Stacked with: MoM; Garden; Fire; Hang; FaB; Cluster; SoC; Shower

Individual Challenge(s): Knightly Era; New Fandom Smell; Comics; Historics; In a Flash

Representation(s): Friendship between Tony and Pepper; Tony's action of throwing glove; Ball as festivity;

Primary & Secondary Bonus Challenge(s): n/a

Tertiary & Generic Bonus Challenge(s): n/a

Word Count: 491

Anthony of House Stark knew he had been a petulant child, and he knew he was still considered by most to be a petulant adult. It wasn't his fault those around him were either stupid or unbearable (and often both). It wasn't his fault no one in this kingdom's court seemed to have a sense of humor.

But he'd promised Dowager Carter that he would try to be better now that he was of age to join the Knighthood. He was a good man at heart, she'd said, and he wanted to live up to that.

That was what made this entire debacle that much more embarrassing.

Despite the event being a masquerade of sorts, it was still clear from his hair, his posture, and his boisterous voice exactly who the man behind the royal purple mask was. He was supposed to be on his best behavior, but when that man insulted Lady Potts, he saw red. (A different red from that which made it clear who was behind her mask – there weren't many redheads in the court, and even fewer with bodies as… lovely as hers.) She was his friend to tease, his to make blush and pretend not to laugh with ribald comments, not some strange member of the court's to harass with the same.

And so that's how Anthony found himself, petulant as some may see it, throwing down a glove in front of the man and challenging him to a duel. "For the Lady's honor," he said boldly.

The man had the nerve to laugh. Laugh at him! Anthony Stark! It wouldn't do.

"Sir," said Lady Potts in a voice that told him she, like everyone else, knew precisely who he was. "This is truly unnecessary."

He ignored her, which admittedly may not have been the chivalrous thing to do. "Your glove, sir."

The man guffawed. "You can't be serious – here, at the most beautiful ball the year has seen yet?"

"Either take it off, or I will do it for you," Anthony growled just low enough for the three of them to hear, and the man reared back as though struck. "I will not have the Lady's honor besmirched by the likes of you."

"You don't even know who I am," the man hissed, and it was true.

"I know enough," Anthony replied harshly, and it was also true.

"Gentlemen," said a short, familiar man swanning up to them, "let us not spoil the festivities with unfounded aggression."

The words were pleasant enough, but Anthony heard the warning. This man was sent by his father King Howard, he was sure of it. "Far from unfounded," was all he said before offering his arm to Lady Potts.

She took it easily and he led her quickly away from the other man and towards the dance floor. "I really didn't need your help, Anthony," she murmured.

"You'll always have it anyways," he whispered back, and it was true.