A Different Dance

Chapter Eight

Four months had passed since the coronation of Lucerys, and the realm gathered in celebration of Queen Rheanyra's 34th birthday. The air was filled with excitement as the tournament unfolded, with knights from different houses competing against each other in a display of skill and valor. Amidst the festivities, Lucerys and his older cousin, Rhaena, found themselves engaged in a whispered conversation, observing the nobles in attendance.

Rhaena's gaze fell upon a lady from a prominent house, her elegant figure adorned in a flowing dress that concealed a telltale secret—a swollen belly. Leaning closer to Lucerys, Rhaena shared her discovery in hushed tones. "Do you see her? That noble lady, she hides a secret beneath her dress—a swollen belly," she revealed, her voice tinged with intrigue.

Lucerys's eyes widened in surprise as he followed Rhaena's gaze, his curiosity piqued by the hidden truth.
Rhaena leaned in closer to Lucerys, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone. "Lucerys, I heard something interesting about the lady with the swollen belly," she whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Lucerys raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Rhaena's remark. "Do tell, cousin," he replied, his curiosity piqued. "Who is she, and what's the story behind her condition?"

Rhaena smirked and leaned even closer, ensuring their conversation remained confidential. "It seems that the lady is none other than Lord Samwell Tarly's son's betrothed," she revealed, a hint of excitement evident in her voice.

Lucerys's eyes widened in surprise. "Lord Samwell Tarly's son? That's quite the scandal," he remarked, his mind racing to connect the dots. "So, she's expecting a child out of wedlock before their marriage?"

Rhaena nodded, her gaze scanning the crowd before returning to Lucerys. "Indeed, cousin. It appears that they couldn't wait to consummate their relationship," she replied, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "But they better hurry and make it official before her belly becomes too noticeable.

Just as their conversation reached a lull, the attention of the crowd shifted towards the center of the stadium, where two knights prepared to engage in a joust. The clash of lances resounded through the air as the knights charged at each other with thunderous determination. On the second pass, one knight was forcefully dismounted, prompting a wave of cheers from the enthralled audience.

Lucerys's sharp gaze caught sight of a unfamiliar face among the contestants, but his instincts told him that something was amiss. Leaning closer to Rhaena, he voiced his suspicion. "Could it be a mystery knight?" he pondered aloud, his voice filled with intrigue.

Rhaena shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "No, Lucerys. That knight is no mystery. He is a Dayne of Dorne," she revealed, enlightening him about the knight's true identity.

Lucerys's eyes widened in realization. "House Dayne of Dorne," he mused, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "Their reputation precedes them, it seems."

As the tournament progressed, the focus shifted to Aemond Targaryen, who approached the balcony on horseback, his triumphant performance drawing Lucerys's attention. Leaning over the railing, Lucerys couldn't help but offer his praise. "Nicely done, Uncle Aemond," he commended, a touch of admiration in his voice.

Prince Aemond, catching his nephew's words, looked up with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Prince Lucerys," he replied, his voice brimming with confidence. "Having Lady Rhaena's favor would surely secure my victory in these games."

Inspired by her cousin's request, Rhaena swiftly seized a wreath and dropped it onto Prince Aemond's lance, her voice conveying her genuine support. "I wish you the best of luck, cousin," she uttered, her words carrying a mixture of hope and encouragement.