Disclaimer I don't own anything related to Game of Thrones

It was Daenerys's name day. Lords and ladies across the seven kingdoms came to the capital to celebrate the princess's birth, and some at a chance for her hand. As House Stark arrived Robert was more than happy to personally greet them. Joffery and Cersei were at his side as Eddard and his family arrived near the tourney grounds.

"Your graces," Ned said as he and Caitlyn bowed their heads to the king and his family. Robb, Sansa, and Arya each also bowed to show their respect. Well at least to not be scolded by their mother. Though as they bowed Sansa couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks as she looked at Joffrey. Seeing her sister's lovestruck expression made Arya groan softly in annoyance.

Robert was silent as he looked at Ned with a hard expression. His eyes looked over the warden of the north as if about to judge him as a criminal. There was a bit of tension in the air until he spoke.

"You've got fat."

Everyone glanced at each other in silent confusion. Even Ned arched his brow looking down at himself before gesturing his eyes up at Robert as if to say. "You are one to talk." After a brief silence, Robert chuckled before both men burst out into laughter as they embraced, the tension vanishing away.

Once Robert let go of Ned, he turned to Caitlyn and hugged her as well.

"Cat."

"Your grace," she smiled giving the king a half hug before he pulled away.

"Nine years…" Robert said almost nostalgically as he smiled at Ned. "Why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been?"

"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace. Winterfell is yours," Ned answered proudly.

"Who have we here?" Robert said as he walked over to Robb first. He looked over the strapping young man. "You must be Robb," he said as Robb nodded in response. "My, you're a pretty one," Robert said looking at the red-haired young girl. Then Roberts's eyes land on the youngest of the children. "Your name is?"

"Arya," she answered but as she did Robert looked at Ned confused. "I swore you had two more… or did I imagine them?" he said glancing around in case he had missed them.

"Bran and Rickon," Ned said before Caitlyn stiffened at the mention of her sons. "There was an accident with Bran and his horse. His leg was broken so he was unable to attend," Ned answered. "Rickon stayed behind along with Theon."

"Ah that Greyjoy ward of yours," Robert said before turning his gaze back to Robb. "Speaking of I suppose you'll be competing in the tourney for my ward's hand?" Robert asks as Robb straightens himself.

"Yes, your grace I will be competing."

"That's a good lad and best of luck to ya," Robert said patting the young wolf's shoulder. Though the mention of him competing for Daenerys made Cersei uneasy. "How about we head to our seats as the tourney gets underway?" Cersei said forcing a smile as Robert agreed with open arms. He was ready to escort his dear friends and their family to the tourney grounds.

Jon groaned as his squire Samwell helped him dawn his armor. Each piece weighed down on him. Each strap that was tightened made Jon feel like he was suffocating. Each second that passed made him feel hopeless. Jon was about to enter his first tourney. He was gonna face knights with years of experience, years of fighting on the field not just in sparing rings. "Jon, stop shaking I'm almost done," Sam said as he has never seen his friend look so nervous.

"Sorry Sam," Jon said as his throat felt dry. "Could you get me some water?" he asked as he shift and moved his body around getting a feel for the armor and his ability to move in it.

"Course," Sam said as he finished the final strap before bringing over a goblet of water. Jon gladly took it and nearly gulped down the whole thing with one swig. "I've never seen you so nervous before. You are starting to act like me."

"Sam..."

"I know I know, but I don't get why are you so nervous," Sam said taking the goblet when Jon was finished drinking he refilling the cup. "I mean you have the legendary Ser Barristan Selmy the Bold as your sword and jousting instructor," Sam said in awe as he's read so much about the knight. "He literally, is one of the greatest swordsmen that have ever lived. If he thinks you are ready then you are."

Jon knew Sam was trying to put his mind at ease but it wasn't helping. He just felt it like more expectations on his shoulder. Soon Jon's thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of trumpets and Jon knew it was time. "Sam it's time," Jon said his heart racing as he put on his helmet and stepped out into the light.

Daenerys watched in the royal box as knights of many different houses each professed their desire for her hand asking for her blessing and favor. Daenerys did he best to smile and wave to them wishing them luck though she didn't mean it. "Loras from house Tyrell is pretty handsome," Myrcella said looking out to the knight as many girls fawned over him.

"Then why don't you marry him?" Daenerys said nudging the girl's side teasingly.

Myrcella chuckled. "I'm just saying it wouldn't be so bad if he won," she shrugged as she leaned over looking at the passing knights.

Daenerys just grew a bit silent at that as she folded her hands in front of her. She picked at some loose threads along her skirt. She doing anything to try and occupy her mind. "Mother, where is Jon? I don't see him," Myrcella's words caught Daenerys attention as she lifted her head.

Cersei took her seat next to the girls rather than near Robert, he's gotten increasingly more drunk as each minute passes. "He... is competing later. Your father is having him compete in the exhibition matches," Cersei explained. Robert didn't want Jon to compete in the real main event for obvious reasons, but also he didn't want the embarrassment of seeing his son lose and getting knocked off his horse. He much preferred to have the matches rigged in his son's favor.

Myrcella nodded her head as she leaned over the railing resting on her forearm. While Daenerys returned to looking down at the hem of her dress uninterested in the knights competing for her. Soon the trumpets were blown again as the knights came filing over to the main podium. Many were knights who represented many great houses, while some were lords themselves, and a few were nobodies who scraped up the coin to buy armor and horse and call themselves worthy to duel.

"I've been sitting here for days! start the damn joust before I piss myself!" Robert roared as he downed his horn of wine. Many voices cheered at that but others silently sighed in embarrassment for the king. One of whowas Cersei. She had a huge urge to leave right there, but she didn't move, she needed to be there for her son and daughter.

The first match was with Ser Loras of the Reach. The beautiful knight of the flowers as he is known. He rode out in gleaming armor that would most likely blind most that saw it. He rode out in front of the podium on his white mare tossing a rose to Daenerys. She caught the rose mostly on instinct but held it in her hand as he bowed his head in her direction.

The next knight to arrive, no one knew who he was. His armor was a tarnished steel, a dull grey with no shine easily contrasting Ser Loras's. His shield bore no sigil or House it was just the same grey as his armor. When he did approach the podium with Loras he did not remove his helmet. He simply bowed his head.

"Yes yes, enough of the bloody pomp. Have at it," Robert said gruffly wanting to get on with the jousting already.

Both knights then bowed their heads to each other. Loras gave a confident smirk as he raced off on his white mare while the other knight trotted off on his black steed. Both got in position as attendants brought over their lances.

Trumpets blare out and the tourney begins.

Both knights snap their reins and begin to charge at one another. Their horses neighed and heaved as they dashed at full speed. The two knights braced their shields and raised their lances. Hearts pounding matching the hooves of their horses beating across the field.

"BOOM!" both lances exploded erupting into a shower of wood and splinters. Neither knight managed to unhorse the other. They both raced down to the other ends of the track as they are handed new lances to try again.

The crowd erupted in cheers and woos as the two knights barely knocked each other off. The clash finally drew Daenerys's attention if only out of curiosity. She watched as the two knights raced at each other again. Lances pulled tight to their chests and shields braced for impact.

"BOOM!" the audience went silent as the two knights clashed. Lances shattered in their hands as shields buckled on impact. The knights were thrashed back on their saddles, but only one knight managed to hold on. Loras the knight of the flower was thrown off his horse. His gleaming shining armor was caked with mud as he crashed onto the floor while his horse raced passed him.

Everyone watched in stunned silence. The famous tourney knight took down by a nobody, an unknown knight from an unknown house. But soon that stunned silence erupted into thunderous cheers. Cheers to that mysterious horseman.

Loras groaned as he tried to get himself to his feet, struggling with the slick wet mud. After shrugging off his helmet he looked up to try and get his bearing. He was then surprised to see a hand being offered to him. The tarnished knight had galloped back to his side and dismounted to help him to his feet.

Loras raised his brow looking to the hand and then to the knight that offered it to him. Loras then let out a soft chuckle and gave a grateful smile. He then took the hand and rose to his feet. "Good show. Maybe after this, we should get a drink together," Loras smiled patting the knight's back. He then took the knight's wrist and lifted it in the air for the cheering crowd.

Daenerys looked at the knight with a curious gaze. She watched as he and Ser Loras shook hands before departing. The knight took the reins of his horse and walked it back to his tent. As he got closer she caught a glimpse of Samwell jogging out into view, taking the horse's reins from the knight. Once she saw that a smile grew on her lips. "Good luck Jon," she whispered to herself as her heart fluttered knowing who her knight in dull armor truly was.

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