OF BASTARDS & DRAGONS || Aenar Targaryen [1]

53 • OF BLOOD, RATS & CROWN

"Hey!"

"Hey!"

"Hey!" the crowd exclaims in splendor.

Aenar goes back to continue his dance with Lady Cersei Lannister, as Francesca sits stiffly at the high table like a death mask, thinking of ways to change her husband's mind.

Alicent continues to glare in green towards her former lover as he twirls around the golden lady of Casterly Rock with his masculine energy. The more Cersei laughed, the more her voice seems to sound like a gong in the Queen's ears, causing her to tighten her grip on the cutlery.

Ser Criston boils in jealously and shame, trading glances back and forth. All the noise and highborn nobles dancing gave him headache. He remained in his post against the stone pillars when he felt a certain nudge at his shoulder. He turned to see it was Ser Joffrey Lonmouth that approached him.

"They make a handsome match, don't they?" Joffrey inquires.

"What?" Criston asked.

"Well, the Princess and Ser Laenor. Forgive my manners. Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, or the Knight of Kisses, they call me, though I don't know why."

Ser Criston ignores him, returning his gaze back to Rheanyra and Laenor with a dark frown.

"I often wonder, how you can stay loyal and faithful Ser Criston. Especially to Princess Rheanyra, the Queen's best friend. Not to mention Lady Francesca, I'd venture you've had a taste of her cake as well." Joffrey mutters intending for the knight to hear him.

"Excuse me?" Criston asked.

"The Tully lady is a sweet cheerful giver, she quite popular in the Red Keep I'm told. You know the Queen is kind, married to a man in his fifties, her womb warm and fertile, birthed four healthy children, history will surely remember her as a clement lady of House Hightower. A daughter of a second son, green as spring."

"I implore you watch yourself Ser Lonmouth. Lady Alicent is the Queen, you will speak to her with respect." Ser Criston hissed.

Smirking, Joffrey peers at the knight. "Hmm. So is your precious white cloak still intact with honour? Or not bloodied with Princess Rheanyra's maidenhead, and your cock not wetted with by her Grace the Queen, nor have you had a bite of the Tully's pie." Joffrey countered smugly.

Hissing. "Watch your tongue." Ser Criston warned with a death glare.

"Relax Ser Criston, twas a mere joke." Joffrey chided.

Criston scoffed in irritation. "I'm on watch. What's your business exactly?"

"You don't know me, Ser Criston. But we are both deeply invested in this union."

"If you have something to say, Ser Joffrey, speak it. Plainly."

"Ser Laenor is quite dear to me. As I know, the Princess is to you. We should swear to each other to guard them, and their secrets, because if those are kept safe... then so are we all." Ser Joffrey is fairly relaxed about secrets." Tapping Ser Criston's shoulders, the man walks away with a mischievous grin.

The Dornish knight is now already a time ticking bomb, pent up with resentment and shame and suicidal rage. Full of emotion, and scared Joffrey will blab all his secret.

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Hey!"

"Hey!"

"Hey!"

"Hey!" The crowd danced and cheered in laughter. The guest join the following movement of the dance, emotions and ambitions swirl among them.