Thank you to all the people who kept reading this story. I haven't forgotten it and I do want to finish it! Please stay with me 3

Eddard

The last few days of the tournament had been more uneventful than the first. Everything had happened as expected. Robert had taken part in a seven-sided Melee and had unhorsed every other participant. His strength was terrifying and undeniable but Ned had sensed there was something else there. Lyanna had joined him to watch Robert participate from duty rather than anything else. As hard as Robert tried to impress her, her opinion on him never wavered. She seemed to always be looking around her though, unable to concentrate on the melee, as if she were searching for something. Eddard had caught her looking at the dais where the king sat on more than one occasion. There was a longing in her eyes that he had never seen before. It was similar to the look she gave the open plains of the North that spread for miles beyond the horizon, yet different somehow. She had become much more compliant since her time as the Knight of the Laughing Tree, staying close to the Stark tents and making sure to stay within eyesight of their father. Much of that was due to Robert following her so closely that he trod on the hem of her dress, Eddard suspected. He could see that it was frustrating her beyond belief so, on the final day of the joust, he decided to ask her about it.

They were sat in on the benches reserved for the lords and ladies waiting for the joust to begin. There were four riders who had made it this far. Yhon Royce, the Lord of Runestone, Ser Barristan Selmy, their own brother Brandon and the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Lyanna sat fiddling with the cloth of her dress. Her fingers played the material as she pulled it back and forth as if nervous. His sister was always proud, her head high and her eyes curious, he had never seen her fidget like a true maiden before.

'If you're worried about Bradon then he'll be fine. He's as good a rider as you.'

Lyanna jumped as he addressed her and looked up at her brother. Her face was flushed and she looked strange. A mixture of excitement and fear maybe? Ned's eyes narrowed slightly. Something was wrong.

'Oh, yes, Brandon will be fine.'

She spoke as if she'd only just thought about the fact that Brandon was competing. That wasn't what was bothering her then. Eddard wonder what was on her mind but he wasn't the kind of man to press a situation. If she wanted to tell him then she would in her own time. The minds of women were curious things anyway.

Benjen was sat on Eddard's other side pulling at his new clothes. Their father had insisted they all dress in their Southern styled clothes for the final of the joust and Benjen was finding his tight and uncomfortable. He was trying to stretch the seams out at the neck and wrists without much success. Their father, Rickard, sat next to him and seemed just as uncomfortable. He was sat stiffly and wasn't stopping Benjen. Eddard felt the same. Northmen were just uncomfortable in the South, it's the way it always had been. A fanfare heralded the arrival of the King and Princess Elia who were sat in the centre seats at the front. The very best view. Eddard watched as the King sunk into the wooden throne. He seemed as if he were both present and absent. His body had arrived but a mad man lurked in the eyes beneath those busy brows. His eyes were moving suspiciously across the crowd of people, he was muttering under his breath and his hands kept twitching as if he were nervous. The Princess Elia also looked in poor health. There were dark circles under her eyes and although she smiled it almost seemed forced and painful. She had left her young daughter Rhaenys with a wet nurse in her rooms but she appeared tired and pale although she still held herself as a Princess would. As she and the King sat Lord Whent stood and held out a hand to his daughter. She took it and stood smiling at all in attendance.

'My Lords and Ladies.'

Lord Whent started to speak.

'Thank you all for your attendance at my tournament. I hope you have all enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed having you. But it is not over! This is my daughter Cerys who is the reigning queen of Love and Beauty!'

Eddard had to admit the girl was pretty. If he'd won though he'd have to give the crown of roses to Ashara Dayne, he had never seen a more beautiful woman in all his life. Cerys smiled at the assembled people and gave a little wave. Eddard remembered that her brothers and uncle had all been defeated so it was unlikely she would be crowned again, unless she had an admiring suitor in the remaining riders.

'It has come time for a new victor to emerge and a new Queen of Love and Beauty to be crowned. Let the jousts begin!'

A cheer went up from the crowd as Lord Whent and his daughter Cerys took their seats again. A trumpet blared out and the first man rode forwards. Yhon Royce was a large man but sat on his mount well. His armour was still fairly new and shone in the sunlight. His bronze shield filled with black iron studs and surrounded by runes reflected the light too. Overall it wasn't a bad sight. You could see why the man had got so far. He was strong and a good horseman. He rode his mount to the centre and waited in front of the king. The second trumpet sounded and a huge cheer went up from the crowd as the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen rode his mount down the lists. He was an incredible sight. The way he sat on his white horse as if they were one being, his silver armour sparkling in the sun and his dragon helm made him look fearsome. He was the beloved Prince of the people, their Silver Prince and the people cheered for him. He joined Yohn Royce and both inclined their heads to the King and Princess. Elia managed a small smiled for Rhaegar but it was fleeting. With the formalities over both men rode back to their starting point and the joust began.

Robert

Robert sat a few rows back behind his friend Eddard and next to their mentor Jon Arryn. He had been satisfied with his win a day or two earlier from the melee but Rhaegar hadn't participated in that so he hadn't had the chance to beat him. Robert was not a jouster. He much preferred being on his feet with his war hammer in his hands. It wasn't a quick weapon but with one good blow he could fell almost any enemy. He had been thinking of using his war hammer to threaten his cousin Rheagar into telling him what had happened between him and Lyanna in the woods but so far, he hadn't had much of a chance. Lyanna had become different after that day. She didn't look at Robert, she barely spoke to him, her eyes were always elsewhere, they looked at him less than they ever had and it made him furious. What terrible thing could have happened that she was so ashamed to look at him? When Rhaegar had ridden out to the cheers and love from the spectators Robert had glowered. They didn't know what he was. He blinded them all with his beauty and his soft-hearted falseness, but he knew. Robert was the only one who knew who is cousin truly was.

The first joust was over quickly. Rheagar was a skilful horseman and was younger than Yhon Royce. His speed was superior and he held his lance in such a way as to hit at the weakest spots. Yohn took the defeat graciously and left the field limping slightly. The next challenger was Brandon Stark, Eddard's elder brother. It was widely acknowledged that Brandon was an excellent horseman but he had much less experience in the joust than Rhaegar. The trumpet fanfare sounded again and Brandon rode out on his black stallion. His armour was a slate grey and the Direwolf of house Stark stood proudly on his shield. Robert had always liked Brandon. He was very different to Ned, he raised his voice, became and angry tempest where Ned would be silent a wall of ice. Silently he prayed for Rhegars defeat at the hands of Brandon but it was not to be. The wild wolf put up a fight but Rheagar unhorsed him at the end. Brandon hit the ground with a sickening thump but after his squire, Ethan Glover, had helped him to his feet he waved at the crowd and bowed the Prince who still sat high on his horse. The crowed loved this and cheered as Brandon was led away to climb out of his armour. There was to be a short pause before the last round of the joust. Rhegar turned his horse and rode out of Robert's sight to prepare. Robert glowered at his cousin's retreating back before turning his gaze back to where the Stark family sat. Rickard, Eddard and Benjen were all seated, talking amongst themselves, but Lyanna was no longer with them. Robert growled and set off to look for her.

Rheagar

Rheagar slid from his silver stallion and landed heavily on the ground. The armour made him heavier. This gilded metal was more for show, the red, three headed dragon of the Targaryen house emblazoned across the chest, screaming to be noticed and acknowledged. It would not be practical for war, he had another suit of armour for that, although it too had the Targaryen crest encrusted with rubies. He would be easily to spot on the battlefield. Luckily, he had yet to wear it and hoped not to have cause to anytime soon. He lifted his gloved hands to remove his helm. As the heavy metal left his head his beautiful silver hair fell down to his collar, shimmering in the sunlight. Many heads turned to him then just as quickly turned away. He sighed. As the Crown Prince he was to be admired, adored yet never approached. It was well known that his father was not always in his right mind and many feared what he may do to them if he suspected them of interfering with his son. Suddenly Lyanna appeared from amongst the throng and headed straight for him. She was unafraid of being seen and undaunted by his rank and title. Rheagar couldn't stop a small smile from flitting across his lips. She was so bold. He hadn't seen her since the incident with the mystery knight and for good reason. He had been conflicted. He was sure he loved her, sure that she was the one the prophecy spoke of, yet he had a wife. Elia was in poor health, she missed Dorne and its sun, she missed her family and she was terrified by the madness she saw in the King. She had spoken to him the night before about her fears and he could not dismiss them. She had stood by him in their years of marriage, had borne him children and accepted his reluctance to be King and now, when he should be supporting her, he was turning his head towards Lyanna. The two women could not be more different. Elia was regal in every sense of the word, she had been bred to be a queen, where as Lyanna was as wild as the Northern winds and just as unpredictable. He could sense she longed for the same freedom as him. A desperation to be free of the shackles of expectation. Rheagar shook his head. He did not have that luxury, many of his father's bannermen were holding for him to become King, he had no choice. The Kingdom would need him to recover whatever was left after his father died. He had no doubt of that. He could not run away with the wild wolf but he wanted her and it was no longer just because of the words of the prophecy. Now he wanted her for her.

Lyanna reached him as his thoughts faded to nothing but her face. Her cheeks were slightly pink, her lips parted, her chest rising as if she had run some of the way to him. He smiled.

'My Lady Lyanna, what brings you to me before my final joust?'

'I have something for you.'

Rheagar raised an eyebrow at this.

'You have something for me?'

Lyanna nodded, her blush deepening slightly, her fingers twirled in the fabric of her dress as if she were unsure, but the moment didn't last long. Her eyes took on a more determined look and she thrust her hand towards him. In her tight fist she held a length of beautiful ribbon that she had obviously picked off the hem of her dress. The dark blue ribbon was accented with gold leaves and vines that someone had painstakingly stitched by hand.

'You realise that a token of favour is usually requested by the man in these situations?'

He couldn't help but tease her a little. He just wanted to see how she would react. Instead of becoming embarrassed her eyes hardened and her head raised high. Rheagar imagined this must be how it felt to be looked down upon. It was a strange feeling to a man that so many revered.

'If you don't want my ribbon then you don't have to take it.'

Lyanna turned on her heel and made to walk away when Rheagar reached out and grabbed her wrist to stop her.

'Lyanna, of course I want it, I only thought to see your reaction, you never fail to amuse me.'

'Impress you? I'm not a thing for your entertainment, my Prince.'

Hearing her use the cold title upset him. With a gentle tug, he pulled her to him and slid the ribbon from her fingers with his free hand. He lowered his head so that his lips were by her ear and whispered in a low voice.

'I will wear your token and I will let you go, once you've said my name.'

Lyanna seemed to shudder as he spoke. She raised her free hand and touched her warm fingers to his face.

'Rheagar…'

She breathed his name and he smiled. It was music, his name on her lips, it was the only thing he ever wanted to hear. In a moment all his doubts were gone. Elia was a good wife and a good woman but if loving Lyanna would bring war then it was a war he was willing to fight. He released her and watched as she slithered back into the crowd. A few people had seen the exchange but none would question him. He had many women offer tokens of favour before a joust, it was not uncommon for the Crown Prince to have many women hanging around him, as far as the prying eyes were concerned Lyanna was one of many. Slowly, he wound the blue ribbon around his wrist and tied it securely in place. The sound of trumpets blared and Rheagar slipped his helm back onto his head then mounted his stallion. The time for the final joust had begun.

Lyanna

Lyanna nibbled at the nails on her right hand as she slipped through the throng of people and back towards where her family sat on the benches. She had been so sure that she wanted to give Rheagar a gift to wear as he rode that she hadn't stopped to think if it was the done thing. She had made a fool out of herself and he had laughed at her but he hadn't been cruel. He had taken her token, he had wanted her to say his name. A warmth began to grow inside Lyanna. It felt as if a real dragon were inside her, breathing flame into her blood, making her boil with this feeling. He may be the Crown Prince but he was the only man, except her brothers, that she didn't have to hide from. He seemed to like her compulsive attitude, her wild, untamed emotions that sprang from her undaunted. She had hardly dared to hope that he had been telling the truth in the forest a few days earlier. That he may love her and she could love him back.

'Lyanna!'

Her thoughts were interrupted by Robert's booming voice. It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water onto her dragon and her blood ran cold in an instant. Her betrothed swaggered towards her and Lyanna could not help but notice that he spared a few glances at giggling young ladies as he sauntered by. She had to admit that Robert was a handsome man but he was not a good man and he could never live up to her sliver prince.

'Robert, why are you here?'

'I was looking for you my Lady, you mustn't run around by yourself, it could be dangerous for you alone.'

'I wasn't alone, I was…'

Lyanna couldn't concoct a lie fast enough. Her eyes darted around nervously and her palms began to sweat as she felt Robert's eyes staring into her.

'She was with my Lord.'

A voice came from Lyanna's left and she looked to see Howland Reed standing as if he had been there all along.

'I would never let my Lady go somewhere unaccompanied, especially in such a place as this. She could be lost, or easily hurt!'

'And you are?'

Robert raised a suspicious eyebrow but Lyanna was quick to cover for her friend.

'This is Howland Reed, one of my father's men and my escort around the festivities.'

Howland made a quick, bobbing bow to Robert and that seemed to placate him.

'Very well. Shall we return to Rickard? I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss the last match.'

Lyanna allowed Robert to take her arm and direct her back to her seat. Eddard gave her a quizzical look as Robert manoeuvred her back into her place and she responded with a quick shrug and nothing else. Robert took a spare seat next to Ned which made Lyanna feel very uncomfortable. It was as if she could feel his eyes on her as he spoke to her brother, he was wary of something and he was watching. Lyanna couldn't repress the shiver that climbed up her spine. Robert was known to have a temper and was always spoiling for a fight. What would he do if he found out about Lyanna and Rheagar? Lyanna didn't even want to think about it. She shook her head, trying to dispel the evil thoughts as they crept into her mind, when the fanfare of trumpets heralded the beginning of the final joust.

Rheagar rode out once more. He was truly magnificent and Lyanna could scarcely believe that she'd been so brave as to approach him and thrust her favour on him when he looked like this. The crowd cheered. Thousands of voices thrown into the sky for the beloved Crown Prince. He responded with a wave. Lyanna smiled as he raised one silver gauntlet and turned his horse full circle, acknowledging the love from his people. This made the crowd's call louder than ever and the sound of the trumpets announcing Ser Barristan Selmy were drowned out by the chorus. Selmy rode out on his brown war horse, his own armour seemed dull in comparison to the prince and the way he sat not as impressive, but he was a strong rider and Rheagar seemed to respect the threat for he faced his opponent head on. The official dropped the flag and the joust began.

Lyanna cheered with the crowd as Rheagar unhorsed Ser Barristan Selmy in the last match. The man hit the ground hard but with a little help from his squire he was up on his feet in no time. Quickly, he bowed to his prince then limped from the lists, leaving Rheagar alone, on his mount, sparkling in the eyes of his adoring people. He removed his helm and let his sliver hair fall to a chorus of cheers and sighs. Gently, he passed the helm to his squire and received what seemed to be a wreath of blue flowers from the man in return. Lord Whent watched the exchange, nodded, then stood up from his seat so he could be seen by all.

'Lords and Ladies, we have our new winner of the joust, your Crown Prince, Rheagar Targaryen!'

The cheers went up again. Lyanna had forgotten all about Robert's burning gaze as she cheered with the rest, her brother Benjen leapt up and down by her side until their father forced him back into his seat. Lyanna was smiling and laughing and adoring the beautiful prince with everyone else and everything felt normal for a moment.

'Prince Rheagar, it is time for you to crown your Queen of Love and Beauty.'

Rheagar nodded and urged his horse forward with his spurs. The silver stallion walked purposefully towards the benches where the King and Princess Elia sat. Lyanna felt bile rise in her throat. Of course, he would crown his wife the Queen of Love and Beauty! She was his wife and Lyanna was…she wasn't sure. He had said such beautiful things to her, he hadn't betrayed her secret as the Knight of the Laughing Tree, he had accepted her token but he was still a married man. She had pursued him herself and he had indulged her. She was a girl, with no experience, she knew nothing of love and hadn't she heard how the Southern Lords wooed women just to drop them? She had been a fool. In her desperation for his attentions she had forgotten about the beautiful Elia Martell. Lyanna felt as if her heart might break. She looked down at her lap and bit her lip to try and stop the tears but they came anyway.

'Lyanna.'

Eddard whispered and nudged her, jolting her to look up and straight into the violet eyes of Rheagar. He sat before her on his mount, a small smile on his lips. There was sorrow in his face too. Lyanna could see it. It was then she realised that all around her was silent. Not even the wind dared break the deathly quiet that surrounded her. The feeling of thousands of pairs of eyes on her made her nervous. Everyone was looking her way. Why? Rheagar raised the hand holding the blue flower wreath and Lyanna realised what was happening. Gently he placed the wreath in her lap, then, without a word, turned his horse and walked from the lists. Lyanna stared at the wreath in her lap, unable to comprehend quite what had happened. Prince Rheagar had just crowned her Queen of Love and Beauty. In front of everyone. He had passed up his wife for her. Slowly the sound was coming back into the world. It started as a whisper, that turned into a mutter, that escalated into a crescendo of talk. Elia Martell stood and swept from the dais that she had sat upon to watch her husband publicly spurn her, King Aerys shouted to his men at arms to follow him and left to find his son in a moment of lucidity, Robert's face was thunder. Lyanna barely cared about any of this. Her fingertips traced the soft blue petals of the winter roses in her lap. Rheagar had given her a crown made of her favourite flowers. Lyanna was pleased beyond measure but she could not help but feel that something unstoppable had just been set into motion.