The Prince and His Flower

T W E N T Y - N I N E

As Aemma watched the knights joust, she wondered if she made her favor pretty enough. It was a wreath made of roses and blue hyacinths, a beautiful sight indeed. 

"Daeron told me he was going to ask for your favor." Helaena said as she bounced little Jaehaera on her knee. Aemma smiled and playfully poked Jaehaerys' nose and kissed his cheek. In honor of Aemma's fifteenth nameday, King Viserys decided to hold a tourney and feast to celebrate. 

"He shall receive it, if he proves to be worthy." Aemma smiled. Daeron had traveled from Oldtown just to participate, his reasoning being that someone from the royal family had to do it. Aegon had all but disregarded his training and Aemond did not care for such activities. Aemma would have loved to try her hand at jousting, but she knew it was not the proper thing to do. 

Aemond rolled his eye as he overheard his sister's conversation with Aemma. Daeron was just so charming to everyone.

"How do you think little Daeron will fare?" Aemond turned to Aegon, who sipped at his cup of wine slowly. 

"Who knows? Perhaps Ser Criston will be this tourney's champion." Aegon shrugged and smacked his lips. His eyes flickered toward Aemma holding his son and frowned. Aemma proved to be a loving and devoted cousin to his children, and he wanted nothing more than to share a child with her. That honor would go to Aemond yet again.

"You are just the sweetest boy!" Aemma bounced Jaehaerys as he giggled. His and Jaehaera's fifth nameday would be approaching soon.

"Stop!" He squealed as Aemma showered him in kisses. She loved her cousins dearly, they were just the cutest children Aemma had ever seen, aside from her brothers, of course. Aemma frowned as she thought of Luke. They both wanted to spend their namedays together, but Rhaenyra did not grant Luke permission to travel to Kings Landing.

"Now entering: Prince Daeron Targaryen!" The announcers booming voice radiated the entire tourney grounds. Drums bellowed and the crowd roared as Daeron rode in on his majestic white stallion. He lifted his helm and smiled brightly as he circled around. 

"You may choose your opponent!" The announcer said as Daeron approached the line of knights. 

"Lyonel Hightower." Daeron pointed his finger at the young boy, a distant cousin. He looked terrified to be going up against the Prince, but readied himself all the less. As Daeron rode to his end, he stopped by the raised box where the royal family was seated.

"My beautiful niece, would you be so kind as to grant me your favor? I believe it will bring me nothing but luck." Daeron winked at Aemma and smiled. Aemma shook her head as retrieved her favor and tossed it onto Daeron's lance, the crowds screaming.

"I do hope you win, uncle. I would be very upset to have wasted my favor." Aemma waved to the masses as they cheered. Aemond glared at his younger brother, but he did not see it as he rode away. 

"Must he get Aemma's favor? Helaena is sitting right there." Aemond muttered to Aegon, who simply shrugged. 

"Enter the tourney yourself, then." Aegon said as he punched Aemond's shoulder. Aemond simply hummed and watched as Daeron unseated Lyonel rather easily. Daeron, being the charismatic prince that he is, helped Lyonel up and clapped him on the back.

"Next up facing the Prince is Ser Erryk Cargyll!" The announcer yelled. Aemma perked up at the name and leaned forward to watch Ser Erryk. She almost did not believe him when he told her he was entering his name into the lists, but there he was. 

In the first round both men had broken their lances, and they quickly retrieved the second ones as they charged at each other again. Daeron's lance hit Ser Erryk in the shoulder, nearly knocking him off, but he regained his composure as they went around for the third time. This time, he was unseated as Daeron's lance hit him square in the chest. Aemma frowned as the crowd roared in delight.