The Princess and the Knight

Chapter 3

We finally get to see Xanner's point of view. He braces himself and goes to Daemon. Daemon speaks with Visenya after talking to Xanner. Valyrian will be in italics. I hope you guys like it. 🥰

Xanner had loved Visenya for as long as he could remember. He had always lived at the Red Keep with his family. When he was born his grandsire had been a member of the small council and his father had been commander of the City Watch. His mother was Princess Rhaenyra's lady-in-waiting. Xanner had traveled to Harrenhal several times with his grandsire and his father. They had shown him the castle and the land, they had prepared him to be a lord his people could be proud of. But Xanner had always dreamed of being a knight, like his father, who was revered as the strongest knight in the seven kingdoms. Xanner had grown up close to the royal family, he was very good friends with Prince Rhaegon and Prince Baelon, they had been training together since they were children. But it was Princess Visenya who had stolen his heart since the first moment he saw her when she was twelve. He had found her hiding in the gardens and his heart had stopped. He had never seen anyone so beautiful.

Xanner was used to the Targaryens' looks, but his little princess was something else entirely. Her hair was more silver than gold, she had light violet eyes, flawless skin, and delicate features. But more than her looks, he had fallen in love with her soul. Visenya was sweet and kind, she was delicate and hated conflict. He had known from the first moment he saw her that he would do anything in his power to make her his wife. That was why he had been sad when his uncle Larys Strong had been executed for treason, he thought his chances of having the princess were zero. After all, most people did not want someone whose family member was a known traitor. Visenya had surprised him, her kindness had taken him aback. She had made him understand that his uncle's treason had nothing to do with his character or that of his father. That day under the heart tree, he had fallen in love with her all over again. He had saved the flower she gifted him until it had turned to dust. Most people believed that the happiest day of his life was when he was knighted or when he was made a member of the city watch, but the happiest day of his life was the first time he kissed Visenya. That was the day he knew she loved him just as much as he loved her. The only thing standing in his way was Prince Daemon.

Xanner had always admired Prince Daemon, he was a great warrior and loved his family. But Prince Daemon was known to be very protective of his daughters, especially Visenya. When he had asked Visenya her permission to court her she had asked he waited to speak to her parents. Xanner knew she was afraid Daemon would find out and hurt him or send him away. He had been content with waiting a few more weeks, maybe a moon, until he saw her walking with Samwell Blackwood. Xanner trusted Visenya, he knew she was honest when she said she loved him. She was not a woman whose affections changed quickly. But Xanner still hated the thought of someone else thinking they could have her, or try to kiss her. That was why he had gone to see her and convinced her to allow him to speak with her father. He was now rethinking that decision, Prince Daemon was staring at him, a guarded look in his eyes.

"My prince." Xanner bowed respectfully. "I have an important matter to discuss with you."

"Is it about my daughter?" Xanner's eyes widened and Daemon smirked. "Since the news got around that I was allowing her to spend time with lords to see if she found someone agreeable, I've had a parade of lords coming to see me. Some ask for themselves, some for their sons."

"I would like your permission to court Princess Visenya." He had not expected to blurt it out, but he was very nervous.

"Would you now?" Daemon crossed his arms over his chest. "Most lords request to take her for a walk, get to know her. You are actually asking to court her."

"Yes, my prince." Xanner had to stop himself from squirming.

"What makes you think you are worthy of my daughter?"