Two Burning Flames

Part 2

As the herald's voice boomed across the grounds, excitement rippled through the crowd. Colorful banners snapped in the breeze, and the scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries wafted through the air. The arena was a vibrant tapestry of knights in shining armor, eager spectators, and the gleaming sun overhead.

Just then, the first knight entered the arena, his armor glinting with every movement. The crowd erupted into cheers

A knight clad in gleaming armor entered the arena atop a majestic white stallion. As he rode past the spectators, he removed his helmet, revealing Criston Cole, much to Princess Aellys's surprise.

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

Aellys glanced at her mother, seeking silent approval. Alicent nodded in response. With a smile, Aellys reached up to remove a light green ribbon that held back her hair, leaning over the railing to present it to him. "Good luck!" she exclaimed, her face brightening with excitement before she turned back to her seat. Aegon looked away with distaste. Aellys shrugged it off  as nothing and began to watch as the tournaments began.

The crowd erupted into cheers as he circled the arena, each spectator eager to witness the clash of knights. He could hear their roars blending into a single chant of encouragement, but his focus remained on the task ahead.

With the signal of the herald, the first round began. Knights charged forward, lances aimed high, while the sound of hooves thundering against the packed earth created a rhythm that echoed in his chest.

As he engaged with his opponents, each encounter tested not only his skill but also his strength. Ultimately winning the tourney, Viserys and Alicent were impressed, Aellys applauded along with the roaring crowd.

Bowing to the crowd and acknowledging the royal family for his hard-earned victory, Criston Cole took a final bow, his gaze instinctively drifting to Aellys, whose wide smile brightened the arena. There was something about her expression that filled him with a sense of pride and joy, adding a new layer of significance to his triumph.

King Viserys thought he would make a wonderful knight of the kings guard, he stepped forward placing the gleaming sword upon Criston's shoulder. "Rise, Ser Criston Cole." he proclaimed, his voice booming across the arena. The crowd erupted into applause, their shouts reverberating like thunder. As the cheers of the crowd echoed in his ears, Cole felt a powerful surge of emotion. This moment was not just about being knighted; it was a testament to all the hard work and determination he had poured into honing his abilities. He straightened up, his heart racing as he took in the scene around him—the vibrant banners fluttering in the breeze, the faces of the onlookers filled with admiration, and the weight of the sword now resting against his side.

"We shall talk more soon," Viserys said to Cole before turning to Alicent. "Come, my dear, it is almost time for dinner."

With that, everyone began to follow him and Alicent out of the stand. Aellys gave a light wave to the newly dubbed knight before being tugged away again by Aegon.

————-

5 years later

Aellys did what she did every morning before her high Valyrian lessons, she read her books in the beautiful garden where she new no one would be to disturb her, it was her favorite place, her safe haven away from duties or even from her siblings.

As the sun cast a warm glow over the vibrant flowers, Aellys opened her book, losing herself in the intricate tales of ancient Valyria. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing soundtrack to her reading.

She cherished this time alone, allowing her mind to wander through the stories of great heroes and past history. Each word felt like a key, unlocking new realms of knowledge and imagination.

As she turned the pages, a familiar sound broke her concentration—a twig snapping nearby. Aellys glanced up, her heart racing slightly, unsure if it was merely a bird or something more significant. Yet, she remained hopeful that it was just the garden's natural life interrupting her peaceful retreat, not her mother seeking her out to pull her back into their world of responsibilities and expectations.

Taking a deep breath, she returned her focus to the book, determined to savor every moment of her cherished solitude before the day truly began.

Just as Aellys began to lose herself in her book, the familiar sound of clattering armor pulled her back to reality. Ser Criston Cole emerge from behind a tall rose bush.

"Princess. I thought I might find you here," he greeted with a warm smile.

"Ser Cole, it sure did take you long enough?" she replied, rolling her eyes attempting to look put out by his presence. Over the years, Cole was anointed her sworn shield, the two became very close friends but that still didn't stop her from sneaking off without his knowledge.

"The Queen wishes to speak with you in her chambers." he said, his eyes drifting to a flower petal caught in her white hair, swept there by the gentle breeze.

He bent down and delicately plucked the petal away, letting it dance freely on the wind. Aellys felt her heart race at the unexpected  closeness of the moment but quickly recognized his gesture for what it was. With a heavy sigh, she closed her book. "What does Mother want now? Is it about my lessons? Or is it about fitting for a new dress perhaps? or is she simply going to lecture me about finding a suitable husband?" she grumbled aloud, frustration creeping into her voice.

Realizing Cole was still listening to her babble, she rolled her eyes, then turned her attention back to him. "Did you happen to hear what this might about?" she asked innocently. "That may determine whether I choose to hear what she has to say or feign being sick all of a sudden."

Ser Criston chuckled softly, shaking his head as he straightened up. "I dont know the details, Princess. You know how the Queen can be—discussions about your future often come up but that comes with the territory." He glanced around the garden, taking in the vibrant colors that surrounded them, then returned his gaze to Aellys.

Aellys raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "What do you mean?"

"Well," he began, his tone shifting to something more serious, "there have been whispers about a potential suitor, and not just any suitor—a lord from a powerful house. Your mother may want to discuss your... options." He hesitated, gauging her reaction.

A frown creased her brow, the thought of being thrust into the world of courtship unsettling. "And what if I don't want options?" she replied defiantly, folding her arms. "I have other things I'd like to pursue, Ser Cole."

"I understand," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "But sometimes, duty calls louder than desire. Even if you have other ambitions, there may be a way to weave them together."

Aellys sighed, feeling the weight of her heart. "I'll go see her, but you have to promise to walk me back to the gardens without saying a word. I still haven't finished my book." She attempted a small smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

"As you wish, princess." Criston replied, returning her smile. A warmth spread through him at her effort to be cheerful. "You know, there are other places to read besides the gardens."

"Is that a complaint I hear, Ser Cole?" Aellys teased with a stern voice as she stood up, brushing off her green dress.

"I wouldn't dream of complaining in your presence, Princess," Criston shot back, following closely behind her. Aellys couldn't help but smile at his response.

"Mhmm, I didn't think so," she said with a smile, playfully tapping his armor with her book as she walked by. "Come on, let's go before I'm late and never hear the end of it."