"Your grace," the pitchfork squire said in a trembling voice as he gazed at the silver-haired man and the man with white armor
Meanwhile, Lyanna could only gape at the two men who had appeared out of nowhere.
"Leave." The silver-haired man commanded to the three squires, who didn't need to be told twice before they ran away from there, but not before they hailed apologies in Lyanna's direction.
"We are sorry, my lady!" They said to her while they scrambled away.
Lyanna watched them go before she turned her attention towards the silver-haired man and the Kingsguard.
"That was most admirable, my Lady," the man remarked as he strode towards her and the boy she had defended, who was standing to her left while Benjen stood somewhere behind her.
"Where did you learn how to wield a sword?" The silver-haired man asked, coming to a complete halt right in front of her.
"I taught it to myself, your grace." She replied, already knowing that she was talking to the Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. Those purple eyes and silver hair were a dead give away.
"How remarkable," the Prince muttered while he fixed his purple eyes on her. "Forgive me, my lady…but may I know your name?"
"My name is Lyanna Stark, your grace." She responded, curtsying deeply.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Lyanna." The Prince said, "My name is Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and the Kingsguard behind me is the Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne."'
Lyanna glanced at the silent white knight standing behind the Prince and noted that the Sword of the Morning had such dark violet eyes set on a handsome face.
"It's an honor to meet you both." Lyanna said, shifting her attention to the Prince again.
"May I ask who your companions are?" Prince Rhaegar inquired.
"Of course, your grace." She said, "The one behind me is my brother Benjen Stark, and the one next to me is –"
Lyanna turned to the boy in question who hastily introduced himself.
"Howland Reed, your grace." The boy with the three-pronged spear said while he bowed respectfully.
"I see," the Prince muttered. He regarded the boy in silent contemplation, where he shortly noticed the boy's injuries. "Those wounds will worsen if its not taken care of immediately. You must consider going to the Maester at once."
"Thank you for your concern, your grace. I promise I will go to the Maester as soon as I can." Howland replied, nodding his head.
Afterward, the Prince turned his gaze back to Lyanna.
"May I ask if you are hurt, my lady?" Prince Rhaegar inquired. His purple eyes showing concern as he stared at her.
"I'm fine your grace, but thank you for asking," came Lyanna's respectful response.
"Are you certain?" was Prince Rhaegar's persistent query, scrutinizing her.
"Yes, I am certain." She told him, meeting his intent gaze.
"That's good to hear then," He remarked. "And here I thought those squires were able to hurt you in someway."
"Those squires weren't able to, your grace, because I didn't give them the chance to do so."
"I can see that," was the Prince's amused comment.
However, before Lyanna could say anything else, she suddenly saw a familiar flash of blonde hair behind the Prince and his Kingsguard and knew at once who it was.
Instantly, her modicum of propriety was thrown out the window at the sight of the man walking towards her.
"Ser Steve!" She called out, her smile widening as she met those familiar pair of azure blue eyes.
"Lady Lyanna," She heard Steve Rogers said while he glanced worriedly at the unknown men surrounding her.
Lyanna noticed how the Prince and the Kingsguard eyed Steve Rogers as the blonde man slowly approached her.
"Is there something wrong here, my lady?" Lyanna's sworn shield asked in a wary tone, when he came to a complete halt beside Lyanna. His eyes immediately meeting the curious stares from both Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Ser Arthur Dayne.
"Nothing is wrong here, Ser." Lyanna assured him while she stepped closer to his side.
"And who is this?" came the Prince's sudden question. His direct gaze fixed on the blonde man standing opposite him.
"His name is Ser Steve Rogers, your grace," Lyanna answered before Steve could respond. "His my sworn shield."
"Your sworn shield?" Prince Rhaegar asked, curiosity marking his words.
"Yes," came her curt answer.
"Then, it's nice to meet you, Ser Steve." Prince Rhaegar said, "My name is Prince Rhaegar Targaryen."
"It's an honor, your grace," came Steve's comment as he bowed rather stiffly.
"May I ask how long have you been her sworn shield?" was the Prince's next inquiry.
"Just only recently, your grace." Steve replied.
"I see," The Prince murmured almost to himself. "Since you are particularly new to your position, Ser Steve. I suggest that you should not leave the Lady's side at all cost. Because a few moments ago, she had altercation with some squires who were bullying the boy." The Prince indicated to Howland Reed. "Your lady came to the boy's defense and fought the squires herself," the Prince remarked with great admiration. "However, if I hadn't come in time, I would say that the Lady would have come to harm had I not interfered."
Lyanna bristled at the Prince sure tone and couldn't help but come to Steve's defense.
"The only reason Ser Steve wasn't there to protect me from the squires was because he was busy helping the others set the tents for House Stark," She told the Prince coldly before Steve Rogers could say anything.
She saw Steve glanced in her direction, and judging from his concerned look, he must have so many questions for her after listening to what the Prince stated. She, however, ignored his inquisitive stares. She would talk to him later about what happened. In the meantime, she had to defend him from the Prince's wrong presumption.
"Oh, I see," was the Prince's only remark as he stared at Lyanna with a frown, probably surprised to hear her speak coldly.
"I apologize if I presumed wrongly, my lady." Prince Rhaegar said in conciliatory tone. "I didn't mean to offend you, or your sworn shield."
Lyanna opened her mouth to speak but was cut off.
"It's fine, your grace." Steve Rogers suddenly interrupted. "I understand where you are coming from. I know you are only concern for the Lady."
"Thank you for understanding, Ser Steve." came the Prince soft response. "Even though I know Lady Lyanna can defend herself if the moment arises, it's still best if she has someone to protect her as an added precaution."
"I know, your grace." Steve nodded his head. "That's why I swear to you that I will not leave her side from now on."
"Good, that's all I want to hear from you, Ser." Prince Rhaegar responded. "And now, that I have that settled, my Kingsguard and I will be bidding our leave..."
"Alright, your grace," Lyanna replied, already eager to leave from there too. "It was an honor to meet you, your grace."
She curtsied once more towards the Prince while Steve Rogers and the two silent boys bowed as well.
"The honor is mine, Lady Lyanna.." Prince Rhaegar said as he bowed towards her. He then turned to Steve Rogers and asked, "Will you be joining the list Ser Steve?"
"Yes, I am, your grace." Steve replied.
"Then, I will be seeing you there." The Prince said, nodding his head to Steve and the rest in acknowledgement.
Afterward, he pivoted around and began to walk away. His Kingsguard following silently right behind him.
Lyanna slowly watched him go and couldn't help but feel relieved to see him leave.
