The Black Rose | Jacaerys Velaryon

The Sons of Viserys the Peaceful

"I do not understand the obsession men have with these games," A 15-year-old Leyla Florent sits at the front of the Royal Box in a large arena-like area. The Queen was expecting, and Viserys, ever so sure it was a boy, had held a week-long celebration for the birth of his heir.

This meant that Leyla had to sit through several hours of men trying to prove their 'horse' was bigger than everyone else's. She found it all rather dull really, preferring to sit in the library with a cross stitch. Speaking of, she was nearly done with a blanket for Queen Aemma and her new babe - she'd bought a deep red fabric at the market, and had begun to trace out the Targaryan crest with gold thread.

"Men have their hobbies, we have ours," Alicent reasoned to her left, although Leyla knew she also was not a fan of the violence that often occurred at these events. Alicent, as the hand's daughter, was expected to attend such things, but Leyla had more freedom, her loyalties lay with her cousin however, and she supported her through the events of the court.

"Men," Leyla emphasises "Are depraved," Alicent laughs and looks around the box

"Rhaenyra is late,"

"Are you shocked?" Alicent does not answer, instead looking forward when the drums sound to signal the events begin.

The King stands "Be welcome! I know many of you have travelled long leagues for these games, but I promise that you will not be disappointed. When I look out at the fine knights in these lists, I see a group without equal in our histories. The day of the Heir's Tournament has come. And this great day is made even more auspicious by the news that I'm happy to share: Queen Aemma has begun her labours!" the crowd erupts in cheers, just as Rhaenyra suddenly appears, falling into her seat to the left of Alicent, she claps loudly, out of breath, but smiling.

"May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!"

The tournament begins, and within minutes, a Tarly knight is unhorsed and Leyla winces, hopefully, it wasn't one of her relatives, and just a squire - a harsh thought, she knew. She hears Alicent and Rhaenyra discuss the winning Knight, but her attention is drawn to the Sea Snake's son sitting to her right.

"Bored yet?" he asks her and she smirks

"Am I so easy to read?"

"Yes," his sister chimes in. Both Laenor and Laena were rather polite, beautiful children, who usually stuck with their family at court. Leyla had learnt how to coax out their mother's fire at her thirteenth name day, involving them in a scheme to let her sneak out unnoticed. Ever since then, they had become close friends, seeking each other out at events like these.

"Lord Stokeworth's daughter is promised to that young Tarly squire," Rhaenyra speaks up, and Leyla tunes back in, shifting in her seat to hear better

"Lord Massey's son?"

"They're to be married as soon as he wins his knighthood,"

"He'd best get on with it. I heard that Lady Elinor is hiding a swollen belly beneath her dress," Alicent reveals slyly, both girls beside her giggle, they all love a scandal.

Lord Boremund Baratheon slowly makes his way to the royal box, his armour shining in the sun - a black and gold stag staring at Leyla on his shield.

"Princess Rhaenys Targaryen!" Rhaenys rises from her seat "I would humbly ask for the favour of 'The Queen Who Never Was.'" Leyla could never tell if people used the title as a compliment or an insult. On one hand, it was acknowledging her stronger claim of succession, on the other, years later, it must sting to hear. Nevertheless, Rhaenys stands and places her favour on the end of Lord Boremund's lance.