Two Burning Flames

Part 2

grounds, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Colorful banners snapped in the breeze, mingling with the scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries. The arena was a vibrant tapestry of knights in shining armor, eager spectators, and the golden sun gleaming overhead.

The first knight entered the arena atop a majestic white stallion, his armor catching the sunlight with every movement. As he rode past the spectators, he lifted his visor—revealing Criston Cole—and Aellys's eyes widened in surprise.

"My King, my Queen," Cole said, bowing his head with formal respect. "I ask for your favor, Princess Aellys."

Aellys glanced toward her mother, silently seeking approval. Alicent nodded gently, and Aellys's face lit with delight. She reached up, removing the light green ribbon that held her hair back, and leaned over the railing to present it to him. "Good luck!" she called, her smile bright and earnest.

Aegon, sitting beside her, looked away with mild distaste, clearly unimpressed. Aellys, however, shrugged and let it pass, her attention returning to the arena.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Cole circled the arena, their collective voices blending into a single, thrilling chant. Yet despite the roar surrounding him, his focus remained entirely on the tourney.

With the herald's signal, the first round began. Knights charged forward, lances aimed high, and hooves thundered against the packed earth in a rhythm that reverberated through the arena. Each encounter tested Cole's skill and strength, his movements precise and unyielding, a display of both power and finesse.

Round after round, he emerged victorious, drawing awe from spectators and the admiration of Viserys and Alicent. Aellys clapped along with the crowd, her heart racing with excitement, the thrill of the tourney mirrored in her wide eyes.

When the final bout ended, Cole bowed to the cheering crowd, acknowledging the royal family for his victory. As he straightened, his gaze instinctively found Aellys. The warmth of her smile, so full of genuine joy, filled him with an unexpected sense of pride and satisfaction. In that moment, the triumph was no longer his alone—it was shared, marked by the small, radiant approval of a princess whose favor he held dear.

King Viserys believed he would make a fine addition to the Kingsguard. Stepping forward, he rested the gleaming sword upon Criston's shoulder. "Rise, Ser Criston Cole," he proclaimed, his voice carrying across the arena with authority and reverence.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers rolling like waves across the stands. Cole felt a surge of emotion unlike anything he had known. This moment was not merely ceremonial; it was the culmination of years of relentless training, discipline, and unwavering dedication.

He straightened, heart pounding, taking in the scene around him—the vibrant banners snapping in the breeze, the faces of the spectators filled with admiration, and the weight of the sword against his side, a tangible reminder of his new responsibilities.

"We shall talk more soon," Viserys said to him with a measured smile before turning to Alicent. "Come, my dear. It is almost time for dinner."

The royal family and their attendants began to leave the stand, the cheers of the crowd gradually fading. Aellys lifted her hand in a delicate wave toward the newly knighted Ser Criston, her face lighting up with genuine delight. But before he could respond, Aegon tugged her along, and she was swept away, leaving Cole standing tall and proud, the echoes of the moment lingering long after the applause had subsided.

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Five years later, Aellys followed the same morning ritual she had cherished for years. Before her high Valyrian lessons, she retreated to the garden—a secluded haven where no one could disturb her. It was her favorite place, a quiet sanctuary away from duties, expectations, and even her siblings.