*Warning! Italicized content is NSFW. If you're not into it, skip past it.*

"Alright."

In a fever pitch of need and lust, Alayna pulled Arthur back to her a newfound passion burning between them as their mouths connected. This time she found no hesitation from her knight as he responded, readily to her touch. Hands roamed previously unexplored plains and curves of each other's bodies as their tongues danced. A content sigh bubbled up in Alayna's throat as his body pressed, soundly against hers. The hard shell of his armor both a comfort and an obstacle, she was more than willing to remove.

Her first instinct was to unclasp the hinderance that was the white Kingsguard cloak; smirking against his lips as she heard the fabric slide off his shoulders. Alayna, then, turned her attention and her nimble fingers towards working to remove what she could of his armor. While Arthur pushed the sleeves of her dress off her shoulders, causing the outer layer to join his cloak in a pool of fabric on the hard patched earth at their feet.

Yearning for him to be equally undressed, Alayna attempted to remove the pauldrons from his shoulders, but he prevented her from getting anywhere with her task as he hoisted her into his arms and carried her across the room, depositing her on the makeshift bed her attendants had made up for her. Glancing up at him through hooded eyes, she watched with an easy smile as he stripped himself of his armor. Scooting to the edge of the bed, in turn, Alayna discarded the rest of her garments until only her small clothes were left.

Once free of his armor, Arthur returned his attention to her, his eyes dark with lust as they drank in the glowing image of her unclothed body. Moving to stand between her legs, his hands gripped her hips, tugging her body closer. In response, her legs wrapped around his waist and she tilted her head back, offering him better access to her throat, but he refrained. Instead, a hand turned her face back so that his eyes could meet hers.

"Gods, you are beautiful." Arthur swore as though his breath had been pulled from him.

His words caused an aching throb to bloom, warmly between her legs. Smirking up at her partner, Alayna's fingers trailed down to trace the waistband of his breeches, "You're overdressed for the occasion, ser."

A wry smile spread across his lips before their lips molded together, the force of their connection causing the pair to tumble backwards on the mattress as their hands roamed and caressed each other's bodies. Too preoccupied with exploring and learning each other physically, somewhere along the way they discarded their small clothes to the side.

"Touch me." She demanded, guiding one of his hands down her body towards her core.

With no boundaries between them, Arthur did as he was bid, kissing and nipping his way up her torso from navel to neck. The knight took the opportunity to memorize and worship her body like a recent convert to the faith. With one hand, he clutched her hip, while the other grasped in her hand, began to stroke her heated center and drew a soft moan from her lips.

Arthur smirked, momentarily, stalling his ministrations as his irises, nearly as dark as the night that surrounded them, locked on hers before continuing to strum her like a mandolin, plucking and stroking her until her body tensed beneath him.

"Are you sure?" The knight inquired, his eyes probing hers, searching for any kind of hesitation on her part.

Stalwart determination shone like a beacon in the forest green pools of her eyes as she reached down and firmly, cupped his hard member in her palm feeling the smooth velvet of his skin, "If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have gone this far."

Her response was all he needed as his hand moved to cover her own, pulling it away from his member before he pinned it above her head. With her free hand she pulled his mouth back down to hers as he thrust, gently but quickly into her until she sheathed him to the hilt. Both shuddering with satisfaction as their bodies became one. He shuddered in satisfaction, her walls tightening around him forcing a breath of ecstasy out of his lungs.

She panted, brows drawn together in discomfort as her body stretched to accommodate his considerable size, wincing, she cursed against his lips, "Gods."

"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" He inquired with a frown, propping himself up on his elbows to get a better look at her Attempting to pull away afraid that something had gone wrong.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. You didn't hurt me." Alayna nodded, glancing up at him from underneath her eyelashes and rolling her hips against his to reassure him, "Just been a while."

He groaned above her as his body responded, readily, to her; rocking his hips in unison with hers. The mounting friction between them nearly had him coming undone and they hadn't even gotten anywhere yet, "Seven hells, Aly."

Mewling in response, she hooked her leg around his thigh, pulling him deeper into her as she guided them to a steady rhythm. Arthur's head dipped down to find her shoulder, his mouth kissing its way towards her neck while one of his hands fondled her breast as their bodies ground against each other.

The building heat caused her to clench, tightly around him as she neared her release, her body tensing as she raked her nails into the flesh of his back. Her hands, then, gripped his shoulder as she panted in his ear, "Faster, Arthur, faster."

Grunting above her, he responded to the best of his ability. His movements jerked and sputtered as he plunged into her with more vigor. On the verge of his own release, his self control drove him not to finish until he'd brought hers first.

"Fuck, Aly, let go for me." Finding his own voice as he pulled out entirely before drumming into her as hard and fast he could.

The head of his cock finally hit the perfect spot causing Alayna's back to arch away from the mattress and her body came like waves crashing on the beach as her release washed over him. Her gratified moan alone, nearly did him in as he continued to thrust through her orgasm, both of them riding it out until he was unable to hold back any longer. Biting down on her shoulder, he smothered the guttural groan that tore out of his throat as his cock pulsed within her and his body collapsed on top of hers.

In a heap of tangled limbs, their chests heaved against each other as the couple struggled to regain their breath. Alayna smiled at her partner as her hand caressed his spine, allowing him to find his bearings once again.

"Seven heavens, that was-" Arthur gasped, propping himself up on his elbows in order to lessen some of his weight from her petite frame.

Alayna nodded, still slightly dizzy herself, "Worth it, I hope."

Slotting his mouth over hers, he rolled them over so that his back rested against the pillows piled at the head of the bed, "More than, really."

Sighing, she nestled against him, wrapping her arm across his torso, "Good."


281 AC

In the pale morning light, Alayna sat at the vanity taking a moment to reflect on the events of the night before. With a dreamy smile she studied her reflection, she unable to hide her satisfaction as she brushed her hair; smoothing out the wild mass which was still mussed, a combination of both intercourse and the following slumber.

Arthur had taken his leave shortly after they'd finished, not wanting to risk being caught in her tent. While Alayna was sad to see him go, she understood it was for the best. Neither of them could afford to face the repercussions if someone were to happen upon them in bed together. A necessary sacrifice for the pleasure they'd found in each other's arms. No matter how fleeting that pleasure might be. She hoped it wouldn't be the last time they came together as she knew it would most likely be the only time she enjoyed the act.

"Layna?" Ashara's voice warbled from the other side of the canvas flap, "Are you awake?"

Suddenly appreciative she'd thought to throw on her floral sleeping gown before she'd fallen asleep, Alayna turned to face the entrance, "I am! Please, come in!"

The Dornish woman sashayed into the hunt, her arms clutching a wine skin, "Good morrow, you look absolutely radiant this morning."

"As do you." Alayna stood to embrace her friend before pulling away to gesture at the wine skin, "Isn't it a little early for a drink?"

Ashara rolled her eyes at the Reach woman, "Never. However, I do not come to you bearing wine."

With creased brows, Alayna studied at the dark haired beauty, "Really now? What is it?"

"Moon tea." The words hung heavy in the enclosure like the tapestries in the Red Keep.

Alayna's eyes widened in surprise, "Moon tea?"

The lady from Starfall nodded as a knowing smirk found its way onto her full lips, "Indeed. It's a funny thing really. My brother sought me out first thing this morning to inform me that you would be in need of some. Why is it that he might've known?"

"Umm…" An embarrassed flush heated her face as Alayna struggled to find the right words to form a proper sentence. This was no conversation to be having with her friend much less her lover's sister.

Shaking her head, pompously, Ashara poured her friend a cup of the aromatic liquid, "In all honesty, I'm surprised it's taken you both this long to get to this point."

"It's not like we were planning on it." Alayna pointed out, defending hers and Arthur's actions the best she could, but took the brew nonetheless before moving to sit on her bed.

Wolfishly, Ashara watched the other woman gulp down minty concoction, "So how was it?"

Nearly choking, Alayna swallowed hard and pounded her chest as she coughed, "Why do you want to know? He's your brother."

"For curiosity's sake." Ashara shrugged, nonchalantly, as she poured another cup and continued to pry, "Was it good?"

"Very." Alayna admitted, from behind the rim of her cup, once her coughing fit had settled. Glancing over at the Stony Dornish woman, she noticed Ashara was also consuming the moon tea, "Who were you with last night?"

"Brandon Stark." Ashara relayed sharing a triumphant grin with her friend as she joined Alayna on the mattress.

Arching an eyebrow, Alayna shot her friend an accusing look, "Brandon Stark? Isn't he promised to Catelyn Tully?"

Ashara shrugged and sipped on her tea obviously not feeling the need to comment on the marital status of the eldest Stark boy. Rolling her eyes at her wanton friend, Alayna stood from her seat and moved over to her trunk to finish getting ready for the day.


From the Royal Pavilion, Alayna took in the day's tilts in the company of Elia and Ashara. She would've been a fool to turn down the invitation to sit in the royal box. It would probably be the only opportunity she'd have to do so and wasn't going to waste any more of her time sitting with Mace and Jon.

So many knights had attended this tourney, Alayna could hardly keep any of them straight as each clashed in hopes of moving on to the next round. However, one could only watch so many tilts before one began to grow bored if one did not have any attachment to either party competing. Alayna, eventually, grew bored of the whole parade of men riding horses in their fancy armor, which had all begun to look the same. She struggled to keep herself sitting upright and proper as Ser What's It of Who Cares unhorsed Ser Whoever from Who Knows for the umpteenth time.

That was until a short fellow in mismatched armor trotted his horse down the lane, drawing a murmur from the crowd as he stopped to dip his lance before the King, and then rode to the end of the lists where the champions of previous rounds had their pavilions. Alayna sat up at full attention when she spotted the laughing weirwood tree painted on the shield and smirked as the mystery knight challenged the knights from House Haigh, Blount, and Frey whose squires had maimed the crannogman on the opening day of the tourney.

Hiding the smirk that grew on her lips from behind the sleeve of her gown, Alayna watched on the mystery knight unseated all three knights. Exacting the revenging, Lyanna had planned out so carefully. Alayna felt a sense of pride for the young lady as she soundly defeated grown men, who should've been much more capable than her. Perhaps the old gods really were on the She-Wolf's side, no doubt she would've been to do so on her own. Still Lyanna's tenacity was something not to be reckoned with and Alayna respected the girl for her bravery; Alayna would've never been able to pull off such a disguise at a tourney of this magnitude.

A cheer resounded from the crowd of common folk as the mystery knight rode past them. Having heard the boos and jeers from when the now fallen knight had defeated their previous opponents, Alayna had noticed those men weren't particularly well liked. The underdog storyline would always be a favorite of the small folk and anyone who took down those men was sure to be their champion.

When the defeated knights attempted to ransom their horses and armor, the mystery knight spoke, his voice booming out from his visor while he commanded them, "Teach your squires honor! That shall be ransom enough!"

Shaking her head, Alayna watched as the knights reprimanded their squires in order to have their armor and horses returned. But an odd sound from the center of the royal box tore her attention away from the sight toward King Aerys. The man shook with rage as he watched the mystery knight slipped away into the crowd. His expression caused worry to etch itself into Alayna's face; a worry for the safety of the youngest Stark children. No doubt, in his madness, the king took the appearance of the mystery knight as a threat and would thusly seek out the identity of whoever was behind the helmet. Alayna had to warn them, but leaving right then would draw unwanted attention. She'd have to wait until the events were over for the day.


With a satchel filled with bandages and ointment, Alayna snuck out to the woods knowing that Lyanna would've most likely retreated back out to her hideout to strip herself of her armor and tend to any wounds she might've obtained during her rounds with the three knights. Sneaking through the brush, Alayna found Lyanna tearing off her armor with a pleased look on her face.

"Well done," She applauded the younger woman as she stepped into the clearing, "That was quite a show you put on out there. The bards will be singing songs about 'the Knight of the Laughing Tree' for some time after that display."

"'The Knight of the Laughing Tree'? I like it," Lyanna grinned over her shoulder at Alayna, only to wince as she pulled off her breastplate, "You know, I wasn't really expecting to win so handily. Did you see the look on their squires faces?"

Alayna shook her head, noting the bruising beginning to form on Lyanna's ribs and moved to help the younger woman, "I never took you to be a cruel person, Lady Stark."

"I'm not." She informed the Reach woman as she undid her bracers, "But they needed to be taught a lesson."

Alayna nodded, noncommittally as she pulled out the ointment she'd stolen from her brother's maester, "Hold still, this may sting a little. But it'll help numb the bruising."

Lyanna grimaced, "I know, I know. At least I don't need any stitches."

"Agreed." Alayna conceded, wrapping a bandage over the salve in order to maximize its effect, "You'd be up the creek without a paddle on that note."

"You don't know how to sew stitches?" Lyanna questioned, quirking a disbelieving eyebrow at the other woman, "Surely, you must know."

Chuckling, Alayna poked fun at her lacking abilities, "I can sew stitches about as well as I can speak High Valyrian."

Her jest earned a laugh from the Northern girl, causing Lyanna's body to quake with laughter. Shaking her head, Alayna waited for the girl to calm down to resume her task. While she was working on shoring up any other injuries Lyanna had sustained, Lyanna spoke up,

"Why are you helping me? I haven't been particularly kind to you. In fact, I've been rather rude."

Alayna offered the younger woman a soft smile and patted her hand, reassuringly, "Sometimes acts of kindness don't require kindness in return."

The elder woman allowed her words of wisdom sink in as she continued to work on the darkening patches on the Northern girl's skin. Alayna was unsure if Lyanna would take her counsel to heart, but there was always a chance and opportunity to learn from every encounter in life one just had to be willing to seize it.

"Thank you." Lyanna's arms wrapped around Alayna's waist causing the older woman to freeze unsure of how to react. Mindful of the girl's injuries, Alayna returned her embrace,

"You're welcome."


After Alayna had finished dressing all of Lyanna wounds, the Stark girl insisted that Alayna come with her to meet her elder brothers and the friend who's honor she'd defended. For some reason, Alayna found herself unable to refuse the strong willed woman, whose arm was now threaded through hers as Lyanna led them towards her family's tents.

"Brandon! Eddard!" She called out to two men whose appearances were very similar to that of Benjen as they entered the largest of the five tents, "I'd would like to introduce you to Lady Alayna Tyrell. She's been most kind to me."

The pair of Stark men bowed before Alayna as the broader built man, Alayna assumed to be Brandon claimed her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it, "Well met, my lady, Brandon Stark, at your service."

Studying the man, Alayna noted there was something wild and almost wolfish about him. She hadn't missed the double entendre in his words either. Brandon Stark exuded animalistic confidence and sexuality. Not unlike Robert Baratheon in that regard, but his reputation wasn't nearly as blemished. No wonder Ashara had taken Lord Rickard's heir to bed the previous night. The pair certainly had a lot in common.

Curtseying in return, Alayna smirked, "Well met, my lord. However, I have no need of your services."

Brandon snorted and took a step back from her, nudging his younger brother forward. The quiet man seemed much more subdued than the rest of his siblings with icy grey eyes that seemed to bore right through her as he also bowed, "Eddard Stark, second son of Lord Rickard of Winterfell."

Repeating the pleasantries, she'd shared with his elder brother, Alayna offered the shy man a kind smile, "Alayna Tyrell, first sister to Lord Mace of Highgarden."

Alayna swore she saw the hint of a sparkle in his stolid eyes at her thinly masked joke. Perhaps there was a bit of life in him after all. But she didn't get the chance to think about it much more as Lyanna shoved a sandy haired young man towards her.

"Lady Alayna, I'd like you to meet my friend Howland Reed."

The man in question offered Alayna a shy smile as he bowed to her much like the other man's hand, "Nice to make your acquainted, milady."

"My lady." Alayna corrected, automatically, unable to refrain herself because she knew better. An astonished look froze Howland's face as Alayna shook her head at him, "I'll have none of that, you're a Lord, are you not? Greywater Watch is your house seat."

"Indeed, I am, mi- my lady." Howland agreed, stuttering as he corrected himself.

Alayna smiled at the timid crannogmen, "Much better. It's a pleasure to meet you, my Lord. I've never met someone from The Neck before."

"Not surprising." Howland agreed, "We, rarely, leave our home."

"Excellent!" Lyanna clapped her hands together, looking around the room at the people whom she'd gather, "I heard there's going to be a murmur show tonight, let's go check it out!"


Befuddled, Alayna was unsure of how she'd been incorporated into this pack of Northmen. Nonetheless, she found herself being dragged along by her new acquaintances. It was bizarre for an outsider, such as herself, to be so warmly welcomed by the usually reclusive and stoic people. Descendants of the First Men, their culture and customs were vastly different from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. However, she knew Northerners did nothing without reason or cause. Trying not to put too much thought into, Alayna focused on living in the moment instead of looking for hidden motivations.

Such a notion didn't appear to be any problem for Lyanna and Brandon, both seemed to be cut from the same cloth as willful and wild beings who often did as they pleased. The pair seemed to compete for attention and leadership of their group as they walked towards the makeshift stage where the murmur show was to be held. Comparatively, Eddard, also called 'Ned', and Benjen were much more subdued in their temperament and mannerisms. Both of Lord Rickard's younger sons seemed more akin to tamed dogs than their house's sigil. Comparing the siblings was almost like comparing fire and ice to Alayna as they were so different, but were both so vital to nature.

Watching the siblings interact was the most entertainment she found thus far that day. Although she found it difficult to pay attention to where they were headed with all the banter that surrounded her. Lyanna and Brandon, simultaneously, competed to share stories about their home, the North, and their youth with her. There was almost too much going for Alayna's tastes. The Reachwoman was much more used to people waiting to speak instead of being launched into a bombardment of words.

"Lady Alayna!" The voice of her betrothed called out from over the crowd, causing the rag-tag group to halt in their tracks and turn back in his direction.

Never before had Alayna been relieved to see the Knight of New Barrel. A first and only occurrence, no doubt, but it was still a welcomed sight. She had been moments from having a breakdown caused by the verbal bombardment she'd been assaulted with since they'd left the Stark camp. She watched Jon jog to catch up to them with a bounce in his step.

"Ser Jon." She addressed the knight with a curtsey and a pleasant smile.

Jon grinned, broadly down at her before he gestured towards the northerners in their midst, "I hadn't seen you much today and was wondering if you might find it agreeable to accompany me for a stroll. However, I can see now you are occupied and I will make my leave."

As tempting as it was to be rid of her betrothed, Alayna realized this was most likely her only opportunity to escape her new friends. Grasping his arm when he turned away, Alayna turned him back to face her, "No! Not at all, I've been negligent. I would be more than happy to join you."

"But you're with friends." He reminded her, his brow creasing in confusion.

Alayna glanced back at the Starks whom watched on, curiously, "'Tis not a problem. We are betrothed, are we not? A walk is the least I owe you."

"If it is your wish," Jon nodded, possibly understanding what she was hinting at, "then I shan't object."

Turning back to her friends, Alayna frowned, "It appears I have more pressing matters to attend to at the moment. I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the murmur show with you."

"Nonsense." Lyanna smirked, her eyes glowing with mirth, "By all means, don't let us hold you back."

Alayna rolled her eyes and linked arms with Jon, allowing him to lead her away in the opposite direction.

"How was your day in the Royal box with Princess Elia and Lady Ashara?" He inquired after a considerable time as they cut through the crowds of people who were rummaging about the grounds.

Alayna smiled at his thoughtfulness, "It was most pleasing to spend time with such dear friends of mine."

Jon nodded, "I'd reckon so. Mace informed me you served as a lady-in-waiting for the princess during your time in King's Landing. You must be quite close."

"We are." She confirmed, frowning when they changed directions, "Where are we headed?"

"I've been told the Gods Eye is quite the sight to behold. I thought we'd take the opportunity to have a closer look at it while we're here." He informed her as he guided her in the direction of the lake.

Never one to turn down an opportunity to take in the wonders of the world, Alayna gestured for the dark haired man to lead the way.

The Gods Eye shimmered in the early evening sunlight. Beyond the shore, the isle of faces rose, hauntingly above the water the branches of the weirwood trees reaching as if painting the sky with purples and oranges. But as breathtaking as the Gods Eye was, one could only stare out at the unchanging water for so long before one grew bored.

Turning to face Harrenhal once again, a wry smile grew on her lips when she spied Arthur making his way towards them. Glancing at Jon, she noticed he was still enraptured by natural wonder before them to notice the other knight approaching them.

"Lady Alayna." Arthur greeted, formally although his eyes sparkled, merrily when the Knight of New Barrel jumped at the unexpected interruption, "Princess Elia has requested your presence at the evening meal."

Pivoting on his foot, Jon turned around to face the newcomer, "Ser Arthur."

"Ah, Ser Jon Fossoway of New Barrel." Arthur greeted as he joined their midst, "I meant to tell you sooner but you have excellent form for jousting. Your house should be proud."

Alayna rolled her eyes, finding the blatant insult masked by the Dornishman's false pleasantries. However, Jon didn't take notice of Kingsguard's disrespect and accepted what he thought were kind words with a cordial nod, "I'm sure my father would've been pleased to hear a knight of your status praise me. But I am no better or worse than any man from the Reach."

"Don't sell yourself so short." Arthur clapped him on the back before he turned his attention back to Alayna, holding out an arm for her, "Come, my lady, we mustn't keep the princess waiting."

"Indeed." Alayna agreed, barely able to contain a smirk as she accepted his arm and glanced to her betrothed, "It appears I am a wanted woman this evening. I'm sorry, Jon, I can't turn down Princess Elia."

"No, of course not. The princess is your friend. Go enjoy yourself." The knight appeared fairly crestfallen as the realization that Alayna was leaving hit him, "I'll tell Mace not to wait up for you tonight."

Alayna nodded, good naturedly before turning her attention back to Arthur, "Shall we?"

Jon Fossoway watched the Kingsguard escort his betrothed away from him with a perplexed expression. He hadn't missed the inscrutable look that had passed between Alayna and Ser Arthur. Could the 'Sword of the Morning' possibly be the one who holds her heart? Jon shook his head and banished the notion. Surely not, knights of the Kingsguard swore their lives away to protect the King. A man like Ser Arthur would never hold the interest of a lady like Alayna, would he?


Meanwhile, the newly redefined couple meandered their way back towards Harrenhal at a leisurely pace. From the perspective of an outsider, they appeared just as they were; a knight and a lady on friendly terms. However, no one the wiser of what either truly meant to the other. Her arm intertwined through his as he escorted her towards their destination. The amiable silence they founded themselves allowed Alayna to relax and reflect on the eventfulness of her day. Until the thought occurred to her about the beginning of her day...

"Thank you for sending the moon tea this morning." Alayna murmured as they walked towards the great castle. Her fingers gripped the sleeve of his shirt drawing his attention down to her.

Arthur smiled, dolefully as his opposite hand encompassed hers, "It was the very least I could do considering we weren't as careful as we should've been last night… I don't want to burden you with my bastard and I'm not sure I could bear to have another man raise our child."

Allowing his words to settle like a heavy stone in her chest, Alayna felt remorseful for their actions and for the child they most likely would never have. "How do you know I would've kept the child should I have fallen pregnant?"

"Because I know you, Aly. You would've turned the situation to your advantage." The knight informed her, keeping his tone as even as possible despite the topic, "It'd be easy for you to make your betrothed believe the child was his."

"Jon is somewhat dull, isn't he?" The lady chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.

The Kingsguard shook his head down at the Reachwoman, "Not necessarily dull. Just a lovesick fool."

"Jon Fossoway is not in love with me." Alayna denied, promptly, her mind unwilling to accept her lover's suggestion. Glancing up at the Dornishman, she nearly rolled her eyes at his incredulous expression, "He might be in love with the idea of me. But that's hardly my fault."

"I never said it was." Arthur assured her, quickly in an attempt to defuse any peevish feelings his lover might harbor from the tone of their conversation.

She accused, her eyes narrowing into a fractious glare, "You implied it."

The knight opened his mouth to dissuade the lady on his arm, but before he got the chance to speak the insolent voice of her brother interrupted the couple,

"Alayna!"

With a deep breath, Alayna sighed and raised her hand to rebuke the Lord Oaf of Highgarden as he approached them, "Not now, Mace. I'm speaking with Ser Arthur."

Slack-jawed, the elder of the Tyrell siblings dithered in frustration as he choked on the words lodged in his throat at his sister's snub. Mace hadn't been prepared for such an insolent reject from Alayna and he failed to deliver a dim-witted response. With satisfaction evident on her face, the lady and her escort passed him by without so much as another glance.

"You weren't joking about your brother." The knight observed as he allowed her to lead him away from the chagrined Lord.

Alayna's nose wrinkled, scornfully, "My brother is a clod. Hardly capable of being Lord of anything."

"Don't sound so sour, Aly." Arthur teased, quietly, bending down so that only she can hear him.

With an unladylike snort, Alayna made to shove him away, "Don't call me that."

The knight kept a firm grip on her arm as he reminded her, smugly, "You didn't seem to mind last night."

Flashing him a dubious look, Alayna smirked, "One night is all that it takes to ruin you, good ser?"

"I was hoping it was going to be more than just one night." He admitted, lowly as they stepped inside the stone fortress.

"I'm going to take all I can get." She affirmed with a curt nod before pointing out, "But we both have our duties. I don't want something to happen to you if someone were to find out."

"Don't worry about me." He assured her, "Aly, my brothers won't say anything."

She sighed, running her fingers through her recalcitrant mane, "It's not your brothers I'm worried about."

"Will you be returning to King's Landing with us after the tourney?" Arthur inquired, nonchalantly as they turned down the corridor that would lead to their princess's rooms.

"I hope to." Alayna confirmed, peering up at her lover from underneath her eyelashes as she waved her hand, dismissively, "I'm sure Mace would love to have me married off as soon as possible, but I'd rather allow myself some time to get used to the idea."

Nodding, Arthur readily agreed, "Indeed, my lady, I hope your lord brother considers it. The capital is dark in the absence of your light."

Heat flared, uncontrollably, on her cheeks as she shook her head at the knight, "Of course, it has been. How long have I been gone? Two moons? Three at the most?"

"I am uncertain of the exact time, but either way it has been too long. Elia and Ashara have missed you." He informed her with a veiled expression on his face as they neared the door that would end their brief time together.

Tilting her head up towards him, Alayna kept her face blithe as she inquired, "Are they the only ones?"

Arthur offered her no verbal response as he unlinked their arms as they stood in front of the entrance to Elia's chambers. He, simply, gazed down at her visage through hooded eyes as his hand tucked a wayward tendril of hair behind her ear before he tore himself out of her captivating presence. "Until later, my lady."

Blinking, Alayna watched him march away with a meaningful smile before she turned and knocked on the timber panel.


Author's Note: Thank you all once again for your continued support for Alayna's story. No matter how you choose to support this story; I, truly, appreciate every single one of you who reads, favorites, follows, and reviews. I apologize for not updating sooner. I really wanted to make sure the love scene fit well and worked for both Alayna and Arthur. It's also difficult for me to post such intimate details of a coupling as I am a rather private person and that sometimes reflects in my writing style. I was also studying for an exam to get into a program so that I can get my teaching license. And then, I got caught up watching Ransom, which stars our dear Ser Arthur (AKA: Luke Roberts irl). So feel free to blame him for the slow update. Just kidding, but seriously...


Also if all of you could please be sure to check out a pair of really well-written stories by some great authors that would be awesome!

Unmake the Monster by my dear friend Concrete Bubbles, who also beta's for me and vice versa. It's a great Bucky fic and I just adore her OC, Anna.

Beauty of the Moon by IrishLove24, is another great GoT fic featuring Jon Snow and a very interesting OC.


Replies:

IrishLove24: Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I really appreciate your kind words and support! I loved reading your GOT story as well!

bellaphant: I hope this is soon enough for you and that you enjoyed the newest chapter.

angelicedg: I'm glad you are still enjoying the story! And no worries, school is tough. (P.S. Good luck in nursing school)

xenoncanaan: Thank you once again for your review. The future is unfolding indeed. I have a lot planned for Alayna.

gwenwesley: Thank you so much for your review! I hope you enjoyed the newest chapter.

Ellie: I, literally, have no words. Your review blew me away once again. I'm glad you continue to enjoy and stay engaged in this story. Lots of things happened last chapter that are going to set events in motion for the end. It was a difficult chapter to orchestrate considering how many characters are involved and events that needed to happen. Yes, they are 'together' now and no children aren't in their near future. I've got too much planned for this part of Alayna and Arthur's story for a child to be involved. It also kinda takes away from Jon's thunder. But that's not to say there won't be… We'll all just have to see how the future unfolds.

Guest: We will just have to wait and see whether or not anyone finds out about Arthur and Alayna. Mace's reaction would be fabulous and I have it pictured exactly how it would happen in my head. I'm sure he would blow a gasket if he knew. But I also feel as if Mace isn't observant enough to notice on his own. Jon Fossoway, well, he might be starting to figure things out.


Up Next: A surprise before all the smiles die.