The Silent Knight

-9-

All leaders of each house stand before the Queen, ready to acclaim their allegiance and loyalty to her majesty.

I stand next to her in my armor as I look around the crowded room, colors of each house surrounding Marisia as she sits in her red and black dress. Targaryen flags draped all along the throne room.

I stare down at her as I find her eyes already on mine. She reaches up and pulls my arm closer and my heart flutters as she shows her affections for me to come closer towards her. I nudge closer towards her as my leg pierces against the seat made out of thousands of swords and knives.

The Master of Ceremonies begins his announcement as I feel Marisia's arm rest on side of the chair, touching my leg ever so slightly. I smile at her nervousness.

Each house comes forth and bends a knee to their new queen. I watch as the leaders eyes fill with admiration for her, as if they would do anything for her.

"House Tyrell, bend the knee before Queen Targaryen." The Master of Ceremonies announces.

I watch as the leaders of House Tyrell ascend from their seats walk towards Marisia. My eyes catch Francesca's and she smiles at me. Marisia clears her throat, my eyes swaying away from Francesca's quickly.

I watch as they all fall to their knees. Seeing Francesca's eyes follow me throughout her movement. I feel Marisia move next to me, standing up.

I look towards her in confusion.

"I wish to speak to Princess Francesca Tyrell for a brief moment." She says softly. Eyes and whispers begin to dance around the room in unison.

"Your grace?" The Master of Ceremonies says astonished.

"It will only be a moment, I apologize for the abruption. We may continue shortly, Francesca follow me please." She says as she gets up and walks towards a door that only leaves to a hallway on the other side.

I begin to follow her as she stops and turns around.

"Stay here." She says briefly turning back around. I disregard her words on account of her sudden outburst.

She turns back around swiftly. "I order you to stay here, Maddox." She says as her jaw is clenched. Without a word I stay put.

I watch as Francesca passes me, giving me a confused look while following the Queen. I walk back up to my spot next to her throne as silence falls upon everyone, waiting patiently for their return. I move my eyes over to House Stark and spot Rose who is already staring at me with a questionable look. I shrug to indicate to her that I am unaware of Marisia's current motives with Francesca.

The door opens back up as all eyes turn towards their direction. Francesca enters with a smile and a slight blush to her cheeks. I furrow my brow and see Marisia follow in after her carrying no emotions upon her face.

"We may proceed." She says patting her gown before sitting back down.

The ceremony continues as houses follow suit. House Lannister is called and watch as Matthias hands her a flower.

"For my Queen and my wife to be." He says loudly so everyone could hear.

I stifle a laugh as I notice the flower he has placed in her hands. It is a sunflower. Although is she isn't opposed to sunflowers her obsession with daises minimizes the capacity for any other flower to gain her liking.

As he walks away she nudges my leg as I take the flower from her hands.

As the houses all pledge their loyalty to the Queen, she yawns once they all have left.

"Could you take me back to my chambers Maddox?" She asks. I nod and hold out my arm for her to hold.

I walk with her back to her chamber. The walk is a comfortable silence as we make it to her door I open it and walk in ensuring she is safe to rest.

As I begin to walk back out she closes the door again, the feeling of deja vu kicks in as I let out a sigh.

"Would you sleep with me tonight?" She asks looking up at me leaning against the door.

"I will say you grew tired and needed your rest, a stand in from your Queens Guard can stand outside of my door. No one will know you are here." I nod my head at her words.

She walks up and takes off my helmet. Excitement takes over her face as she leans up and kisses me quickly before going outside to inform the Queens Guard of my departure.

I begin to take off my armor and set it aside, leaving me in only my night top and trousers. I lay in her bed taking in her scent and the comfortability.

She comes back in and shuts the door quickly locking it before stopping and looking at me. She smiles widely before undressing. I watch as she changes into her night attire and lays next to me.

She places her head on my chest as my chin rests on the top of her head. She begins to trace shapes along my abdomen.

"Why did you pull Francesca aside at the ceremony?" I ask, genuinely curious.

"You wish to speak about her as you lie next to me?" She asks back a hint of jealously in her tone.

"I wish to know what I was not allowed to hear." I say before adding, "Your grace.".

She moves to sit on top of me, my hands placing themselves at the sides of her legs. She looks down at me and tilts her head.

"I needed to apologize for my behavior, Rose was right there's no need to make enemies out of a stupid dance." She says staring at me intently.

"I see, just an apology then?" I ask gently. She sighs, knowing I won't let this go.

"If worst comes to worse you will know what else was said. I took a chance to ask her of something I'm not sure I will get the opportunity to later on. What I asked of her was something of great importance to me and she agreed to my terms wholeheartedly. You must not ask of this again and just trust me." She says as she bends down towards my face, leaving us centimeters apart.

"I do." I say onto her lips.

She kisses me and rolls to the side of me, lying in the position she was before our conversation. I kiss the top of her head as I stare at the ceiling.

I wait for her to fall asleep, wishing all of our nights could end like this one did.

I know things are about to change and that terrifies me. One thing I know for certain is that the girl that I am holding is one that I will love even after death. Nothing could come between us.