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Gwayne had been to many tournaments, but he seldom visited King’s Landing. His father preferred to have him in Oldtown at his cousins' and uncle’s side. He often missed the electric feeling in the air when royalty was around, the business and excitement of it all. He was of course, more familiar with the King than most, having rarely seen his father far from the Throne during the past years. Viserys was still a young man, handsome and strong as a horse, with the jovial ways of a beloved monarch. He seemingly enjoyed life more than his wife did, his loud voice always ready to burst into singing or laughter. Queen Aemma was made differently. She rarely spoke in public and had a soothing presence that imposed respect. Whenever they visited Oldtown, it wasn’t rare for the servants to serve wine and find Viserys in the middle of an epic tale told with uplifting panache as Aemma simply watched and listened, her lips sealed in that particular smile she gave none but him. Gwayne wondered how that kind of love had only produced one child in all the years they’d been married.
It was a late morning in King's Landing and Gwayne was on his way to meet his father when he saw her. The wind was pushing the veil that she was wearing on her face, making her features strangely unknown but still obvious like a statue. The nose was pointing to the sky and her smile shaped the fabric, her laughter dancing with it. Her friend was also veiled and did most of the talking, whispering at the girl’s ear and evidently delighted in her giggles. The knights and their squires were the objects of their laughter. Rain had poured ceaselessly during the two days leading to the tournament and King Viserys had refused to cancel it on account of the knights already present after a long journey through the realm. Gwayne reckoned it would all dry quickly under the hot sun. The mud didn’t bother him ; dirtiness was reserved for the smallfolk and servants, not the highborns.
The girl finally looked up and caught his gaze behind her veil. Her friend kept talking, but Gwayne was proving to be a more entertaining distraction than the soiled squires. An impulse moved his feet before he could think of anything. He bowed deeply, his eyes not leaving hers, the smile on his lips that always worked on the maids of the Reach.
- Knight, lord, or both ?
She had a pleasing voice, madly amused at the new toy she had found in front of her. Gwayne liked it.
- Both, if it pleases my lady. And you are…?
- Intrigued. I thought the lords of Oldtown never left their high towers.
This made him chuckle, much to her evident delight, and he looked down at the flaming white tower on his green doublet. The chaperone was looking at the two of them, not knowing if or how to stop it. She tugged at the girl’s sleeve but she ignored her.
- Quite the opposite, my lady. We love to light our way throughout the realm. Besides, the view is much better when one leaves the old stones behind, would you not agree ?
- Which one are you ?, she asked as she tilted her head. He could not see her eyes but he knew she was looking at every inch of him.
- Ser Gwayne Hightower, he answered, bowing his head gallantly.
- The lord Hand’s son honors us with his presence. Will you compete ?
- If only for the pleasure of watching you cheer my every move.
Her gown was simple, blue with silver on the sleeves. Tully ? Arryn ? She was highborn ; of that, he had no doubt, given the ease with which she teased him. Whoever had arranged her veil had meant for her not to be recognized ; he could not even tell the color of her hair. He got closer despite himself, curiosity guiding his bold steps. The girl let out another chuckle. He amused her. That was always a good start. A selfish part of him wondered if she was always this happy around others or if he made her this way.
- What respectable lady would I be if I cheered for a man that is no kin to me ?
- The kind who listens to the Gods’ voice when they whisper of the knight they favor.
They were too close for propriety now and her chaperone sharply tugged on her sleeve. The girl looked at her, startled before pushing her away. The small tantrum greatly amused Gwayne. This girl had trouble written all over her veiled face.
- My chaperone has no taste for your words, ser. She thinks you are improper and an insult to my virtue.
Gwayne had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing out loud, taken by her wit. He could not help a glance at the chaperone, who looked quite distraught.
- I would never even think of it. Your virtue is quite safe with me, my lady.
- That would depend on the ears that do hear you, ser Gwayne, she said, amusement and mischief in equal measure in her voice. My kinsmen will do ill to anyone who does ill by me.
- Even from a harmless man such as me ?
- Do not offend the tower’s reputation, ser. A dragon even sits on top of one.
- Will your kinsmen be competing in the tournament ?
There was a clamor in the yard and they both turned around to watch a servant struggle in the mud. He was evidently at Lord Lannister’s service given the colors he was wearing, though crimson and gold were turning brown at each of his difficult steps. A tall man let out a loud laugh and pushed the servant face down in the dirt, leaving the entire yard to convulse into laughter. The sight made the girl giggle again as she turned to her own servant, expecting her to share her mirth. Gwayne had lost her attention and cleared his voice to gain it back.
- Should I be afraid of having some manners knocked into me on the morrow ?
- Only my uncle chose to put his name on the lists. Though countless knights stand ready to defend my good name.
- I should be quaking in my boots, then. Do you truly believe such intense protection is required ?
Gwayne had never been as handsome as his cousins, he hadn’t inherited his father’s political thinking but all a man’s faults may disappear to a lady’s eyes if her ears are flattered first. The girl’s curiosity was now fully set on him, her pointy chin held high in her observation.
- But you see, my name is a great one. Thousands have died upon hearing it and thousands more will.
- Ah, a name of great importance. I see. Would I be so bold as to ask for it ?
- And make you blush in shame at all the words you have spoken to me once you discover it ? I would never put a good man in such a predicament.
- Princess !, suddenly yelled the chaperone, firmly putting herself in the small gap between Gwayne and the girl. The tone of her voice was furious enough to break their good spirits.
Gwayne turned to the chaperone in disbelief and a chuckle almost left him.
- Princess ?
The girl looked quietly ashamed at having thus been caught before taking her veil off, her movements reluctant. The sunlight shining on the top of her head almost blinded Gwayne for an instant before he realized that it was hair, hair of gold and silver, the likes of which he had only heard tales of. Her lilac eyes looked at her chaperone in mild anger, a frown on her lips.
- Well, now all the fun is gone.
Gwayne did not speak or think ; he simply knelt. His confidence had melted and he cursed himself for being so careless as the stone warmed his skin through the fabric of his clothes. The king’s only child. The realm’s delight. How could he be so stupid ?
- You may rise, ser. You may have need of your knees in the tournament.
- Princess, I am begging you to forgive my foolishness. I would never have been so familiar had I known who I was speaking to.
- The crown shall be merciful to all, declared Rhaenyra with a wide smile, a satisfied one with more mischief than mercy. You are forgiven.
- You are too good, princess, he muttered with his eyes on her though he knew he should've looked down and been repentant.
- Good ?, she repeated before letting out another chuckle. I aspire to be wicked, ser Gwayne.
Gwayne had nothing to say to that. He could not bring himself to stop staring at her like a lovesick pup, charmed by her spirit. Her chaperone was a bright-eyed girl who seemed to be no older than the princess. She took Rhaenyra by the hand and pushed her towards the stairs. She turned around just in time to smile at Gwayne again, a silent promise hidden in it. Her silver hair shone in the sun before she disappeared of his sight, leaving him half baffled but fully smitten.