dragonprince (ex_dragonpri265) wrote in awod, @ 2010-02-18 16:50:00 |
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The lance struck a glancing blow to his shoulder. Pain, curses, his muscles reacting before he thought to adjust his seat, keep himself in the saddle, even as his own lance found its target. Rushing of the wind, his horse’s hooves striking the ground, a yell from his opponent, the crowd in the stands…
Champion. Victor. King.
Jaehaerys raised his lance to the crowd, laughing as he pulled off his helmet. The cheering was loud enolugh to drown out a battle, and it was for his victory. He turned his horse away from the crowd and cantered back to the end of the lists, where a page held the next part of the ceremony- an ornate box of silver and age-darkened wood. Within it the next crown to be offered.
The Queen of Love and Beauty was waiting in the stands.
There was little suspense on this part- he always chose one of two candidates: Aenyris or Elia. Both were in attendance though, and some in the court always wagered on which it might be. Jaehaerys took the burden from the page and rode toward the royal box, keeping his face carefully set as the ceremony was observed. He came to a halt beside the royal seats, meeting his mother’s eyes briefly. She was already annoyed with him, and her glance went from him to Aenyris. Time to make the match. Jaehaerys looked to Aenyris and away again- his cousin’s beauty was never to be doubted, nor was her intelligence. He needed her, but elsewhere.
Instead he focused on Elia, her brilliant blue eyes, dark hair shining in the sunlight, and skin that made his hand ache to touch her. He lifted the rosewood box, letting the crowd see it as he pushed the button that let the top part, revealing the coveted crown…
The flash of sunight on metal was a new twist on the ceremony. Not flowers and stems, this crown, but the most delicate silver metalwork in the shape of nature’s creations. The roses flashed with the fire of sapphires and gemstones in a thousand shades of blue.
He knew Aenyris started, and saw his mother’s hands go white as she held the arms of her chair. Jaehaerys smiled. “Elia Nymera Martell, I crown you queen… of Love and Beauty. If you will accept my tribute.”
Elia watched Jaehaerys ride toward them, a smile on her lips as she wondered the odds of the days wager. Most said it would be Aenyris- time for the king to honor his future queen. But there had never been a betrothal, only courtly gossip that had turned over the years to accepted thought and so others laid their money on Elia, even though it was rumored her sister was promising her to a Tully or a Baratheon or perhaps even a Lannister…
And then Jaehaerys revealed the crown he was offering her. Not blue winter roses twined with white, nor even Highgarden roses woven with yellow. Roses of spun silver and gemstones gleamed in the afternoon sun, dazzling her eyes, stealing her breath.
Elia forgot her sister’s presence, even Aenyris’ as she met Jaehaerys’ gaze. “I do,” she answered him, reaching out to take the crown. She didn’t blink even as Aenyris took it from her and placed it on Elia’s head.
Jaehaerys inclined his head to Elia, and turned his horse to go, but not before he caught sight of his mother- her lips set in a smile but her eyes were hard with anger. The king grinned and waved again to the crowd as he rode from the field.