we-dancetogether

[we-dancetogether]

Jullon flushes. “I- you think I’m handsome? Thank you, Princess. You flatter me.”

I laugh a little, “have you not been told that before?”

[we-dancetogether]

“Yes,” he admits. “But- I don’t know, I am more nervous that the marriage will be purely political,” he says softly. “And I- I want to experience love. Real love. I think you are beautiful and I think I could have that with you.”

“Oh,” I nod a little, “well I- I admit I was not expecting you to be so handsome.”

[we-dancetogether]

“I’m sorry,” he says softly. “Perhaps we could go together. If that’s something you’d like. But I don’t know if I’m allowed to take you out by myself.”

“No, I imagine not, but next week we will be married and all decisions will be yours,” I shrug a little, “are you nervous?”

[we-dancetogether]

“Why?” He tilts his head in confusion, “it’s a lovely city- the nighttime atmosphere is really nice. I enjoyed it!”

“Ah,” I nod, “sometimes I forget that men have it so easy,” I hum, “for I would never step foot in the city in the nighttime alone.”

[we-dancetogether]

The guard nods and moves back to his post, and Jullon comes in a few moments later.

“Good evening, Princess,” he calls softly, moving over with a bouquet of flowers he bought from a local farmer in the city. “I’ve- come with a gift. And to return your favour. I didn’t mean to steal such a pretty broach.”

I give him a smile and stand, “the flowers are beautiful, I am surprised you went into the city so late.”

[we-dancetogether]

“Princess,” one of the guards steps into the garden. “Ser Jullon Harte is here to see you. Do you accept this request? We will be here if you need us,” he promises, in case that sways your decision.

I sit up a bit more and nod, “of course, please let him through.”

[we-dancetogether]

He watches you a moment before turning to eat his own food, still processing the shock of actually being here, at the royal table, as the winner of not only the tournament but also... your hand in marriage. If you and the King like him.

After eating and inquiring about when my father would like the wedding, I tell my maids what kind of dress I want for the wedding that would follow the next week before moving to sit out in the gardens, since I love nighttime star watching.

[we-dancetogether]

Jullon smiles softly, "My father was heavily injured in one of our latest aid trips during the war- he is on bed rest as of now. But I am certain he will be very proud, when the word gets back to him."

“Oh I see,” I nod a little and start to eat as the plates are set down in front of us.

[we-dancetogether]

"About five years now," Jullon nods, "I started very young- my father allowed me to. He wanted me to learn early so that I would be well-prepared when the time came. Our family is a humble one, but we are quite skilled. And very honorable, I assure you."

“What will your father think of your win here today?” I ask.

[we-dancetogether]

Rhaenyra rolls her eyes, "Don't even get me started on Alicent today. She frustrates me so much."

She walks the rest of the way with you to the royal family's celebration table, blinking as Jullon asks Viserys which seat is yours and dutifully pulls it out for you.

"Princess," he says softly.

Viserys gestures, "Rhaenyra, you will sit over here tonight, so that Jullon and Lilium can sit together."

Rhaenyra blinks again and does as he says, moving around the table to sit over there with him instead.

“Oh thank you,” I say softly and give the man a nod before sitting down in the chair and scooting in to the table a bit, watching as he sits next to me, “how long have you been in service, Ser?”

[we-dancetogether]

“I’m sure it will be nice for you to get out of here for a bit and experience something new,” she nods a little. “Though I will certainly miss you.”

“I will miss you,” I grab her hand and give it a squeeze, “but I can visit- and you can visit! And we can both get away from Alicent.” I whisper.

[we-dancetogether]

Rhaenyra nods a little. “I see. He is certainly very pleasing to look at. And he seems kind.”

“I believe it is too soon to tell on that front, but when we retire to the country after the wedding I will certainly write you letters on his behavior.” I promise her.

That was my one ask to my father, that if I married whoever won he’d give us one of the country castles so that I can go out there instead of staying in the city forever.

[we-dancetogether]

“It’s beautiful,” he says softly, gently taking it from your hand and pinning it on the cape attached to his armor. “Thank you.”

“Please join us at the royal table for the celebration feast,” Viserys tells him. “Perhaps you and Lilium can sit next to one another. Until then, tell me more about you as we walk to the celebration,” he leads Jullon out of the stands and down toward the other festivities.

Rhaenyra follows behind them with you, nudging you with her elbow. “So what do you think?” Maybe you’ll hate him and she can have him on the side. Stupid Laenor won’t give her any satisfaction anyway.

“I was not expecting… anything like that,” I breathe, still in shock, “I mean, he’s- he’s gorgeous.”

[we-dancetogether]

“Thank you, Princess,” he smiles wider now. “I am honored to be your victor. Perhaps I could… wear something of yours as your favour,” he suggests carefully.

“Oh- of course,” I nod and gently unclasp a simple brooch before holding it out to him.

[we-dancetogether]

When the tournament is over and Jullon has been crowned, he’s escorted over to the royal box, where all of you are waiting.

“My King, Princess Rhaenyra, Princess Lilium,” he removes his helmet and bows his head, slowly standing back up to give you all a smile. “It is an honor to stand here with you. An honor to be in the tourney and to be the victor.”

Viserys grins, pleasantly surprised by his looks. “Welcome, Ser Jullon. We were very impressed by your skills.”

“Thank you, My King.” He looks to you, “I look forward to getting to know you better, Princess.”

Holy. Gods.

He’s… he’s absolutely gorgeous. Ohhh Rhaenyra is going to be so jealous.

I give him a small nod, mostly in shock, “congratulations on your win, Ser Harte.”

[we-dancetogether]

“Brave of him to go up against all of these others for your hand,” she notes, watching him plow through the opposing knight with no problem.

Ser Harte continues to do well, and he even wins the final round, despite a bit of a struggle.

Rhaenyra cheers and claps as he delivers the winning blow, turning to you with a sharp grin. “I told you he was promising.”

“You were right,” I agree, clapping too.

I’m glad she can find much joy in this, but for me it’s my entire future decided in one day.

[we-dancetogether]

“Yes I agree. I think the one knight looks very promising- he’s lower on the hierarchy though, so I cannot remember his name.”

She settles in as the next round starts, poking your arm once that knight is up. “Him!” She whispers, echoing the announcer, “Ser Harte. Now that’s endearing.”

“Ser Harte,” I hum, “I’ve never heard of him. He must be rather low.”