For Klee_bridgerton_

They were not back to guarding her awful nephew. (Y/n) standing in front of her sister, as Ser Cole, Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk looked at her. Cole stood by the queen's side, like the faithful hound, he was. The younger Hightower never able to understand why the man, that was the son of the steward of Blackhaven, had changed so much since he had first taken the cloak. (Y/n) able to recall a time when he had served princess Rhaenyra, that he had seemed so nice, so sweet; but since coming to serve her sister, the lady had found him to be anything but. Though in truth, Alicent was anything but nice, too. (Y/n) often missing the Alicent of old. The Alicent that would carry her to the gardens, so that they could spend time with Rhaenyra. But her concerns were not with the Marcher, nor her sister; they were with the twins that stood there waiting for her to answer the queen.

"As much as I appreciate it, your grace, as I have told you and our father on more than one occasion, I have no need for a bodyguard; let alone two of them. I have nothing against Ser Arryk or Ser Erryk; it is just that I am sure that they would serve better watching over my nephews or Helaena and the children. The Seven only know that she needs someone to watch over her, far more than I do............."

"This is not a negotiation.........." Alicent interrupted, harshly slapping her hand on the arm of her chair, before she stood up and made her way over to where (Y/n) stood.

"Father and I have agreed that it is more than time that you should be wed. And Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk are to watch over you, until a suitable husband is found. We do not wish for anything to happen to you (Y/n). You are a Hightower, the daughter of the Hand and good sister of the king, and therefore certain things are expected of you, which means there will be no more trips into the city. Which means you will be spending more time at court, and you will also dress like a lady................"

"So, you wish to ruin my life, like father ruined yours. You wish to make me as miserable as you are............"

"Watch how you speak to the queen.........." Cole interrupted, as he stepped forward. His hand moving to the hilt of his sword. (Y/n) turning from her sister to glare at the Kingsguard. Her own hand creeping to the blade that was in her pocket, as she moved to stand in front of the knight.

"And you watch how you speak to me, Cole. You are nothing but the son of a steward, remember that. I am a Hightower, a woman of noble birth. Though that does not mean that I will not make you regret it, if I see the glint of your blade. I am not scared of you or your reputation. Your voice is not required in this matter, and you should not forget that you are little more than a servant in a fancy cloak.............." The lady hissed, through gritted teeth. (Y/n) not normally one to speak to others in such a fashion, not one to look down on others for their status in life; but the way that he had just spoken to her. The way that he had presumed that he had a voice when it came to her. (Y/n) looking to her sides, as she felt something come up behind her. The lady shocked to see Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk standing with her, their own hands on the hilts of their swords.

"That is enough. All of you." Alicent shouted, as she moved in between Cole and her sister.

"I wish to do nothing more than protect you, sister. But as women, we must all sooner or later accept our fate........." The queen continued. (Y/n) moving away as Alicent went to place her hand on her sister's cheek. The younger Hightower making her way to the doors of the queen's rooms.

"Well.......are you two coming or not?" She asked, as she looked at the two Cargylls. Erryk and Arryk turning their attention to the queen, who simply nodded in reply. The twins following (Y/n) as she made her way out of the room.

                                                         >>----------------------------------<<

(Y/n) paced the floor of her room. The twins watching as she muttered to herself. Marriage, that was the last thing she wanted; to be the properly of some awful lord. Oh gods, what if it was one of the Lannisters. The lady stopping as she had an even worse thought; what if her sister and father chose Larys Strong. (Y/n) sure that she would rather throw herself from the highest tower of the Red Keep than suffer that fate. Not blind to what an awful creature he truly was.

"My lady.............." A voice came. (Y/n) stopping her pacing and looking over to where Erryk and Arryk stood, watching her.

"I am sorry............."

"My lady..............." Erryk enquired. The knights a little confused as to why she would be apologising.

"What I said about Ser Cole.........I didn't not mean any of that when it came to you two. You are the sons of a noble House. Both as loyal and brave as the Lord Commander. I do not see you as servants; Cole just angered me. I spoke without thinking of you, either of you. You have my apologies for that........" The lady explained, before she made her way over to the two men.

"And, as it would appear that we are stuck with one another until a suitable..........hopefully suitable suitor can be found for my hand; I would very much like it if instead of seeing you as my guards, I could see you as my friends........." (Y/n) added, holding out both of her hands for the twins to take. Erryk and Arryk looking to one another for a moment, before accepting the gesture. The lady smiling, and then going to grab her cloak and then heading for the door.

"My lady, where are you going............?"

"Into the city, Ser Arryk................."

"But the queen's orders................"

"Where is your sense of adventure, Ser Erryk? I have always found that rules are made to be broken. So, as my friends you can either join me, or stay here..........." (Y/n) smiled, as she opened the door. Chuckling as she was sure that she could hear the two men sigh, before they followed after her.