AN: Sorry for the late update, had a very hectic month. I won't be able to write any more this month but I will make up for it next month with a string of quick updates. Thank you for sticking with me so far. This chapter came out as a mess as I was in a hurry to finish it off and didn't want to sit on it any longer. I may not get another chance this month to put it out so it was either now or next month. Maybe i will rewrite this chapter once i have enough time to go over it once again. For now, enjoy and forgive me if it is not up to the mark that you have come to expect.

I have answered the questions raised in reviews at the end of the chapter. Still need a beta so hit me if you are interested.

Chapter 6

The rest of the matches continued in the same vein. Jory of Winterfell lost to Ser Balon Swann, who lost to Sandor Clegane. Robar Royce and Hosteen Frey both fell to Loras Tyrell. Gregor Clegane continued to stomp his way through his opponents, sending uncle Renly to the ground and a newly anointed vale knight Ser Hugh to his death. That one was particularly gruesome. The end of Clegane's lance somehow found it's way inside the loosely tied gorget of Ser Hughes. The knight lay clutching at the gaping hole in his throat in a pool of his own lifeblood. The people just roared out in approval, sating their bloodlust with the unnecessary death. Such were the risks of a tourney. If you never took a risk, you'd never gain anything. Harry just tightened his own gorget and trotted off on Nimbus to the lists.

So far, Harry's poor luck with the draws had continued. After Jason Mallister, he drew Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Barristan Selmy in succession. Trant was easy, Harry hardly needed to use any magic to unhorse him, surprising even himself with his skill. He couldn't say for sure if it was his skill or Trant's incompetence that saw him through.

Ser Barristan was another matter. After the first pass, Harry figured out that the old knight's concentration was just as legendary as his name. The distraction Runic magic wasn't effective against him. So, Harry activated the second Runic cluster, temporarily reinforcing his strength to equal that of the mountain. He used a sticking rune on the inside of his thighs to get some leverage. This time when the two came to pass, Harry used his reinforced strength to break through Ser Barristan's loosely held shield and knock him off. However, the old knight didn't go down without giving him a reward. Ser Barristan struck true as well, almost knocking him off too. It was only the sticking charm that allowed Harry to hang on to his horse in an awkward position where his legs stayed put but his back became parallel to the saddle.

Now Harry was getting ready for his bout against Ser Jaime Lannister. A third Kingsguard in a row, his uncle no less. His poor run with the draws stopped seeming like bad luck anymore. Atleast his father had finally run out of Kingsguard to throw at him. Preston Greenfield had lost to Jaremy Rykker and Aerys Oakheart was participating in the archery. Only dear Uncle Jaime stood between him and the top four position in the jousts.

Growing up, uncle Jaime had always been the uncle he hated the most. Stannis was always cold and stoic. Tyrion was either drunk or mocking. Renly was genial but their relationship frosted once his father decided to name him Lord of Storm's End.

Jaime though, had always had a mean streak when it came to him. His mother would always use the man whenever she felt Harry needed disciplining. He would beat Harry with the flat end of his blade. Attempts to shield himself behind his arms would only be met with a derisive laugh and more force. He would continue to punish Harry until he passed out or someone else interrupted. Most of the times, it was the former rather than the latter.

Harry could always pick up emotions of hurt, betrayal and anger whenever he was in the presence of his uncle. It was like the man resented him for being born. He felt none of those emotions from the man towards any of his siblings. He didn't know what he had done to cause such hurt but it didn't matter anymore. The days when he was a scared little boy who would curl up and take all the punishment from this man were done. Today, he was going to be the one to put Jaime on the ground.

*Sansa's POV*

The tourney continued with knights continuing to fight in order to outdo each other. However, Sansa had lost all interest in the matches. Her attention was focused on the supposed Targaryen returned from the dead. He was the type of knight singers sang about.

The mystery knight continued his winning trot, unseating Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Barristan Selmy. That last joust was a close affair, the mystery knight just somehow managing to hang on to his seat, defying all expectations.

With every bout the mystery knight won against the kingsguard the king's mood took a darker turn. Her father left to converse with the king after Ser Barristan's back met the ground. She assumed it was to placate the king. From the looks of it, the king looked ready to grab his warhammer and reenact the battle of the ruby ford right here in the tourney grounds. Sansa didn't want to see the mystery knight's chest bashed in. Ser Hugh's death was already one death too many for this tourney. So she hoped her father succeeded in his venture.

"Stag for your thoughts? " a melodious voice spoke from besides her.

Sansa turned around in surprise, only to find that Princess Myrcella had taken the empty seat beside her. The princess was her age, with hair of spun gold and eyes like the most precious emeralds mined from casterly rock. Her gown was red with a golden stag embroidered on her front. Princess Myrcella was a picture of beauty. People said the princess's beauty surpassed her mother's when she was a maiden her age. Next to her, Sansa felt like an ugly rustic fool.

Princess Myrcella hadn't interacted much with her when she visited winterfell. Apart from the hours spent sewing, the princess spent most of her time alone. She was quite good at sewing, if the doublet she made for Prince Tommen was any proof. According to Jeyne, the princess had made another doublet for her other brother, the one who didn't visit winterfell. Why she didn't make anything for Prince Joffery she couldn't say.

"Are you enjoying the tourney Sansa? " the princess asked, breaking her from her thoughts.

" yes, princess myrcella. It is just as i had dreamed. " she replied, her voice slightly breathless.

" ohh please call me myrcella, we are going to be family after all. " though the princess's tone was genial, she thought she could sense something else in her voice. It was like she pitied Sansa.

" The tourney is nice isn't it? Its not everyday we have missing Targaryen princes making an appearance at one. If you believe the rumours, that is", the princess said with a mocking tone.

"Do you not believe it then? " sansa prodded, wanting to know what Princess Myrcella had in mind.

" ofcourse not. Don't be foolish sansa, why this is the last place a Targaryen will come alone. There's no way he can get away with his life if he is moronic enough to take the risk. Life isn't a song Sansa. Only in songs can a prince gallop over the wall and run away with the princess. Here, he will be feathered with a hundred fletchings before he says so much as 'Fire and Blood' "

I guess that makes sense, but why is everyone so tense then?"

"because whoever it is, is mocking the king. Personally, i think it is someone making a jape. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out Uncle Tyrion paid some hedge knight to cause a spectacle. Besides, would you look at that sigil. It looks like something out of one of my brother's fantastic tales. "

" ohh, does prince Joffery often tell you tales like that? " sansa asked with stars in her eyes. She wanted to know everything there was to know about Prince Joffery.

" what? No. I was talking about Harry. "the princess's voice immediately took on a sad tone.

" if you don't mind me asking, where is prince Harry? He didn't travel to winterfell either. "sansa questioned about the elusive baratheon prince. Her father had hoped to match Arya with the prince but his absence and events on the kingsroad had caused him to wait for a chance to take stock of the second prince before fixing a betrothal.

" Harry was busy managing Storm's End. As for today, if you are to believe Varys, Harry is in the city visiting one of the brothels. Father might find that funny, but mother wont be pleased with it. Harry knows better, i don't know what he was thinking... " a concerned Princess Myrcella threw some light on the second prince. So he was more like his oafish father, preferring to wench rather than witness a glorious tourney and hold court. Well, it wasn't an easy task for everyone to match up to her Prince Joffery so she shouldn't judge Prince Harry too harshly.

"It is sad that the prince missed such an interesting tourney. Why, I am sure he could've improved on his jousting skills by viewing the techniques of the best in the realm. " sansa said.

This time, she heard a scoff from the princess. "These knights are lucky Harry is still a squire, else they would all end up on their backs. Harry is gifted on a horse. It is as if riding is in his blood." Sansa could hear the adoration in the voice of princess for her brother. She had never heard the princess address Prince Joffrey with such love. It was clear that the princess was much closer to her second brother.

"I would love to see a joust between the two princes, it would be one for the songs, wouldn't it? " sansa asked.

" Trust me, there wouldn't be much competition. The two of them have established that often enough. Besides, you will never get Joffery to agree to such a match. He will stick to what he is good at, whatever few things they are "Princess Myrcella scoffed with derision.

So the princess favored Prince Harry over Prince Joffrey. Was this one of the many games afoot at the red keep that Lord Baelish had spoken of. It seemed like the two princes were on the opposite sides. Why it was so, she couldn't imagine. Her brothers all loved one another, even the bastard John Snow was loved by all of them. Then why were two blood brothers against each other. The more she thought about it, the more it became clear to her that she definitely needed someone like Lord Baelish on her side to help her navigate the treacherous relationships of King's Landing.

"Look, the match is about to start. It's Uncle Jaime vs the mystery knight. Let's see if the knight can wipe that smile off Uncle Jaime's face" it seemed like the princess might be rooting for the mystery knight rather than her uncle. The royal family really was quite strange.

*Harry's POV*

Harry knew there was no way he was beating Jaime Lannister with the tricks he had employed so far Luckily, he had come prepared. He just needed a minute alone with Uncle Jaime's horse. Unfortunately, every swordsman and every stable hand was watching him like a hawk. He was like a beacon towards whom every eye was attracted.

He could tell that more than one person desired to get into a fight with him. The reasons were unclear but he sensed a lot of hatred towards his sigil. He couldn't understand the reason for such hatred towards something that doesn't even exist in thus world. Perhaps there were some tales relating pheonix to magic. Magic was pretty much hated in the south. It didn't make much sense but that was the best explanation he could come up with. In any case, Ser Garret and Ser Willem were nearby, to step in for such an eventuality.

Harry decided he could use the brewing hatred. Walking up to the stablehand looking after Jaime's horse, he demanded in a hollow voice, "Are you going to marry that horse boy? Enough with the brushing, go feed some hay to my horse."

"I.. I am to look after Ser Jaime's mount. I was told so, ser. I was told " the stableboy squeaked in a terrified voice.

Harry grabbed him by the neck and his enhanced strength allowed him to lift him clear off ground"You will be a dead stableboy if my horse goes hungry another minute"

"Let the boy go, he is not to serve the likes of you" a voice spoke from behind him. Harry turned around to see some Vale Knight stepping up to him. Behind him, he could see a lot more hands came to rest on their sword pommels, the threat communicated clearly.

"Who do I have to kill to get some hay for my horse? Though it would be a shame, for Vale to lose a second coward at this tourney. " Harry instigated.

The rebuke was enough to catch the knight's ire. With a roar, he pulled out his sword and charged at Harry. Harry didn't even bother unsheathing his sword. Just when the sword started descending in a deathly arc, Ser Garret was there meeting the challenge head on. He parried the strike away and in an instance his sword was at the knight's throat. Harry had chosen his bodyguards carefully. They were both skilled enough to be among the best in the realm. A little boosting with runes under their armour gave them the extra edge they needed to be the best in the realm. Ser Garret was agile, precise and sharp. Ser Willem was built like a troll, with strength that could rival the mountain. Together, the duo was more than enough to ensure that Harry would never have to wield a sword in self protection.

"Sheath your sword this instance Ser. We are knights, bound by a code of honour and there is no honour in sabotaging a knight right before his joust. " Ser Garret spoke in a cool voice.

" No way, I am not letting scum like that get away. He will pay for what his ancestors have done" the knight spoke in a crazed voice. More and more people were now joining behind the Vale Knight with bare swords. Ser Garret and Ser Willem took a defensive stance covering up Harry from every eye.

Maybe riling up a group of people who's livelihood depended on killing and were already at the edge of their nerves wasn't his best idea. But now Harry had unrestricted access to Jaime's horse with no eyes on the horse or him. Quickly utilizing the opportunity, he fired a fear charm at the horse, tying it to hus pheonix sigil. He added a short sighted charm so that the horse wouldn't see the sigil until he got in close. He needed to hit with his lance after all.

By now, the crowd had grown to a dangerous proportion. None of the guards were stepping in, content to see a full scale brawl break out. No matter how much he had buffed up Ser Garret and Ser Willem, they couldn't hold off 50 knights at once. Just when Harry was preparing a soothing charm to calm the frothing crowd, a voice from his past spoke up.

"I step out for one moment to take a piss and a riot breaks out. The melee is tomorrow good people, rein in your aggression till then. Now, will someone explain to me what's going on? " Jaime Lannister sauntered in, speaking in his suave voice and as if magically, the tension in the crowd broke.

" He was threatening your stableboy Ser" one knight spoke out.

"Your horse has been groomed enough. Any more and they might have to put a dress over it. However, my horse is going hungry right before the joust, so this stableboy is feeding my horse now! . " Harry replied in his magically hollow voice.

Jaime Lannister broke out in a bark of laughter as if he had cracked the best joke in the world.

" By all means, go feed the man's horse, Mullen, was it? "

" Aye , milord. " the stableboy replied.

" Yes, yes. Feed his horse. We wouldn't want him to use it as an excuse when I send him sprawling on his back"

A few people laughed at Jaime's jape, agreeing with him. Others noticed that the tense moment had passed and returned back to whatever they were doing. The Vale Knight was the last to leave, but not before giving him a death stare. Harry was amused thinking how these same people will grovel at his feet once they realize who he was.

"You shouldn't rile up the crowd in such a way, you are not well liked as it is. " Jaime Lannister said to him once everyone had left.

" I noticed, and I could've handled it. " Harry replied back gruffly.

" You mean before or after getting these two knights killed? Knights that are in service to my nephew. Tell me Ser Garret, where is Harry on this fine day. I expected to see him in the royal stand. "

" Lord Harry had some business in the city, ser. He knew of my desire to participate in the joust and allowed us to leave. "

" You mean whoring? What happened to the whore he kept around, did he grow bored of her? "

Harry felt his anger spike upon hearing Jaime speak of Kara in such a way. Fearing that he would give away the ruse if he stayed any longer, he pushed past Jaime saying he had no time to discuss whores and princes with him. Jaime just looked on with an amused expression before resuming his questioning with his bodyguards.

*Sansa's POV*

The two destrier charged towards each other. The mystery knight sst his horse well, but Ser Jaime seemed to be leaning heavily on one side. Myrcella spoke from beside her, "Uncle Jaime is feinting towards left but he will strike right. If the mystery knight doesn't read the feint right, this bout is as good as over."

It turned out, the mystery knight didn't need to read his opponent right. Just when the two were within striking distance, Ser Jaime's mount reared back upsetting his balance. The mystery knight' s lance followed Ser Jaime and before he knew it, he was on the ground.

A clatter sounded from the back, the king had flung his wine hor in irritation. Some people were demanding a rematch but the bout was done, the mystery knight had won yet again mysteriously.

"This keeps getting more and more interesting. I would love to hear the excuses Uncle Jaime makes up for this one" Princess Myrcella spoke with amusement dancing in her eyes.

"You don't like Ser Jaime much, do you. Why is that? He is the most famous knight in the seven kingdoms. "

" You will find Sansa, that there is a lot more to people in king's landing than their spotless armour, and the songs sung about them. " Princess Myrcella spoke cryptically.

Could the princess be right? Was there a dark side to a shining knight like Ser Jaime? Could the same be true for others, for Prince Joffrey. Or was the hatred simply like how she seemed to nit like Prince Joffrey. Today was perhaps the most confusing day in the life of Sansa Stark.

The next match was between the mountain and Ser Loras Tyrell. The mountain couldn't seem to be able to control his monstrous destrier, which contributed to his downfall. However, rather than accept his defeat, the mountain called for his sword and beheaded his mount in a single blow. The sight of blood sprouting freely from the headless corpse scared Sansa but Princess Myrcella held her hand, giving her the composure she needed. The mountain next attacked Ser Loras, throwing him down from his horse. Before he could kill Ser Loras, his brother the hound stepped in and parried away the blow. The two fought in a savage dance with neither giving an inch. It was the king's booming voice that ended the fight. The mountain left in anger but the damage was done. Ser Loras rescinded from the tourney, meaning that the victor of the tourney would be decided on who won between the hound and the mystery knight. There was a real chance that the mystery knight might well win the tourney. This tourney was surely one for the songs.

*Harry's POV*

The last match was here. Just one more opponent before he had what he wanted the most, recognition and praise of his parents. His father had tested him most severely today, sending half of the kingsguard against him. His performance was sure to please him. His father respected strength. His mother, though, he couldn't say for sure what she respected. She loved the praise and attention which he was sure to get after winning this tourney. Perhaps she would finally see how alike they were? Perhaps this tourney would pave the way for his mother to accept him, if not love him like her other children.

Harry made a conscious effort to remove such distractions from his mind. All the planning, all the trickery, would be for naught if he allowed himself to be distracted at this stage. The hound was an opponent more formidable than he rest. He matched the mountain in strength and his uncle in dexterity. He would be no easy foe. For most, the hound was an insurmountable hurdle.

Luckily, he knew about the proverbial chink in the hound's armour. A passive scan had told him about the crippling fear of fire. His leglimency skill told him about the most prevalent thoughts and emotions a person associated with something. The mind was not a book to be read at will. As such, Harry couldn't figure out the cause of the fear, as the hound was so fearful of fire that his mind became a murky mess.

Harry couldn't care less about the reasons other than to sate his curiosity. For now, just the knowledge was enough. So he had prepared for his final joust of the day.

Harry reached his end of the list and stared down at the hound helm at the other end. No doubt to every spectator , this would look like a joust from hell. The horned devil against the snarling hound.

The announcer dropped the handkerchief and the moment the silken cloth hit the ground, Harry kicked at Nimbus and charged forward. Just before the point of impact, he activated a rune on his shield. It was a very basic rune, the likes of which even a child could master, provided he was magical. The rune animated the painted flames on his shield for just a second intended for the hound to lose his composure. The hound did lose his composure but not ij the way Harry had desired. With an almighty cry, the hound struck his shield, breaking it into two and scoring a hit that numbed his shoulder. Thankfully, the distraction had been enough to make the hound lose sight of the centre otherwise Harry would've ended flat on the ground. Harry struck hard in the ribs but it was difficult to tell if the hound felt it or not.

It seemed like the hound grew bestial in the presence of flames. He was distracted, but his strength grew as well. Even with a reinforced armour, Harry was going to feel that last hit for a fortnight. More importantly, the shield was ruined and Harry had no time to cast a fresh rune.

The situation looked dire. On the other side, he could see the hound shaking his head, probably believing what he saw was a trick of light.

A helping hand ran up to him, handing him a clean, unpainted and most importantly, non magical shield. Now this joust depended more on Harry's skill than his tricks. He still had the runes on his armour for strength but the distraction rune wasn't charged. Harry hadn't thought he would need it for this match.

Getting the signal, the two of them charged yet again. Harry blew out a soft breath, gathering his concentration. The hound was still shaken from what he had seen and not at his 100%.His one and only chance to win this joust was during this charge.

As the two neared, Harry saw that the hound wasn't lifting the lance straight. So his hit in the ribs had done some damage after all. Borrowing on his uncle's technique, Harry leaned heavily on the far side. The hound, still distracted, didn't account for the deception and centred his lance to strike Harry's middle. Just when the two were about to meet, Harry shifted completely to the other side, making the hound's lance connect with his far side ribs. His own lance struck straight and true, sneaking past the lightly held shield.

He could almost hear a hundred sighs leave the lips as the hound's back hit the ground.

He was victorious. He had won despite the challenges, despite his inexperience. He had proved to the entire realm that he was worthy of being a Baratheon. Just like his father, today he had done something thought impossible before. At 15, he had won a major tourney, something never done before since the introduction of tourneys.

The small folk were cheering for him, the sounds of applause ringing across the pavilions. Whichever way he turned, he could see jublious faces. He saw his father stand up and stopped the trotting Nimbus to hear his words.

"Congratulations, you have won. Now remove your helm and show me your face. "The king commanded. Harry was more than happy to comply. Grabbing his helm, he removed it to show everyone his face.

At once, the applause stopped. It was like someone had just turned off the voice. The smiles died, replaced by astonishment. The consternation in every eye was apparent. How could it be the second prince Harry, everyone thought. He is so young, not even a knight yet.

His father was the first to give voice to all the questions, "How? When?"

His mother was next, "what is the meaning of this harry? Do you not know, that tourneys are fought by knights, not young boys such as you". The fury was evident on her face.

"I am a knight now, mother. Ser Moore dubbed me not a week ago. He didn't write to you on my persistence. I wanted to surprise you and father as well as test myself against the best knights of the realm. I must say I am disappointed " Harry replied mixing just the right amount of levity in his tone.

If he expected to see his mother's mood change, he was disappointed. His father though, acted just as expected. He broke into a booming laugh," Ha, thats my boy, a true Baratheon to the bone. He is disappointed in the knights, he says. Maybe I should grab my armour, show them all how real men ride. Later, you are riding against me. Then we will see how good you are with a lance. Give him his reward, he has earned it. "

A servant ran forward handing him the bag of golden dragons as well as a crown of blue winter roses.

" You may crown your queen of love and beauty now, my prince" the announcer boomed into the horn. The applause broke out once more, even fiercer than before. This time they were cheering for their prince, not some nameless hedge knight. The nobles seemed to be trying to outdo each other with their praise. Every highborn girl sat with trepid anticipation hoping to be the one crowned by the Prince.

Harry wasn't attached to any of them, so he had already planned to crown his sister Myrcella to not break any hearts or give any house any ideas about pursuing a royal betrothal. He neared Myrcella and saw joy emanating from her eyes. If there was one person in the red keep who was going to be truly pleased by his presence, it was Myrcella.

Just as Harry neared Myrcella, his eyes fell on her companion. It was a ghost from his past. He couldn't believe his eyes, it was Ginny sitting right beside Myrcella.

The hair were the exact same colour, sunset red filling his insides with warmth. The eyes were blue, like pools of unfathomable depth. Wait, weren't Ginny's eyes brown. The face wasn't right as well, with high cheekbones which made this maiden look much more delicate than the rugged Ginny from his dreams. This girl's skin was like porcelain, precious and delicate. She radiated virginity and purity. The more he looked at her, the more she differed from the Ginny from his dreams. It was just the hair, that were unerringly similar.

Harry didn't care, he felt like he wanted this girl. He wanted to possess her and protect her at the same time. His hands had a life of their own, and before he knew it, the crown of blue winter roses were decorating her red mane. The girl kept her eyes downcast demurely which somehow made her even more desirable. Harry wanted nothing more than to pull her atop his horse and ride away somewhere far where he could explore her beauty in leisure.

So lost in the ethereal sight before him, Harry didn't notice that once again the crowd had gone deathly silent. It was only Joffrey's shout that broke him out of his trance, "Get away from my betrothed you thief."

So the girl he had just crowned was Sansa Stark, Joffrey's betrothed. The thought of taking away Joffrey's betrothed from him filled Harry with a dark sense of pleasure. There was no way he was giving up on Sansa Stark now. He wouldn't waste a beauty like Sansa Stark on his brother. The game had just begun.

AN:

Maedre-That is one hell of a leap to make. I hope more people would make assumptions like that, it makes my job of shocking people much easier.

YamiGuy- Frankly, the targaryen angle isn't a major plot point so I didn't make much effort to integrate it more. It is there to make a larger point, that though Harry might plan nine ways to sunday, he cannot control everything. Things can and will spiral out of his control. He will not be a puppet master, pulling at strings, more like one of the many puppets dancing to the tunes of the ones truly in power. Secondly, I have mentioned in this chapter and will reiterate this point, Harry cannot read minds. He can sense emotions and read surface thoughts. Leglimency is much like cannon rather than the fanon versions that have sprouted all over the place. Full mind reading is too OP and Harry will not have it. Always remember, the mind is not an open book to be read at will. If Kara isn't happY, he won't find out instantly. She can betray him. No loyalty in GOT is ironclad, nor will it ever be. That is the most important premise of this universe.

Jslee102- There are servqnts and helping hands available all around. The tourney is happening with hundreds of crew, Harry doesn't have to do everything on his own.

TyberAurora- That is kindof the point here. Thus harry has the genes of Cersei Lannister, nit Lily Evans, so he is likely to be a dick. Not to forget that he has been raised in a brutal world by apathetic parents. No wonder he is a dick. I would go so far as to say that Harry may not even be the hero, since GOT has no heroes only those who win and those who lose.

If I missed out on any reviews, it is because I thought your question was already answered in one of the above ones. Please keep reviewing and let me know what you think about this chapter.