The Silent Knight

-5-

Francesca coughs slightly, breaking the unbearable silence. "Would you like to accompany me for a dance Maddox?" She asks as I raise an eyebrow.

Marisia brings me closer to her side. "I believe Maddox has her duties to fulfill." She says with an intimidating smile.

"I was not aware Princess Targaryen was in such need of constant supervision." The air becomes thick as I look at Francesca in shock at her choice of challenging the future Queen for a dance with me. Marisia and Francesca stare at each other as if they are about to pounce on one another.

"Is everything okay over here?" Rose Stark says standing next to Marisia. Being the observer that she is I'm sure she noticed Marisia's uneasiness towards our interaction with Princess Tyrell. I shake my head at Rose to inform her that everything is not okay between the two women battling amongst each other in silence.

Marisia squeezes the inside of my arm even tighter and laughs softly. "Very well, Maddox would you like to dance with Princess Tyrell?" She asks looking up at me with flames in her eyes. 

Rose raises an eyebrow sensing Marisia's possession over me. I look at Francesca who smiles at me awaiting an answer.

"I'm flattered but it is my duty to supervise and protect your future Queen. Not to sound rash but isn't this matter common knowledge throughout the Seven Kingdoms in terms of knights and their proper duties?" I say as I watch the smile fade from Francesca's mouth. Marisia lightens her death grip on my arm.

"You're right indeed. My apologies for my rudeness your grace, I must've had too much to drink. Maddox Knight. Rose Stark. Have a wonderful evening." Princess Tyrell bows to each of us quickly before walking away. 

"House Tyrell is one of our greatest allies Marisia, you must not make enemies in such manner over a dance." Rose state firmly.

"She disrespected me in my own home Rose." Marisia says.

"Did you really want Maddox to dance with her?" She asks Rose. I stand still, still processing that interaction.

"I believe her husband has recently passed, leaving her with her only child. She is quite pretty and Maddox would be able to continue the Knight legacy after you wed Marisia." She says flatly.

"They would look nice together, adding two great houses together which hasn't been done before."

I listen to Rose's words carefully. Unfortunately she is right and House Knight and House Tyrell have never intertwined in terms of marital status. Rose is only looking out for Marisia and I. She knows how detrimental our relationship is in terms of duty and politics. It is dangerous and as years get closer to Marisia's reign, conversations like this are going to become second nature.

"Don't be ridiculous Rose. I will not discuss this any further, Maddox please take me back to my chamber. Rose please tell everyone I began to feel unwell and thank them for their attendance." She says looking up at me.

I stare into her beautiful eyes and forget everything and everyone around us. I forget who we are in terms of status. I forget about the conflict between us and society. I nod slowly turning us towards the doors of the great hall.

"Have a good night Rose." I say giving Rose a quick smile before walking towards the exit.

The walk back to her chambers is quiet and the silence becomes deafening. As we make it to her room I open the door and walk in first, checking to ensure her safety. As I walk back to the door to leave she closes it before I can exit.

"Do you like her?" She asks biting on her bottom lip staring up at me. Her back is against the door and I place my hand above her, resting my arm.

"You're being selfish." I say staring into her soul.

"You didn't answer my question." She says as our faces inch closer to one another.

"Do you like him?" I ask disregarding her persuasion for me to answer.

"Which one?" She says as a smirk forms on her lips.

"This isn't a game Marisia." I say using my other hand to point at her and I.

"I'm not playing a game. You know what needs to be done in order for me rule successfully, even if it is against my will. For now, play pretend for them." She states as I look at her sadly.

"We can't hide forever." I say looking away from her gaze. She places a hand on my cheek turning my face back towards her.

"Do you like her?" She asks with an eyebrow raised intimidatingly.

"No." I say with a sigh. "Do you like him?" I reciprocate her question once again.

"No." She says with a shrug.

Sadness takes over us as we stare at each other analyzing every detail on each other's face as if it is the last time we will ever see each other again.

"Okay."

"Okay." 

I gently place a light kiss on her forehead before she moves away from the door. I open it and slowly close the door behind me. I stand in front of it putting my helmet back on, readying myself to protect her chambers for the rest of the night.