“Nervous?” she echoed. “What about?”
You felt embarrassed at just the thought of it, but you also knew you could trust Princess Rhaenyra. Even if you didn’t already, she had just very plainly reassured you of that. Besides, now that the Princess was now a married woman herself, you had to believe the topic would not be one she would shy away from.
You cleared your throat, taking great care to speak as quietly as possible so as not to be overheard by anyone else but the Princess. “I am nervous about… the after.”
“After?”
“... After.”
“... Oh,” Princess Rhaenyra exclaimed, a bit more loudly than you would have liked. You shot her a panicked look, and she offered you an apologetic one in return. More softly, she continued, “You are talking about the evening after the ceremony, correct?”
Your face burned with embarrassment. “Yes.”
Princess Rhaenyra seemed to realize just how serious you were, for she made no further jokes. “You needn’t worry, Y/N,” she soothed. “Has Ser Harwin ever treated you with nothing but the utmost respect?”
You were appalled at the thought. “Of course not!”
“And I do not take him as the man to change his behavior towards you simply because you are wed,” Princess Rhaenyra pointed out. “I’ve seen how gentle and kind Ser Harwin can be, especially around you… To be entirely truthful, not all proceedings of the after will be pleasant, but I can assure you, as long as the man you are with respects you, you are already in better hands than most noble maidens on their wedding night.”
You hated the notion, but you were inclined to agree. “Thank you, Princess,” you patted her hand lightly. Then, you dared to ask, “How is Ser Laenor?”
“He made it safely back to Driftmark,” Princess Rhaenyra replied carefully. She craned her neck once more, suddenly more eager for the competitors to emerge, or simply wanting a distraction from the topic. “I was told he has important matters to attend to… He does send his apologies about missing the wedding, though.”
You felt sympathy for the Princess. While she and Laenor got along well, you knew there were struggles in a marriage that even respect for the other could not fix. You patted her hand once more, wordlessly offering support for her unspoken troubles.
At that moment, two additional guests joined the royal family’s box. They descended down the stairs swiftly, before taking their seats beside you.
Princess Rhaenyra turned, and frowned at them. “Lilyan, Eyla! Where in the Seven Hells have the two of you been this morning?”
The Strong ladies, daughters of the Hand of the King and the Princess’ youngest ladies in waiting, gave her hurried apologies.
“The seamstress brought our dresses for the wedding feast to our chambers first thing this morning,” Eyla explained abashedly. “She wanted to make sure she had enough time to make any final alterations.”
“It took longer than we anticipated,” Lilyan concluded.
Princess Rhaenyra put up a stern front for only a second, and then her expression softened. “I suppose, in the light of all that is going on, I shall not hold it against you this time.”
It was quiet for a moment, as no one, not even you, dared to speak.
“So, tell me,” Princess Rhaenyra said then, “... How do the gowns look?”
Upon the inquiry as to the state of their dresses, both girls immediately descended into an enthused discussion. The discussion was only halted by the ringing out of trumpets.
The competitors for the event had finally arrived.
One by one, all of the competitors were introduced by the crier, and applause rang out for each and every one of them… though, it was noted that the reception for some was more thunderous than for others.
They each rode into the arena on their steeds, bid their respect to the royal family, and began to line up along the walls of the arena, where they dismounted and readied their selected weapons of choice for the melee. Though there were no favors that would be given today, due to the nature of the event and the close combat it required, several of the competitors caught your attention as they made their entrance.
“Ser Criston Cole of the Stormlands!”
He’d won one event earlier in the tourney- horse riding.
Out of the corner of your eye, you watched Queen Alicent give Ser Criston a rather proud look as the knight bowed respectfully to the royal family. Despite his atrocious behavior at the opening feast of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor’s wedding celebrations, Ser Criston was now Queen Alicent’s sworn protector. You would have been lying if you said you had not found their suddenly close companionship alarming.
Meanwhile, Princess Rhaenyra went stiff beside you, and the look the knight gave was cold, blank. It was almost as though she was not acknowledging him at all. Whatever happened between Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Criston Cole a few months prior, she had not shared the full details of it with you. Perhaps that was for the best.
Regardless, and in what felt like no time at all, the Princess had lost one of her greatest allies at Court. Unfortunately, Queen Alicent had welcomed him to her good graces gladly.
You thought Ser Criston Cole was lucky to have not been stripped of his knighthood and exiled… But here he was, competing in another tourney, acting as though his previous deeds had not been ghastly at best.
“Ser Royce Baratheon of Storm’s End, eldest son of Lord Borros Baratheon!”
He had not won an event in the tourney so far- but had come in at a close second in two of them.
The sight of the rider wielding a golden shield with black stag changed the Princess’ tune swiftly. The coldness melted, and she watched with great interest as the future Heir to Storm’s End rode into the arena. When the man bowed before the royal family, you swore you saw Lord Royce’s eyes linger on Princess Rhaenyra for a few seconds longer than what would have been considered circumstantial, or polite.
Had this been anyone else, you would have scorned at their actions. But this was Princess Rhaenyra- not only the woman you served, but a trusted friend. In a low tone, you whispered to her, “Was Lord Royce not present during your tour of the Stormlands some months back, Your Grace?”
“He was,” the Princess conceded, just as softly, in a wistful tone. Her eyes did not leave the knight in question as he steered his horse off towards the other side of the arena. “But he talked an awful lot back then… And seeing someone brandish weaponry so confidently is another matter entirely.”
You nearly blushed at her suggestive comment, even though you agreed completely. Seeing your betrothed compete in the tourney over the past few days, despite your worry over his safe-keeping, and your concern regarding the events after your upcoming wedding feast, had left you feeling rather… desirous of him.
“Ser Derron Tyrell of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Reach, and Warden of the South!”
You clapped more vigorously than you had thus far as you watched your brother ride into the arena. After bowing to the royal family, you saw him catch the eye of an individual seated amongst the Lannisters, who were seated in the section beside the royal family’s box. You knew he had to have looked upon Lady Cerelle- Lord Jason Lannister’s oldest daughter.
Your brother, though he had won the archery event a few days before, made quite the spectacle during the jousting event on the first day. Derron had requested the favor of Lady Cerelle, which she granted him. He then proceeded to knock her younger brother Loreon off his horse and promptly onto his rear end with a single strike. The quick defeat of the young lord in the first round was much to the young man’s anger, and even more so to the embarrassment of his father. And yet, you smiled at the memory.
“Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of Lord Otto Hightower, and brother of the Queen!”
Ser Gwayne had won the axe throwing event the previous day, beating Ser Royce by only a narrow margin. The Queen displayed a newfound enthusiasm for her brother after the recent win, and she gleamed at him brightly as he paid his respects to the royal family.
“Ser Harwin Strong of Harrenhal, eldest son of Lord Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King!”
You didn’t bother to hide your smile as your betrothed finally rode into the arena. Sword sheathed at his side, Ser Harwin Strong wore his armor, which you had come to see him don more often than not, and held a shield bearing House Strong’s sigil in his free hand. After bowing to the royal family, Ser Harwin Strong unabashedly captured your gaze and smiled at you.
Despite the butterflies his look left you with, you smiled and subtly nodded your head to the side, silently pleading to him to move on. You knew the crier would prompt him to do so soon anyways if he continued to linger. Thankfully, your betrothed did as you subtly suggested. He was just as excited for the fifth and final event as the crowd watching him.
Once all of the competitors had been introduced, the knights took their places along the walls of the arena, arming themselves with their shields and weapons of choice. The center of the tourney ground had been cleared out of all other obstacles, allowing them ample room to go about the field as they pleased.
After everyone was readied, King Viserys briefly welcomed everyone to the final day of Princess Helaena’s celebratory tourney. Then the crier finally announced the beginning of the event.
The eager cheering of the crowd rang out, and the melee began.
…
The melee went on for several hours.
You watched with both great intrigue and bated breath as the knights struck and reigned blows upon each other. Though every weapon yielded was blunted, so as to discourage any lethal results of the competition, the sheer force of being hit and bludgeoned with any of them was more than capable of causing bruising and breaking bones.
Alliances emerged as the melee continued, but most were dissolved just as quickly as they had formed. However, a few participants watched the backs of one another for longer stretches of time. You were pleased to see that one of the longer standing alliances was that of your brother Derron and Ser Harwin. The pair of them had taken down five of their opponents in the first half hour of the melee. But that was not too shocking; your brother was a skilled fighter, and Ser Harwin had been nicknamed Breakbones for a reason.
But eventually, the need for alliances dwindled. One by one, knights were bested, and they yielded to another willingly… or they were knocked out cold, and the crier had deemed them as unable to continue. The fighting did not cease in the background as unconscious bodies were dragged off the tourney ground.
Though only a few men were left on the field, the audience was as enthralled as ever.
A major upset came when Ser Royce Baratheon, armed with a war hammer that he handled as though it was only a mere extension of his arm, forced Ser Criston Cole to his knees. The sworn protector of the Queen yielded to his opponent. You could hear the disappointed sigh of Queen Alicent behind you, despite being seated several rows away.
You snuck a glance at Princess Rhaenyra as Ser Royce Baratheon briefly celebrated his victory. You could tell by the look in her eyes that the future Heir to Storm’s End had successfully captured her complete and undivided attention. It was not immediately certain what would come of this, if anything at all. But you did know that whatever it was, you would never speak of it. If the Princess had a wandering eye, or wandering hands, well… Those would be secrets you would take with you to the grave.
Unfortunately, Ser Royce’s victory had also garnered the attention of Ser Gwayne Hightower, who proceeded to attack him with vigor. Due to fatigue achieved from several hours of fighting, it did not take long for the young Lord to yield to the son of the former Hand of the King.
Whilst Ser Harwin was preoccupied fighting a newly appointed knight and bannerman of House Tully, Derron decided to take on Ser Gwayne. The two were nearly the same age, and had spent significant amounts of time together in their youth. But as they grew older, the friendship of their boyhood faded, giving way to their more competitive natures. Such was only fitting; the Tyrells and Hightowers, though the latter had always sworn fealty to the former, were almost always entangled in nuanced competition for power within the Reach.
The pair of them fought tooth and nail for dominance, but eventually, your brother Derron was forced to yield in order to save himself from a broken arm at Ser Gwayne’s hand. The knight from House Tully had also yielded, leaving your betrothed and Ser Gwayne as the last two competitors on the field.
At first, the onslaught between the competitors felt a bit personal… and perhaps it was. Ser Harwin had won the joust on the first day. He defeated countless other competitors in the previous rounds before dismounting Ser Gwayne in the final one to claim victory.
Thankfully, the battle between the final two knights passed relatively quickly, though it still felt too long for your liking.
At one particular moment, you, along with the Ladies Lilyan and Eyla beside you, almost shot up from your seats with concern as Ser Gwayne successfully landed a particularly brutal blow with his blunted sword to the temporarily exposed neck of Ser Harwin. The latter fell to his knees, and you watched fearfully, silently praying he would yield so as to spare himself from any serious harm.
But the blow only fueled the fire in your betrothed. Suddenly enraged, he fought through the pain to spin and clear himself out of the way of Ser Gwayne’s following strike. Not but a minute later, the tables had turned. The Queen’s brother was on his back, yielding to Ser Harwin as the former’s blunt sword was pressed to his neck.
The crowd erupted into cheers for all of the competitors, but especially for the victor. Though, perhaps none of them cheered quite so loudly as you and the Strong sisters. However, the cheers and praises from Princess Rhaenyra could have easily been a close second.
“I hereby declare Ser Harwin Strong of Harrenhal as the victor of the melee, and the overall champion of the tourney!” King Viserys announced as a squire brought over Ser Harwin’s steed.
Beside the King, Lord Lyonel Strong looked most pleased, blatantly gleaming with a father’s pride.
As you continued to applaud, you watched with immense relief as your betrothed rode to the center of the arena, where he took a moment to revel in the cheers of the crowd.
A victor most deserved, you thought fondly.
Once the volume of the crowd began to fall, the King continued. “Ser Harwin, as champion of these games, it is your right to dedicate your victory to any lady in attendance, and thereby name her as the Queen of Love and Beauty.”
The crier, who had joined Ser Harwin in the center of the arena, presented him with a crown of roses. You could see the vibrant color of the flowers all the way from your seat. Their petals were blood red, and most likely from what would be one of the last gatherings of the season.
Ser Harwin thanked the crier and took the crown from him. The audience continued to applaud as Ser Harwin rode across the arena. He halted his horse right in front of the royal family’s box, and looked up at you.
“Lady Y/N!” he called up.
You rose from your seat, ignoring the giggling and bubbly babblings of the Strong sisters and the knowing smirk from Princess Rhaenyra. You stepped forward, and placed your hands on the railing before you as you looked down onto the field.
Despite how battered, dirty, and downright exhausted he appeared, Ser Harwin’s smile shone through all of it, making your heart swoon. “Lady Y/N of House Tyrell, would you accept a champion’s favor?”
You’d be willing to accept just about anything Ser Harwin bestowed upon you… but that was neither here nor there.
You forced your voice to keep steady as the pure joy you felt all but consumed you. “It would be my honor, Ser Harwin.”
Being mindful as to hold your balance, you leant further over the railing. You tiled your head downwards slightly, allowing Ser Harwin to reach up and place the crown of roses delicately upon your head.
King Viserys declared approvingly, “A fitting crown, for the Lady of Roses!”
The crowd cheered.
The evening of the following day, a feast was held.
Though a larger and grander wedding feast would follow the ceremony tomorrow morning, you were excited for the additional opportunity to celebrate with your family, friends, and the majority of your invited guests.
Prior to your father’s passing, he and Lord Lyonel had decided that the wedding would take place in Highgarden. Your family had agreed to be responsible for the majority of the expenses, and, since more of the resources were closer to your disposal at your home, it was the most reasonable option.
But after your father’s passing, King Viserys had insisted that some space within the Red Keep and surrounding gardens be used for the celebration instead. The King’s offer had surprised you. Perhaps he pitied you for the recent loss of your father- whom he still referred to as “old friend.” Perhaps he did not wish for his daughter to travel to Highgarden without her husband. Or perhaps King Viserys was simply very amicable with his current Hand, and as such, did not wish to miss the wedding of his eldest son.
Whatever the reason, neither you, Harwin, his Lord Hand father, or your recently inherited Lord of Highgarden brother were in any position to turn down the King’s offer.
Your family had been spared from some of the wedding expenses, and that was something for which you were sure your brother was grateful for. Though Derron had been preparing for the role he had stepped into for his entire life, he was still adjusting to his new title and responsibilities. But, in time, you knew he would grow to be a man who made your father’s memory proud.
Though the wedding had been moved to take place in King’s Landing, a large number of your and Ser Harwin’s invited family and friends had still been able to attend, and you were grateful for that. In addition to the festivities tomorrow, most of your guests decided to attend this evening’s fest as well.
King Viserys was absent. He sent his regards ahead of time, noting that he wished to rest for the ceremony and celebrations tomorrow. The Queen was absent as well, citing her need to care for her husband. However, a large gathering of Hightowers had still gathered, including the now-mending Ser Gwayne. You decided that it fell upon your brother to greet them later and exchange pleasantries.
Princess Rhaenyra was also present. She’d been given a place of honor at the high table, as the lack of the rest of the royal family had created a question of where she would be seated. It worked out perfectly; the familial guests on Ser Harwin’s side of the table outnumbered your own by far, even with the addition of the Princess.
As the meal began, Lord Lyonel commanded the attention of the room with a speech thanking the guests for their attendance.
“I thank you all for traveling, both near and farm to attend the wedding of my eldest son Harwin, to the lovely Lady Y/N Tyrell.”
A polite round of applause followed.
As Lord Lyonel continued his speech, you were frequently distracted by your brother, seated to your right, and your betrothed, seated to your left. Both men were equally as guilty for shifting and groaning every so often in pain as a result of the blows they’d endured throughout the tourney that week.
“What am I going to do with the two of you?” you asked them under your breath, smiling politely at Lady Hightower when she gave you a slightly suspicious look from the table where the rest of her family was seated.
“Take pity on us fools, I hope,” Harwin whispered back, giving you a small smile strained by his discomfort.
“Is this what I have to look forward to for our marriage?” you countered softly, your tone more teasing than serious. Then, to the both of them, you said, “The two of you knew the ceremony and feast were to take place tomorrow, and yet the both of you still insisted on taking place in the tourney.”
“Sister, might I remind you that your betrothed is now the champion of that tourney?” your brother asked redundantly. Then, Derron huffed. “Truly, Y/N- you act as though you are completely unaccustomed to such behavior, when you’ve been putting up with my antics your entire life. Now, it seems like my soon to be brother will merely be taking my place on the morrow.”
You gritted your teeth. “... Brother?”
“Yes, Sister?”
“Eat your food that we’ve paid for.”
Derron said nothing in protest. He promptly did exactly as you bid him, though not without the accompaniment of some wine to help dull his pain.
You turned to Harwin, and involuntarily frowned as another pained look flashed across his face. He readjusted his chair once more and sat up straighter in an effort to find some relief. Your gut sank at the sight of the ghastly bruise that had begun to form upon his neck from where he had fallen victim to Ser Gwayne Hightower’s blow during the tourney’s melee. The fresh purple color crept up the skin of his neck, and disappeared beneath the collar of his doublet. For a moment, you dared to wonder how far the wound traveled, only hidden from sight.
Before Ser Harwin could settle himself and place his hand back upon the table, you stopped him by placing your own overtop of his.
His hazel eyes snapped up to meet yours. You wanted nothing else but to drown in those pools of calming green, but unfortunately, you had a rather large audience.
“Are you alright?” you whispered.
Harwin gave you a brief but affirming nod. Before you could say anything further, he lifted your hand and placed a soothing kiss upon the back of it. He lowered your hands, but did not withdraw his own. Instead, your hands rested, fingers intertwined, on top of the table.
With the reassurance from your love, your attention returned once more to your soon to be father by marriage, who was concluding his speech. You almost wished you’d heard more of it. The little of it you managed to catch warmed your heart, and you found yourself incredibly thankful to be marrying into a family who seemed to value one another as highly as your own did.
Your brother gave a speech following the Lord Hand’s. It was inevitable that he mentioned the recent passing of your father; you knew it had been coming. But at the first sight of your falling face, Ser Harwin’s hand tightened around your own in a silent gesture of support.
Once the meal and speeches were concluded, you and Harwin took to the dance floor first.
Though all eyes were upon you, you still dared to converse with one another.
“Perhaps this feast will not end with you whisking me away to safety,” you jested, loud enough so that only he could hear.
“I should hope not, My Lady,” Ser Harwin agreed heartily. He spun you once, before pulling you back to him. Then, he gave you a conflicted frown. “I can still feel the bruises you inflicted upon me that evening, though no traces of them remain.”
You bowed your head sheepishly, not having realized that you had hit or kicked him nearly that hard. Yet again, the scene you had been in was one of pure chaos, and you had no idea who had swept you up and over their shoulder at the time. Your instincts had kicked in.
“I must admit,” Harwin confessed good-naturedly, “You are a lot stronger than I would have surmised.”
Coming from him, it was one of the highest compliments you’d ever received. “Perhaps I am marrying into the right family, then.”
“Perhaps you are,” he agreed, a playful glint in his eyes.
After your shared dance concluded, several others took to the floor, while other guests took the opportunity to speak and acquaint themselves. Harwin excused himself remorsefully, explaining that his father wished for him to make rounds with the guests. You understood, knowing it wouldn’t be long before your brother Derron would find you and ask you to do the same.
In the meantime, you busied yourself with a group dance next. The Strong sisters joined you on the dance floor, and the three of you spun and stepped along to the beat of the song with excitement and ease. The more time you spent with them, the more you came to love the young women who would shortly become family. You hadn’t been blessed with many sister-like figures in your early life, but you’d take advantage of it fully, now that you had been.
In the periphery of your eye, you spotted Lady Cerelle Lannister lingering on the edge of the dancefloor. Earlier that evening, your brother had requested that you might try to get to know the young woman a bit better. You had your sneaking suspicions as to why, but, as he was your brother, you still wanted to do what you could to assist him with the matter.
Once the song was concluded, you excused yourself from the Strong sisters, and made your way over to her.
“Lady Y/N,” she greeted, nodding courteously.
You returned the gesture with a smile. “Lady Cerelle. Are you enjoying the feast?”
“Very much so,” she answered, genuine warmth filling her every word. “Congratulations on your wedding, and to Ser Harwin. Besting the competitors in that tourney must not have been an easy task, but he did so with great honor.”
“I will extend him your congratulations,” you assured her. “If my brother could not have been the victor, I am glad it was Ser Harwin.”
“Lord Derron fought just as well,” Lady Cerelle insisted. “It is a shame Ser Gwayne halted his momentum.”
Lord Lannister’s daughter spoke of your brother with great respect. And, you swore there was something else hidden amongst her well-spoken words… A bit of fondness, maybe? You did not think too highly of several of the Lannisters, but Lady Cerelle seemed to carry herself in a matter dissimilar to the others. Perhaps she would thrive in an environment in which she was not constantly surrounded by her family… as you had.
It was enough for you to wish to test the waters. “I was just discussing with Lady Lilyan and Lady Eyla about arranging a visit to Highgarden in the spring… Have you ever been?”
“I am afraid I have not had the pleasure, My Lady.”
“Perhaps you would care to join us?” you proposed. “There will be several festivals, and the gardens in the spring are truly a sight to behold.”
To your surprise, Lady Cerelle smiled enthusiastically in response to your request. “Perhaps I would.”
“I beg you to consider it,” you beamed encouragingly. “I shall write to you later to make the arrangements. My brother would be most honored to host you at Highgarden, My Lady.”
Lady Cerelle picked up on the meaning behind your words at once. She blushed. “As I would be to receive the invitation.”
…
Some time later, you politely excused yourself to return to the high table. You desperately sought something to quench your thirst.
On your way, you noted Lord Larys, Ser Harwin’s younger brother, was having what appeared to be a pleasant conversation with your cousin, Lord Garrett Redwyne. It made you very happy to see potential bonds forming between yours and your betrothed’s families.
Finally, you reached the high table. But before you could even lift your goblet to your lips, a waiting servant approached you.
“My Lady,” she greeted you. “I was told that Princess Rhaenyra wishes to speak with you privately, out in the corridor.”
That piqued your interest.
You looked across the room, and spotted Princess Rhaenyra, who was conversing with Lord Lyonel. When she noticed you look her way, she nodded to you with a small smile, before her focus returned to Lord Lyonel.
“Thank you,” you told the serving girl. “Did the Princess say when she wished to meet with me?”
“I was only told that she wished to speak with you at once, My Lady.”
Even though it was the night before your wedding, you were in no position to keep Princess Rhaenyra waiting. Besides, if she needed to speak with you in the middle of the feast, it was likely to be a matter of high import.
You glanced about the room, confirming that no one in particular had eyes upon you. Once you were convinced the coast was clear, you slipped out of the banquet hall, and into the corridor.
The passage was empty. Though it was dimly lit by a few torches, moonlight fell upon the stone floor from the courtyard running alongside it, illuminating it.
You didn’t know what the Princess wished to speak with you about, but seeking some additional privacy certainly couldn’t hurt. You walked away from the banquet hall and headed further down the corridor. Footsteps echoed off the stone walls beside you.
You waited for five minutes. Then ten. And then some more.
Still, you continued to wait for Princess Rhaenyra.
Just as you were about to seriously debate returning to the banquet hall, knowing you could simply speak with the Princess in her chambers after the feast if she so wished, you heard the sound of footsteps drawing near.
You turned, and resummoned your patience as you watched the figure approach you.
It was not Princess Rhaenyra.
“Lord Loreon.”
The young golden-haired lord smiled.
Princess Rhaenyra was conversing with Lord Lyonel Strong and congratulating him on the wedding when she saw you slip out of the banquet hall and into the corridor. She thought it odd when you did not immediately return, but eventually wrote it off. She hadn’t seen Ser Harwin for a while either, and she suspected he might have also taken the opportunity to briefly step outside the feast and have a moment with you alone.
But as she conversed with the Hand of the King, she was taken aback when Ser Harwin approached them. He looked a bit confused, though not quite alarmed. Yet.
“Your Grace, Father- I apologize for interrupting. Have either of you seen Lady Y/N?” Ser Harwin questioned them. He looked around the room with a slight frown, eyes rapidly scanning the area for any sight of you.
Before Princess Rhaenyra could offer up what little information she had, your brother, the newly-inherited Lord Derron Tyrell, also approached the small gathering.
“Are you looking for my sister as well?” Lord Derron surmised, not bothering to wait for a confirmation to his question before continuing. “Our aunt wishes to speak with her.”
“I saw her slip out into the corridor,” Princess Rhaneyra recalled. “But that was quite some time ago…”
Lord Lyonel, as if seeing the gears of worry start to churn in his son’s head, added, “Perhaps Lady Y/N just needs a bit of time to herself. It has been an eventful few days.”
Ser Harwin settled down a bit at his father’s reassurance, but it was clear he was not completely at ease.
“I believe the Lord Hand is right,” Lord Derron agreed, clapping a reaffirming hand on Ser Harwin’s shoulder. “I’m sure my sister just wanted some fresh air… it is feeling a bit stuffy in here. If she has not returned shortly, I shall go check on her myself.”
“Gods, where is that boy?” Lord Jason Lannister loudly demanded, from a nearby table. “Has anyone seen my son? …Where is Loreon?”
As if on queue, Princess Rhaenyra spotted the young lord in reference exiting the banquet hall. He slipped into the same corridor she had seen her own lady in waiting slip out into a while ago, and disappeared from view.
Upon merely seeing the Heir to Casterly Rock, you decided to return to the banquet hall with the utmost haste. There were plenty of other people you would rather converse with, let alone be forced to share the same space with. Princess Rhaenyra would understand if your conversation would have to be held at a later time.
“Are you seeking a rest from the festivities, My Lord?” you asked as politely as you could manage. Your last conversation with Lord Loreon at Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor’s wedding welcome feast was not far from your mind. “I was taking a reprieve from the dancing myself, but I believe it’s best if I return to the feast now. If you’ll excuse me-”
Lord Loreon side stepped, effectively halting you in your tracks.
“It is a funny game you play, Lady Y/N, I shall give you that,” he said, a trace of a laugh lingering in his tone.
You frowned deeply. “I beg your pardon, My Lord?”
“This game of yours…” Lord Loreon trailed off, as if thinking deeply about how to describe what he was thinking of. “It’s a game of cat and mouse, is it not?”
You stared at him blankly, having no idea what in the Seven Hells he could possibly be referring to.
Lord Loreon snickered to himself. “I knew your coldness towards me had to be a charade. And all this business with your brother, trying to gain my sister's affections? That was part of it as well, wasn’t it? ... It was all a ploy, correct? A ruse so that you could grab my attention? …Well, I must admit, it worked. Rather well, actually.”
You were stunned speechless by your sheer confusion.
“I understand you are having doubts about your betrothal,” Lord Loreon informed you matter of factly. Offhandedly, he added, “As you should.”
“What are you-”
“But that is no matter,” he interrupted proudly, smiling once more. “You have confided in me now, and not a moment too soon. That is what matters. Just say the word, and we can flee King’s Landing tonight.”
You scoffed in disgust. The way Lord Loreon spoke was as if in some sort of enamored trance. It was completely out of character for him, and you were highly disturbed. “Are you well, My Lord? … When my brother knocked you off your horse during the joust, did you hit your head as well?”
By some miracle, Lord Loeron took no offense to your comment. And that is when you knew something was terribly wrong.
The thought was only reinforced when he placed his hands up against the wall, one flat against either side of your head. You were pinned between the delusional young Lord before and the cold stone at your back.
“Let us steal away,” Lord Loreon proposed conspiringly, putting on what you could only guess was his best attempt at flirtation. “We could be well on our way to Casterly Rock by morning’s light.”
You smacked him right across the face as hard as you could. The sound echoed harshly throughout the otherwise silent corridor.
The spell had broken, and Lord Loreon snapped out of his stupor, leaving him in a brief haze. But then, realization overcame his face as he processed what you had done, and his confusion shifted to anger.
His eyes narrowed dangerously. A single finger was raised, pointing at you warningly.
Before Lord Loeron could make a threat, a third voice roared out.
“What in the gods’ name is the meaning of this?!”
A/N: Thank you for reading!🖤 Part 2 can be found HERE.
PS PS, I 110% imagine Joffrey as a face-claim for a certain Lannister Lord.🤫
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