I try to get into the bathroom, but my dress is so full I can't fit through the door. I whisper Dracarys softly under my breath, hoping Max doesn't hear. There's a whoosh and I'm in my PJs. I quickly slip through the door and close it. I look at myself in the mirror. I'm still wearing my crown and I look at it more closely. Silver filigree interweaved with crystals and tree branches supported several glittering jewels and flowers. My hair was wrapped around the back of it in a halo braid to keep it in place with curls cascading down my back. The crown felt surprisingly light on my head. I touch the cool metal and realize it's not metal at all. The flowers are real! The twigs are actual branches that are flowering, and they have worked themselves into the filigree. Tiny jewels have been stuck to the leaves and branches with a soft touch of glitter on everything, thus my suspect of them being metal. Glitter is scattered on my hair of course but looks amazing. I smile. I feel so very beautiful. I never got to inspect my gown, so I whisper again to get a good look. The top layer of my dress is see-through blue glitter tulle. That way you can see the purple, teal and magenta silks swirling beneath it. Embroidered throughout the bodice are flowers in the same colors, leading to a sweetheart neckline slightly off the shoulder. Think the live-action Cinderella dress, but with a twist. It was luxurious. There is no other way to say it. It hugged me in all the right places and showed off just enough to be sexy, but not ostentatious. I do a twirl and listen to the swish it makes. Yep, it's perfect. I lift the hem to glance at my feet hoping Mina hasn't given me glass slippers. She has given me silk ballet flats in the same color as the dress. There are however tiny strands of gems crisscrossing over my foot like tiny bejeweled vines to keep them on.
With another word, I'm back in my jammies so I can go about my business. As I sit, I ponder the situation with Max. It seems ever since Tyrion gave me this 'gift' as I'm calling it, I can't be friends with guys. I never had that problem before because... well, to be honest, I never had friends before. Not really. I was always way to focused on my studies to think about having a social life. What little social life I had centered on academic activities. The people that I knew were all nice enough, but I never hung out with them outside school. And god forbid if I ever liked a guy, which had only ever been thrice, they never even saw me. All the new attention was flattering, but I had already found the one. Dean. I didn't want to have to deal with my friends hitting on me. I liked having friends. I decided I'd ask Mina what she suggested. But not today. Today, after that talk with Dean, I promised myself today would be all fun and frivolity.
I finish up and step outside into the hallway. Max is still waiting for me, his attention focused on what's going on in the other room. I whisper and I'm back in my lovely gown. I call softly, "Max. I'm ready." He turns to look at me his eyes glittering with emotion and it solidifies my decision. He is my Mormont and I don't like it. He plods toward me and bows deeply before offering his arm again. I accept, a queen never refuses an offered arm, and we head back towards my colorful sparkling realm. As we pass everyone they bow and say hello, following me towards the throne. By the time we reach the living room it's so crowded I wonder how everyone can fit. Somehow everyone manages to give me room to reach my seat.
Once I've settled back on my cushy chair, Mina approaches. "Loyal subjects. The breakfast feast has ended and now it is time for the royal festivities." She glances at her watch. "In half-hours' time, we shall all reconvene at the appointed place. Be gone." She waves her hand and everyone bows as I watch them filter down the hall to the stairs and leave.
"Mina, what's coming up next?" I ask excitedly.
She shakes her head. "Just wait. I think you will be most surprised." Max nods in agreement, breaking character for just a minute to smile broadly. Mina gives him a look and he heads to the door. Mina smiles at me. "How was breakfast? I made sure they had everything I know you like and then some."
"It was amazing! All my favorites. I'm so full though I don't think I'll eat for a week!" I exclaim. I hear the soft sound of fabric and Max shuffling his feet around on the landing.
"I highly doubt that, Alyx. I know you. You'll definitely be hungry later." She grins at me.
"You're probably right." I laugh.
Max pops his head in from the landing. "Ready." He signals.
She gives him a sharp nod and turns to me offering her hand. "Ready?" I grab her hand and she helps me to my feet. Leading me to the landing, I see a large red carpet trimmed with rainbow laid out before me. It flows down the staircase and out the door into the bracing late winter morning. I can't help but smile. Mina leads me carefully down the stairs to the first floor where Max is waiting, holding something. We stop and he opens his arms. I realize it's a beautiful rainbow floral cape trimmed with faux fur of course. "We can't have our Queen being cold now can we?" Mina points out as Max drapes it around me. Mina fastens it in front, seven buttons, one in each of the colors of the rainbow, with slits for my arms. She hands me a pair of blue gloves, the same shade as my dress to keep my arms warm. Max offers his arm again as does Mina and they lead me outside down the icy steps.
Once on the sidewalk, I notice the white limo waiting. My eyes widen in surprise. The chauffeur is even wearing medieval garb! As we reach the limo, he opens the door, a whoosh of warm lavender, rose, and bergamot air hits me. He takes my arm from Max and whispers, "It was a tad too cold for the horses your Grace, I hope this will suffice?" I smile, nod and lean down to get inside. It smells wonderful. The interior has dark leather seats but everything else is carpeted in a rich navy blue. As my eyes adjust to the dimness, I notice thousands of tiny white LED lights on the blue background. It looks like a sky full of stars. Mina crawls in to sit beside me while Max goes to sit up front with the chauffeur.
I roll down the window on the far side. "Max! What are you doing?! Get in here!" I holler at him. He leans down to look in the window. He looks happy but confused as his eyes flit to Mina's. I see her nod and he runs around to get in the back. The doors close and the world is silent. Mina hands me a remote. I push the play button and Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake comes blaring from the speakers. The tiny lights begin to pulse with color and in time with the music. I giggle excitedly. Max reaches into the mini-fridge and pulls out some sparkling cranberry-grape cider and frosted champagne flutes. He pops the top and pours two for Mina and I, handing them to us. I nod for him to partake as well. He hesitates then pours one for himself. We listen to the music and drink as the limo pulls out of the parking lot. We drive through town, a normal Thursday around lunchtime and I see the faces of everyone in their cars as they wonder who could be inside. I must admit, I've never felt so posh before. I have no idea where we are going and eagerly glance out the windows trying to guess. We don't talk as the music thrums around us, all seamlessly flowing from one poppy dance hit to another. Mina is watching me enjoy myself and Max is staying in character. Doesn't speak unless spoken to. We pull into the fairgrounds and drive towards a large building at the far end. Haynes Pavillion it reads, I wonder what Mina has cooked up. I vaguely remember coming to a hockey game here once.
The limo stops in front of the double doors and the chauffeur comes around. Another red carpet leads inside. Max hops out first, then he helps Mina. She rushes inside. Max stays to help me out and escorts me to the door. With a soft rap, two footmen open them and follow us down a hallway where a doorway is covered with a thick curtain. Max stops me and peers inside without letting me have a look. I hear a lot of rustling, some scraping and the twang of something metal. Wait, horses? Yes, I smell horses. Before I can wonder what is going on, the curtains peel slowly backward to reveal an arena. As Max leads me through the entrance, trumpeters announce my arrival. After the ditty, Max stops me to herald. "Here ye Here ye! Khaleesi has arrived." I glance around the packed arena as the crowd goes wild with cheering. Everyone is on their feet, stomping, and shouting. Max returns to my side and leads me to a large throne as the trumpeters play another round. It looks similar to the Iron Throne but instead of swords is made of tree branches. There is another smaller chair nearby for Mina, which she is languidly draped upon. Max directs me to sit and Mina springs up to quiet the crowd.
I see Max slip away as Mina waves her arms for the audience to hush. After they have, she turns to me and kneels. "My dear friend and Khaleesi, Alyx. We have assembled here today for your very own tournament of roses." She winks and takes my hand. "Six valiant knights have come to compete and show off their talents for you. Are you ready for a show?" My eyes widen in excitement and I nod. Mina stands, forcing me to my feet. "Then bring on the knights!" Six men on horseback burst from the curtain on the far side of the arena. The crowd hoots and hollers as the horses run back and forth over the sand and dirt floor in an intricate dance. I watch transfixed as each man does their own little trick in the center before lining up before me for introductions. They slide off their horses to kneel as their squires arrive.
The crowds quiet again as Mina grabs their attention. "Starting from the far right we have Sir Allen of Pennsville." As his name is called, he rises. "Wearing gold and crimson, his symbol is the mustang." His squire unfurls his flag as Mina declares his colors and emblem. The knight came to my throne extending a red tulip. I can see its Jean's boyfriend, Allen. I smile and accept the flower. He returned to his steed, flashing his cape, smiling at the audience charismatically.
"Next is Sir Everett of Copper City. Sporting the colors copper and emerald, whose symbol is the trout." He rises and extends a copper iris toward me. I notice a fish swimming down each arm of his shirt. I squint and both fish begin to ripple. Oh, wait it's not his shirt, I realize as he flexes his enormous muscles again. I can't help but be impressed. I hide my mouth as it drops into an O and I blush. I don't know this Everett personally, he is a friend of Amanda's, but he gives me a big grin and a wink before returning to his animal.
"Now we have Sir Paul of Cobalt. Displaying cobalt and silver, with an eagle as his symbol." He presents me with a white mum that is so pale it looks silver. He's a friend from my biology class and I giggle behind my burgeoning bouquet so he can't see how excited I am with all of this. He smiles warmly. An eagle is perched over his left breast, and as he turns to walk back to his horse, I see one displayed on the back of his garb.
"Next up, and I think he needs no introduction. But for those who don't know him, is Quentin of Rosebud." A unicorn is splashed across his chest. His colors are pink and teal. An odd combination but one I approve of. He stands out among the earthier tones of the other players. He dances toward me and presents me with a stone, which he quickly transforms into a tiny pink rosebud. A magician, it would seem. I smile and nod and he prances back to his horse.
"Now I introduce Sir Trevor of Moorcroft. Garnishing the colors hunter green and black with a symbol of a bear. He growls deep and ferociously before stomping toward me. He looks dangerous but is gentle as he pulls a yellow daffodil from inside his cape to present to me. He has a scar crossing over one eye and reminds me of the Hound from Game of Thrones. Scary yet tender. I wonder if Mina set this up as a sort of tribute to my love of the series. He stomps back to his steed which is by far the biggest of them all.
"Our final contestant, coming in at the far left, is one you may all know and an unexpected addition to today's tournament. Sir Maximillion of Greycliff! Wearing plum and periwinkle with a wolf as his symbol." He still wears his outfit from earlier but added a cape and a vest with the wolf etched onto the back. He looks quite distinguished as a knight. When he reaches my throne, he takes my hand and places a tender delicate kiss on it then turns it over. He places a Dendrobium orchid in my palm. One of those flowers that looks tie-dyed from deep purple to lightest blue before becoming white at the tips. It's my favorite flower of the bunch and matches my dress, but I keep that thought to myself. I shouldn't show favorites. Not yet anyway.
When he returns to his horse all the knights saddle up, their squires bearing the flags and they walk slowly towards the far curtain. Mina explains the rules. There will be several events. Archery, the rings, swordplay into hand to hand combat, and even a joust!" The audience sounds quite excited about that one. "Each knight will compete in each event and the audience will judge the winner unless of course, Khaleesi wants that honor?" Mina turns to me questioning. I shake my head no, I could never choose who should win, all the knights look determined. I want to enjoy the show. "The knight who wins the tournament of roses will have one evening with her Grace of her choosing. So, without further ado let the games begin." She roars accentuating with her hands.
I return to my seat and settle in. The knights enter the arena without their steeds. There are six bales of hay painted with a bullseye that have been set up on the opposite end. The squires are by each knights' side holding a quiver of arrows and the bows. Each feather is painted with the most prominent color of each knight. Crimson, copper, cobalt, teal, hunter green and plum. They stop about fifty meters from the targets. Then squires set up the bows and hand them to the knights. Each gets three shots to hit the target and they all hit it on the first try, all in the center ring or bullseye. The squires go retrieve the arrows while they back up another twenty-five meters and shoot again. Once again, the knights hit the target but not all are in the center ring. Sir Everett and Sir Trevor are two rings out. Then they back up to one hundred meters. Sir Trevor misses the target and his arrow bounces harmlessly on the plexiglass that's protecting the bystanders. Sir Everett skims the top of the bale and his arrow falls behind it. The other four all hit the target but only Max hits the bullseye. Quentin is so very close in the first ring. Sir Paul and Sir Allen are a little high and low.
The knights all retreat to the backroom to collect their horses while the squires collect the arrows and set up new targets in the ring. They must hit the targets while riding. I notice several that are rigged on a moving platform. One by one, each knight goes through the circle trying to hit the targets. Some stationary, some moving. Trevor manages to miss every target. He is definitely not an archer. He probably has other skills. Everett manages to hit the stationary targets but not the moving ones. Coming in fourth is Sir Paul then Sir Quentin. It's a tie between Sir Allen and Sir Max. Upon closer inspection, Allen wins because his targets are all in the bullseye while Max only made it in the first circle. The crowd cheers for them both equally though. Both knights present to me more of their signature flowers. Red tulips and Dendrobium Orchids, I'm starting to get too big of a handful to hold. One of the footmen presents me with a vase to put them in.
As the horses are ready to go, we transition to the ring catch. Multihued rings were hung from the plexiglass and are now lowered. The squires bring lances for each knight. They have to collect the rings from largest to smallest on their lances. The tiniest of rings carries a ribbon on it with something glittering at the end of it. I wonder what it could be. The same order applies. Allen catches most of the larger rings but as they get smaller, he keeps missing them and they go flying off into the sand. Sir Everett does better than he did at archery but not enough to beat Allen. Sir Paul gets about half of them and almost gets the tiny ring, but at the last second drops his lance too much and the lance bounces off. Quentin does a spectacular job. Not only does he get all the large and medium rings he even snags the tiniest of them. He drops his lance to his squire who untangles the ribbon. The other squires work to re-setup the arena for the last two knights. Once the ribbon is removed, the squire hands it back to Quentin. He slides off his horse and approaches me. "My Queen, it would give me great honor to give you this favor." He bows and hands me a sparkling metallic box. I open it to find a gorgeous necklace residing inside. A glittering flower in sapphire, amethyst, and aquamarine with a moonstone at its center. I can't accept this! I look towards Mina and she nods.
"Your agility on the horse is a wonder to behold, Sir Quentin. Thank you for this gift. I accept it and will wear it proudly." Mina takes the necklace and puts it on me. It nestles itself perfectly below my collarbone, gleaming and glittering. He nods and returns to the rest of the knights, a skip in his step. Next up is Sir Trevor and he clumsily stabs at the rings, only catching a few by mistake it seems. I hope he will make up for the poor showings in the later events. When Max is up, he does a really good job, only missing about four. But it seems the winner has already been declared when he seized the tiniest of rings with the necklace.
The squires, pageboys and horse wranglers now set up the jousting fence. I must make the decision on who will joust who. I'm not sure so I decide to pit the first two knights against each other. Its Allen vs Everett, Paul vs Quentin and Trevor vs Max. The jousts begin. The crowds scream and cheer. Everett creams Allen on the first joust. He goes flying off the back of his steed when Everett hits him. Luckily, he is quick and catches himself from getting hurt, or did Mina have a hand in that? I smile. Paul and Quentin are evenly matched, getting several hits on each other before calling it a draw. Neither can knock the other off. When it's Max's turn, I can see he is visibly nervous. Max isn't a small guy, but Trevor is still twice his size, and his horse is intimidating as well. Max gives Trevor quite a fight. Two misses and a hit by Max before Trevor manages to knock Max off his horse. I suck in a breath as Max goes flying at an odd angle. He looks like he's going to get hurt when he lands. I hear Mina whisper a little something and everything slows down so he comes to rest softly on the ground. Then everything speeds back up, puffs of sand and dirt go flying, but somehow, he's unharmed. I give Mina a grateful smile. The crowd can't seem to decide a winner of the joust and neither can I, so we decide to use the sword fighting and hand to hand combat to choose a winner.
The horses are a tad weary, so they are taken backstage to rest while the knights gear up for swordfights and combat. I get the honor of choosing the competitors. Lined up, I take a long look at my six knights. They have all competed bravely and must be tired, but we need to choose a winner, and this is the way to do it. I want the fights to be evenly matched after the jousting disaster. I pick Sir Everett against Sir Trevor. They are both big and burley so it should be a good fight. I pit Sir Paul against Sir Allen leaving Sir Quentin to fight against Max. They seem to like my decision and lean against the wall to wait for their turns.
Sir Paul and Sir Allen are up first. With the clang of steel, the fight begins. Allen is nimble and quick but doesn't seem to know how to use his sword properly. Paul stalks him like a jungle cat, trying to get in a stab here or there as he herds Allen. Once in the corner, there is no way out for Allen, and he's forced to fight. Within a few seconds, it's over. Paul has won. The crowd really likes how efficient Paul was during the fight.
Sir Everett and Trevor are next up. The swords look like tiny toothpicks in these large men's hands. With a crash, they smash their swords together. Sparks fly with every hit and I worry someone will get hurt from an errant flash. It is readily apparent that both guys don't have skill with the sword, so they toss them aside and go at each other like wrestlers. A kick here, a punch there. They are extremely violent with each other. Trevor gets Everett in a headlock and I'm ready to call it, but with a burst of strength, Everett manages to slip out. They roll around in the dirt for a little while and it's obvious there is not going to be a clear winner, so I call it a match. Both these guys are winners in hand to hand combat.
Quentin and Max head out to the center of the ring with their swords. Quentin doesn't look very happy about swordplay. Something tells me he's rather be using the swords to stab someone in a box during a magic show. He is a good sport about it and tries to attack Max. Max seems to not be trying hard to defend himself as Quentin gets more and more intense. Quentin almost gets a poke in and Max becomes suddenly serious. With a swish, a few parries and a thrust, the whole thing is done.
The crowds are clamoring for more swordplay so I ask Max if he would like to fight Paul. He agrees and both take their places. It's obvious both men have been trained in fencing as this match is more of a dance. Their movements are graceful, refined and fluid as they lunge at each other trying to get in a hit. I can see Max sweating as Paul's movements become more intense, focused and intricate. He starts trying to herd Max, but Max is wise to this move and won't let him. Instead of focusing on the pointy end, he's focusing on getting away. Paul gets in a hit as Max is twisting and the match is over. The winner of the swords is Paul.
Squires head to their knights with water and towels as they line up before me. Now is the time to officially declare the winners. For Archery, Allen and Max. In combat Trevor and Everett. Quentin won the rings and Paul won in sword fighting. I stand and a stillness ripples over the audience. "I cannot decide whom of these noble knights should win the tourney. They have all displayed great skill in one or more events. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. But who shall win? There is no clear-cut answer here. My people help me choose." A roar goes up from the audience.
When the crowd quiets Mina continues. "Looks like we have a fair and just queen that reigns. I have counted the flowers and that is not helpful either. It's up to you who should win. Let's take a vote."
Sir Trevor steps forward. His black hair matted to his skull with sweat. "Your Grace," he begins in his grizzled voice, the audience quiets once more. "I would like to remove myself from winning the competition. I was sorely in it only to gaze upon your beautiful face and for the thrill of competition." He bows waiting for my reply.
"Me too, my Queen." Announces Sir Everett stepping forward and falling to one knee.
"Me also." Sir Allen conveys with a wink before bowing.
"As have I." squeaks Sir Quentin as he gracefully glides to his knees.
"And I, as well." States Sir Paul as he bows.
Max stares at the other contestants in surprise. That only leaves him. He hesitates, trying to decide if he should join the rest. I know and Mina knows he really doesn't want to decline so she steps in to save him from the agony. "That only leaves one winner then. Sir Maximillion of Greycliff wins the tourney and a night of fun with the Queen, whenever she so chooses." The crowd goes wild with excitement. They love him. I am so happy for the kudos he's receiving. He fought well and displayed great skill. I was even impressed. I had no idea he was a fellow archer or that he could fence.
The trumpeters start trumpeting and a band picks up the tune as people begin to gather themselves. "Knights!" I call as they pick themselves up to leave. "Wait, your Queen demands it!" They stop and turn. I rush or better yet try to rush down the stairs out to the arena.
Max appears at the bottom of the row. "Khaleesi, do you need assistance?" He looks up at me. I shake my head no and make my way down to the opening. I reach it and step through. I glance back at Mina who seems to be preoccupied with the footmen and a few lords.
"Before you go, I want to thank all of you for a splendid tournament. I had no idea you were all so talented." The knights gather around me in a close circle. Getting down the stairs made me quite out of breath. I feel as though I might swoon.
"Alyx, are you alright?" Max asks, concern etched on his face. I grab him for support and am able to catch my breath.
"Yes. Quite. Thank you." I squeeze Max's arm and turn to the others.
"Sir Everett." I reach for his hand and pull him toward me. "Most impressive in the fighting ring." I give his cheek a kiss and his hand a squeeze. He nods and backs out of the rings, slowly heading toward the curtains.
"Sir Quentin, I can't believe you managed to get all the rings with hardly an effort. Thank you again for the beautiful necklace." I pull him in for a cheek kiss.
"It looks splendid on you my Queen as if it was made for you." He replies with another bow and dances backward out of the ring. He skips along, catching up with Everett and throwing his arm around the large man.
I smile and turn. "Sir Paul, what a magical sword you have. You looked as light as a feather on your feet out there. Absolutely breathtaking."
He chuckles, "Bet you never would have guessed a guy on the fast track to being a doctor could have such awesome medieval skills?!"
"Nope never!" I pull him in for a kiss. "Thanks for the amazing show." He blushes, nods and heads to the curtain.
"Sir Allen!" I say turning toward him. "Quite impressive. How come I never knew about you being an archer?"
He shrugs, "Never really came up in conversation I guess."
I laugh, shrug and pull him in for a hug. "Congratulations on finally making things official with Jean. I'm glad to see she's come around. You're a wonderful man, she's lucky to have you." I whisper in his ear. When we pull away he's grinning from ear to ear. He walks away with a little spring to his step and catches up with Paul. They start a conversation.
"Sir Trevor." I look up into dark soulful eyes. The scar doesn't mar the kindness I see there. I also see why people could be frightened by him; he looks like a bear. I'm not. I squish his cheeks together. "I bet you don't like advertising that you're just a big teddy bear, do you?" He nods. "I knew it!" I say with an air of triumph. "You've got some fight in you though. I really thought you were going to beat Everett."
"So, did I Khaleesi. He was a little quicker than me is all." He replies.
"You were still amazing. Thank you for competing for me." I pull him down to kiss his cheek, before sending him off.
Then I turn to Max. We are alone, him and I. "Impressive array of skills I never knew you had." I smirk at him trying to keep it light. "The audience loved you!" I gush. "That may have something to do with the fact you look amazing in those colors." I can't stop myself from saying. He does though. They complement his tan skin, coal hair and moonlight eyes so well. He bows his head, but I catch a glimpse of his dimple he so often likes to hide.
"You think so?!" He asks shyly.
"I know so." I respond. "You should never question what your queen says Max, you know this." I tease, punching him lightly on the arm.
"Thanks, Alyx." I hear someone clear their throat behind me and Max stiffens a little. "Um, well I've got to go change. I'll see you in a bit." He hurriedly scurries off.
