The Lannisters camp was bathed in crimson and gold with their flag mounted at the top of the tent as the afternoon sun was starting to set. The lions sharply stitched to the opening flap as Cellese's hand hesitated to open it. Reluctantly she took a breath and entered. Welcomed to the smell of roasted meats and spiced wine that hung heavy in the air. The tent was littered in maidens, knights and retainers that moved in a haze of laughter.

When Cellese entered, a hush fell over the crowd.

Her grown a deep black with red rubies embroider to emulate dragon scales. The two headed dragon necklace on her neck, now weighed heavy on her surrounded by her house colors. Her Targaryen attire a stark defiance to the Lannister loyalists. Several men turned their heads to stare at her.

Few of them laughed.

Tybolt Lannister was lounged against the long table that was littered in cup and empty bottles. His boots propped on a bench while a handful of young ladies crowded around him. The moment his eyes caught his sisters, his smile twisted.

"Well, isn't this a surprise!" He exclaimed drawing more attention to Cellese "Look what the dragon has dragged back."

"Tybolt." Cellese stood across from him, her chin lifted slightly.

Tybolts' gaze slid over her dress "Gods Cellese" he scoffed "You come crawling back to our camp dressed like that? Have you already forgotten the colors you were born into or has marriage made you even more simpler than you were as a child?"

One of the knight near Tybolt leaned forwards, a giggling lady on his arm as his eyes raked over Cellese's figure "That her then?" he turned to Tybolt "She's a beauty I'll give her that. Well, as pretty as the dragon prince's wife can be." His eyes looked Cellese straight in the eye "Is it true then princess? The prince's little barren lioness is what stokes his fire?"

Laughter broke out around the table. Another drunkenly leaned over Tybolt, his face red from ale and laughter as he wickedly grinned to Cellese "Ay, I heard the same Tybolt. Married all this time and not a babe to show for it. Poor prince must have a cursed cock!"

Cellese stood still, too still as the words hung in the air as Cellese felt swallowed by the humiliation.

Their drunken mockery engulfed the Lannister camp as Tybolt wiped a tear from his eye, his face cramping from his sharp grin "Well, is it true then baby sister?" he slurred pointing a dagger at Cellese in his wobbling hand "I mean all the finery and pomp, and nothing coming out of the tube? Seems like prince Aerion Targaryen married into a dry cavern, am I right lads?!" Tybolt bellowed.

Though no one joined in their laughter. Now the realization struck. The immediate silence defeating as the patrons looked amongst each other, hushed whispered as they leered to Cellese. Because she was not Cellese Lannister, the spoilt and tyrannical baby sister to Tybolt Lannister. She was Cellese Targaryen, wife to prince Brightflame. The Mad prince.

"Gods, even a man grown you still need everyone to laugh with you to make you feel loved." Cellese's eyes narrowed, her hands clenched at her sides "Guards." she called, her tone sharp and commanding. As two guards stepping in from the rear of the tent. Their armors clinking softly

"You see I was hoping to find better company in father or Gerald. Instead I find myself insult..." she paused "Actually the prince and I accused from a man who wet the bed until he was twelve." She stared across the table to her brother as the ladies on his arm withdrew.

"M'lady..." the girl behind Tybolt cowered "We never meant offense, we just..."

"Just what?" Cellese snapped "Figured you'd mock me? No doubt all you've heard is how Tybolt is the exonerated son who suffered in my shadows. His endless complaints of his cunt of a sister. Is that right?" her gaze on the trembling girls as their eyes lower to their feet "You realize what it means to throw vile insults and accusations at the crown? At me?" she looked back at her brother

"Cellese, don't be a cunt." Tybolt scoffed raising to his feet "I have no mood for one of your tantrums all because I won't lick your arse."

"And you won't have to." Cellese nodded "Seize him." She ordered, nodding to the the knight behind Tybolt. Tybolt's eyes widened, his eyes blinking through the wine as he felt a heavy hand on his collar slamming his face down onto the table

"What in Seven Hells are you doing?!" he roared "You spoiled cunt! Fucking let me go!"

Though his sisters gaze did not waver hesitation. As Tybolt trembled with his face smashed against woods cutting splinters into his cheek, he looked back at Cellese and saw only his fathers eyes.

His father who adored Cellese and called them their blessing, while he the eldest son was considered lucky to be born. When he felt the tighten grip around his throat he knew Cellese would not hesitate to kill him there, and no doubt her husband would see no fault in it.

"Cellese..." Tybolt grunted "I swear! You think you can walk into my fucking camp dressed like one of them and command my guests around?!

"And did you expect to go without punishment for insulting me?" She tilted her head to the side, a broad smile on her face as she could see the tears in Tybolts face "Had it ever occurred to you to show me kindness, just this once?"

"Fuck your kindness, you hateful bitch!" Tybolt screamed as he felt his arm twisted behind his back.

Cellese stepped forward, slightly bending down to glare back at him "I think that respect is owed where insults are given, don't you brother? Perhaps you should learn the difference between loyalty and tolerance. Especially towards your favorite sister."

"You're my only sister, you cow!"

"Enough of you." Cellese raised as she looked back at the guards "Cut out his tongue."

The command echoed through the tent. It was impossible to digest. A collection of gasps swept across the crowds. Drunken men froze mid step, their cups rattled on the tables as the shock was enough to sober any man. The fire seemed burn through them all as whispers spread. Some ladies clutching their chests, as the ladies around Tybolt fell to their knees.

"Cellese...no!" Tybolt's voice cracked, desperate and stumbling over his words "Please...please Cellese! I- I was only joking! You can't, please!" Tybolt fell into a plead, his legs trembling as tears fell down his cheeks.

Though it was the eyes of the guards that snapped Cellese's focus on her crying brother. Their heads lowered, sharing glances to one another. Their eyes widened at the sight of Tybolts legs, as a wet stain spread down to the front of his red trousers.

"Your grace..." the guard looked back at Cellese "I uh..."

"What is it?"

"It seems, my lord has pissed himself." he informed her. Cellese's eyes widened as she rushed to the turn of the table.

"Cellese! Please! I beg you!" Tybolt cried out, his voice a mix of terror and shame.

Her eyes looking down at the puddle underneath Tybolts boots. Her lips turned into a sly and satisfied smirk "You see, dear brother words have consequences." she stepped back, her arms folded as she nodded for the guards to let her brother. As Tybolt cowered collecting himself Cellese smile broadened "Make sure Gerald and father know I am looking for them." she winked before exiting out of the tent.

When Cellese exited the camp, the camp turned into a chaotic frenzy at Tybolt's expense. Though this time no one laughed.

The noise of the camps continued to bellow through Ashford as Cellese wandered. After leaving the Lannisters tents, she decided not to return to the Targaryen pavilions. No doubt, it would have reached everyone's ear about what she'd done to her brother. And no doubt a lecture would be ready either at the hands of Maekar or worse Aerion.

Maekar would discipline her in conducting herself towards the common folk. That it is her duty as lady of their house to set an example and not pick bar fights with drunken men, or worse threaten to commit kinslay. Cellese knew she'd much prefer that over Aerion. Where as her husband would rant and rave about her not taking Tybolts tongue. How cowardly and weak she has made him look by not serving a justified punishment to Tybolt.

Given the latter, she opted to drift through the camps instead.

Aerion made due in scaring anyone away from her. Even the crudest of men would think twice before hurling a call on her. Everyone knew the temper Aerion had. After all, he was not called Brightflame for nothing. And as cruel as it was, the extent of his violence was never more heightened than when it came to Cellese Lannister.

She was his, and his alone. In the first moons of their marriage many have died for so much as looking below her head. So it was reasonable for Cellese to believe she'd be safe to wander the grounds, though she had no doubt Aerions personal guards would keep a safe distance from her.

Merchants shouted over each other, selling their roasts and cakes with skewers dripped in grease. Normally, Cellese had a more refined palette and wouldn't dare look at a dish smothered in butter. But she found her stomach growling, as she passed along buying the sweetest of savory treats and meats she could find. She was starving, and was far too lazy to make the journey back to Lord Ashfords castle.

Cellese passed along the musicians that played near the ale tents with knights swaggering through into the dirt and grass. Laughing loudly with their squires trailing behind them. She stopped the ale tent, and then another.

And then another until her arms were full. A paper wrapped around roasted almonds. A loaf of honey bread, two meat pies still warm under her arm. With one vendor gawking at her in astonishment.

"M'lady, that's quite a lot." Cellese blinked down in the food of her basket, another purchase she perhaps paid too much for.

"Yes, I suppose it is." Cellese admitted "But then again I'm hungry, and paying you too much for all of this. I wouldn't complain about good business, ser. Wouldn't you agree?"

The merchant laughed as he handed her another wrapped parcel. Cellese looked to her side, usually Anya should have been with her but her lady in waiting abandoned her earlier in the day when she spotted her brother. Promising it would only be for a moment, though given Lyonel's drunken laughter she granted Anya the familial reunion.

Better Anya enjoy reuniting with her brother than her.

Cellese continued to pass the noble pavilions, passing the hedge knights and their patched tents until the smoke of the campfires curled to her back. Eventually Cellese found an open meadow with tall grass brushing over her skirts.

And then she saw them. Three horses near the edge of the meadow. A large chestnut warhorse, a sturdy mare and another tethered nearby. Cellese slowed in her steps, a figure stood in short distance of them.

His back half turned from her, the man pulled a clean tunic over his head. Clearly in the middle of dressing after bathing. When he turned he, both Cellese and the man turned.

"Oh!" the man spun around, startled as he nearly lost his balance pulling his shirt down. His face turned a deep shade of red when he caught Cellese's eye on him "My lady!" Ser Duncan blurted, grabbing the edge of his tunic "I- I um... I beg your pardon." he stammered "I did not mean to...I mean I wasn't expecting a lady like yourself to be here." his voice cracked as he lunged forward, bowing in respect.

Cellese's head tilted slight, studying the tall man. As she'd last seen him, the tall hedge knight with an open and honest face and broad shoulders that caught her eyes too quickly. "You may rise, Ser Duncan."

The hedge knight slowly rose to his feet, deeply mortified in the sight the princess had caught him. Ser Duncan cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly flustered "I mean no offense, my lady." he excused "I just thought I was far enough from the camps that no one would...well..."

"Please, the fault is mine." she said "I wandered farther than intended ser." Cellese stepped closer.

Ser Duncan straightened his back, suddenly too aware of how disheveled he must look to the princess. His hair was damp and stuck to his temples and the laces at his collar hung loose. Though Cellese's eyes moved over him with careful curiosity.

He was enormous. Taller than any knight she had ever seen. And the tunic did very little to hide his muscles no doubt from labors the man had endured. Worse for Cellese, she noticed how painfully handsome he was in a rougher, honest way. More than the refined beauty of the Targaryen men.

"Have you managed to make the lists?"

Duncan blinked "Wh..the lists?" he scratched the back of his head. Still stunned the princess was even speaking to him, when he caught her furrowed brows and teasing smile he realized "Oh, I. No, my lady not yet. I was hoping to find a lord who would vouch for the man I squired but I've had no luck." Ser Duncan replied, looking faintly embarrassed.

Cellese hummed softly "I figured as much given the day you must have had."

"Princess?"

"Well, it's just the rumors." Cellese said "Many about a very large half man wandering through the camps today."

Duncan's eyebrows shot up in alarm "Half?!" he quickly stopped himself "Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to raise my voice at you."

Ser Duncan despite his stature seemed to be a man unsure of himself. The large knight held barely had it in him to look her in the eye. It amused Cellese, more than it should have. Granted she was used to having men terrified of looking her in the eye, but that was because of Aerion. Not because her beauty, in fact it had been years since she flustered a boy by being just Cellese Lannister.

And even then, if there were men that risked to leer or boast at her, or even try to impress her it hardly left a good impression. But for some reason the hedge knights stare felt different. In fact he seemed determined to turn his eye away from her.

"If I may ask, why must you ask for a lord favor at all?" she asked "Surely the tourney will allow a knight such as yourself to ride, even if you're not highborn."

"Well yes, my lady." Duncan paused as he willed himself to look the princess in the eye "It's just that sometimes having the backing of a high lord will count in a hedge knights favor. Sort of adds to the worth of letting one ride."

Cellese hummed thoughtfully "I take it this is your first tourney?" she asked. Cellese nodded her head as she turned on her heel accompanied by Ser Duncan to the three horses. Her hand reached the nearest.

Cellese's fingers slid along the horses neck, smoothing the coarse hair with ease "Who's this beauty?" she cooed as the horse nestled against her cheek

"That's Sweetfoot." Ser Duncan replied "She's a mare palfrey. She's seen me across many roads, princess. You'll find her to me be more calmer than the other two, Thunder and Chestnut."

"They're all so beautiful. It's clear they're taken care of with love." Cellese noted as her hand glided over its mane.

"I suppose so. They've seen me go from a boy to man." Ser Duncan shifted slightly "It's actually my first travel with them without my knight, princess."

Cellese glanced over her shoulder "Oh, you were sworn to someone?"

"Ser Arlen of Pennytree." Duncan answered softly. Cellese turned back towards him with wide eyes.

"And where is this ser Arlan now? Has he abandoned you? That would be dishonorable of a knight to do."

Ser Duncan's expression softened, though Cellese could see a sadness in his eyes too "He passed. On the road, princess. And believe me, he was most honorable. When he died, he knighted me first."

"You were knighted by a dying man?"

"Yes, princess."

Cellese studied him with him, the nervous twitch in his hand "And yet you still ride his horses, and carry his shield? He must have meant a great deal to you. And clear to say trusted you."

"I hope so." Duncan shifted in his weight against, his hand twiddling with the rope around his waist. For a moment neither spoke as the golden light stretched over the grass. Duncan found himself watching Cellese carefully.

The dark black and red of her grown that stirred in the wind softly, the dragon scales over her chest and waist. Her hair that gleamed against the cascading sunlight. She was more than just a beautiful lady, she was a princess. And yet, there was an ease to her. As though she didn't see him as below her ranking. Given where she stood, she had to. Duncan figured.

"Princess, forgive me if this is rude but..." Ser Duncan paused before continuing "Why are you so far from the camps?" It didn't seem like the hedge knight was fishing for a gossip. To Cellese it seemed like a genuine question, with no malice or suspicion. Because to him, a woman like Cellese Lannister did not belong in a meadow across from a lowly hedge knight.

A soft smile reached into the corners of her lips as she felt a flush wash over cheeks "I needed to clear my head." her smile softened as she continued to pet the horse "Ever since I was a child, whenever I was upset nothing would calm me except sweets. My father used to say the quickest way to comfort me was to give me honey cakes."

Ser Duncan listened quietly, leaning against Thunder. He quickly glanced cautiously towards the impressive collection of food she was carrying. More than he'd ever been able to afford "Princess?"

"Yes?"

"Were you upset today?" his eyes flickered towards the weaved basked in her hand before looking away. Worried the question might be too improper.

For a moment Cellese's gaze softened, a quiet laugh came from her mouth "Was it that obvious? Though given how tight my corset feels, I would say my eyes seemed larger than my stomach."

Ser Duncan chuckled soft.

"I think I may have bought enough to feed a small army." she said dryly "And no doubt my husband will complain about it. He prefers me to have a refined appetite."

"Well, I'll admit." Ser Duncan said with a sheepish grin "I've never seen a lady with such a mighty appetite."

Cellese's eyes sparkled with amusement "I am the youngest of three Ser Duncan. Growing up I made everything a competition. My soul mission was to beat my brothers in everything."

"Everything?" Ser Duncan's brows lifted

"Everything." Cellese's smile widened "Running, riding, climbing and especially stealing from the kitchens. Once I made my brothers stomachs ill for a week from daring them to eat three plates of hot pies."

Ser Duncan laughed, the sound warm and deep "I imagine your brothers regretted that."

"Too many times." Cellese caught Ser Duncan's eye back on the food again before looking back at her. Cellese's smile turned knowingly as she could imagine a hedge knight living so far from the camps, perhaps didn't have the expenses she did to buy out a merchants table "I will say, it would be a shame to waste it all simply because I am full."

Ser Duncan hesitated, only for a moment "Princess, I couldn't..."

"Did I say anything?" she teased "I don't think I did."

"My lady, kind as you are I..." Ser Duncan said quickly, shaking his head "It would be unbecoming of me to take from you."

Cellese raised her brow "No, it wouldn't. Not if it's my gift for you."

"Gift?"

"For being perhaps the only one here who has managed not to test my temper, Ser Duncan." she said plainly.

Ser Duncan shifted uncomfortably "Still, it doesn't feel right. You're a princess, you bought it for yourself because you were so upset. It feels greedy to take advantage of you."

"Take adva-" Cellese nearly choked on her laugh. She looked down at the basket "Believe me, you are perhaps the last person here who would aim to take advantage of me. Besides, I never planned on buying this much and not finishing it. Ask anyone who knows me, it's an honor if I manage to share a piece of bread at all, especially if I had my wine."

She lifted the basket to Ser Duncan "Please, Ser Duncan. You would be doing me a service. I have eaten enough to remain full until the morrow. If I carry this back to the camp, it will only go untouched and that would be a waste."

Ser Duncan still looked hesitant.

"Please, take it. It's already weighing heavy on my arms." After a while, Ser Duncan finally accepted the basket. Though he took it carefully almost too scared to feel Cellese's fingers brush against his. The weight of it made his eyes widen

"Princess..." he said quietly, clearly surprised "This is too kind of you." His gaze filled with gratitude and kindness "My squire will appreciate this as well."

Cellese blinked, half surprised "You have a squire?"

"Ay, princess."

"Well, where is he?" She asked glancing around the quiet meadow "Or have you hidden him away?"

"Hardly if I even could." Ser Duncan gave a tiny grin "He's probably with the puppeteers again. He's just a boy, who followed me on the way to Ashford. He doesn't have much so I've decided to take him in."

"That's very kind of you, Ser Duncan." Cellese replied "I must say is it not dangerous for you to have a squire wondering around. What if you need his assistance and he's with these..."

"Well, should I ever need to find him I know where to look." Ser Duncan nodded towards the distant camp where faint sounds of music and laughter drifted on "There's a few performing near the outer tents. The boy's fond of them."

"And you left him there alone?"

"I didn't exactly leave him." Ser Duncan answered defensively, though he could see from the ease in her face it wasn't an accusation "Not as much as he wandered off on his own."

"Well than that makes him a lousy squire at best. What sort of squire abandons his knight for puppets?"

Ser Duncan chuckles "A small one."

"How young is this boy?" Cellese chuckled "You make him sound like a green."

"I suppose he is." Ser Duncan admitted "But I wouldn't let his size defeat the wander. He's dangerously stubborn." he adjusted the basket in his arms, still amazed by the generosity of the princess "His name is Egg."

"Well, Ser Duncan." Cellese said thoughtfully "If by tomorrow you still struggle to make the lists come find me."

"Princess?" Duncan blinked in confusion

Cellese brushed a stray of hair from her face as she looked back the startled hedge knight "And before you get to decline my offer, see it as a command. I will see that my father gives you his favor. With his sword, no stewards will have a choice but to let you ride."

For a moment Duncan, simply stared at her. Completely stunned "Princess, that's not..." he began quickly, shaking his head "That's not necessary. I wouldn't want you to make the effort for someone like me."

"Someone like you?"

"I-" Ser Duncan shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of imposing so much onto someone of her station "You've already been more generous than I deserve." he hesitated again "If you don't mind me asking, princess...but why?"

"Why what?" Cellese's brows lifted

"Why are you being so kind to me?" Ser Duncan wondered, as he looked back at her earnestly.

"Is it so uncommon for me to want to help you?" But given Ser Duncan's silence, Cellese understood that kindness was a rarity he experiences. True, genuine kindness that did not expect a debt to be paid "I don't know." she shrugged.

"You do not carry yourself like a man desperate to impress me, or need my approval. Believe me, I've met many knights. Men with gold armor, titles and far too much pride." Her eyes fixed on Ser Duncan as she steps closer, a gentle hand on his arm.

"But you have something far rarer than all of them. You have the makings of a true and honest knight."

Ser Duncan felt his throat dry. Unable to even form a sentence before answering. Her words seemed to hit him harder, much more than she could have anticipated. He lowered his gaze, unsure on how to respond to praise "Princess..." he said softly "I don't know what to say."

"So say nothing." Cellese smiled gently "Kindness is a rarity I ever give to any man. So please, prove to me that I am right about you Ser Duncan the tall."

Cellese's hand was still on his arm. The touch so gentle, barely moving from the brush of her fingers against the rough fabric of his sleeve. Ser Duncan swore his knees threaten to buckle under his weight. The color in his face deepened immediately as he felt it spread from his neck to the tip of his ears.

Cellese seemed to notice as a wave of amusement and mischief waved over her smile "You'll do well this tourney, Ser Duncan. Rest well, and don't hesitate to come find me tomorrow." She bid to him taking a few steps back through the grass as she continued to follow on the route that led her to the meadow.

But Ser Duncan remained standing long after she was gone.

The sounds of the camps still carried through the evening as cheers from the lists, laughter and distant music could be heard inside Cellese's chambers.

Inside, steam curled softly against the large copper bath where Cellese rested. Half submerged in the warm water as her head leaned back against the rim, damp strands clung to her neck and shoulders. The warmth had made her heavy with sleep. That and between the long afternoon she had wandering the camps and the absurd amount of food she had eaten, it was a challenge not to fall asleep in the bathtub.

Her stomach was still pleasantly full, as she felt almost giddy at the thought of her bed waiting for her. Her eyes closes when she heard the chamber doors opened. The sound of heavy boots crossed the room. Cellese opened one eye, and in the doorway stood Aerion.

He looked as he always did when returning from festivities. Sharp eyed, restless and too much energy for her to deal with. His gaze fell on her lounging in the bath. His brows furrowed as the tranquility Cellese surrounded herself with.

"You're still in there?"

Cellese closed her eyes again, too tired to muster the courage for him "Mmm" she sighed deeper into the water. Aerion stepped closer, his arms folded across his chest.

"The feasts have begin." he said "And you were expected."

Cellese let out a slow breath "I didn't feel like going. I had a long day." her words were soft, almost lazy. Though Aerion's expression only hardened.

"You didn't feel like it?" he spat. His tone made the quiet room now tense.

"Yes." Cellese opened her eye turning her head to look at her husband "No excuses, no lies. I just didn't feel like going."

"So you stay behind." Aerion said slowly, taking a careful step around the bathtub as he looked down on her "Without my permission?"

"There it is." Cellese groaned as she straightened herself, her chest fully exposed to the cold air as wiped the steaming water from her cheeks. As she looked at her husband, there stood the familiar spark of irritation in his eyes.

One that normally lit the fuse between them, but that night even she was too exhausted to ignite.

Her voice calm as she looked back at him "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to bathe. Do you also want permission from me if I wipe my arse when I take a shit?"

"What a foolish question to ask." Aerion replied "You know you require my permission to stay behind. To defy me in front of court, after what you've done today? Reckless even for you." He muttered stepping closer to the bath, taking a seat on the rims.

"What have I done now?" Cellese blinked slowly, tracing patterns on her thing as she looked up to him "What have I done now to make you so angry?"

Aerion's jaw tightened "The attack on Tybolt Lannister."

Cellese let out a humorless laugh, letting her head tilt back against the bath "Oh, that." she said lightly.

"You made a fool of yourself." he said firmly "And to someone like him of all people."

"I refuse to apologize, no matter what your father and mine expect of you to get from me." Cellese shook her head, a smile tugged at her lips, but her eyes remained distant "I won't pity him. My brother deserved the humiliation after challenging me."

"Why?" Aerion's brows furrowed, frustration and disbelief on his face. Even after two years of marriage, his body still couldn't decide if he found Cellese's stubborn nature attractive or a pain.

"I...." Cellese turned her gaze lazily over him "I am not telling you. I can't."

"Cellese." Aerion warned her, inching closer to her "Tell me why."

But she remained silent, letting the warmth of the water hold her as she closed her eyes briefly. But Aerion, being what he was wouldn't let it go. He leaned towards her as the silence stretched uncomfortably between them. When Cellese's eyes fluttered open, he caught a glimmer of a tear forming in the corner of her eye.

The only sign of her composure cracking.

"Answer me." he said softly, a final and low warning in his words "Don't even think of lying because I can see it in your eyes."

Cellese's lips pressed together, but a soft quiver betrayed her calmness "If you knew..." she spoke. Her voice quiet and shaking heavy with resentment "What he had done, what he accused me of... you'd understand. You'd do so much worse to him than I."

Aerion looked at her, uncomfortable by the tightening of his chest as he looked back at her. The anger in her voice wedged with pain "This accusation..." he murmured "It hurt you?"

"More than I expected it to." Cellese swallowed, refusing to shift her gaze from the gentle lilac in his piercing eyes near candlelight "To have Tybolt say that to me, when again I question what I had ever done to make him hate me so much."

Aerion's hand itched to reach for hers, but didn't. He stayed where he was. The room quiet as she shifted closer to him in the waters "I am difficult, I've never denied this." Cellese murmured, her voice firm and certain "But not without reason. I've never gone out of my to be cruel enough to receive it back. The humiliation Tybolt served me, deserved to be paid in return."

"You expect me to leave the matter as is?" Aerion questioned her "Or shall I pay Tybolt a personal visit?" The tension between them grown thick and tangible as Aerion's dark eyes remained fixed on her bare face and even barer body. The droplets from her chin trickled down to the valley of her breasts.

Cellese shook her head, her voice soft "No. Why do you care now? When you were so ready to fight me over it before coming in?"

Aerion's gaze softened, though something dark and intense burned underneath "Because your tears belong to and only me. No one is deserving of them, especially your fool of a brother."

Cellese felt a familiar heat ripple between them. His words heavy, dangerous and intimate as she slowly edged closer to him. Her hands lifted, brushing against the hem of his shirt as her nails dug underneath. Idly tracing his skin. Aerion's breath hitched slightly at her touch, her skin warm and challenging.

In one motion, Cellese pulled him down to her, their lips meeting in a deep and heated kiss. Cellese's tongue traced against his bottom lip, pleading, demanded and insistent to be granted permission "Be of service to me and make me feel better." she whispered against his lip in short breaths, her hands "Make the dragon comfort me." she teased biting against his lips.

Aerion groaned, low in response. She knew what she was doing, and he hated her for it. He hated himself for easily she could wrap him around her fingers whenever she wanted to. Her power and passion over him a dangerous thing that always stroked his pride.

Her praise, a constant craving for him.

Her teeth grazed his lips as she pulled back just enough to look him the eye, her noses brushed against his "You're the blood of Old Valyria..." she breathed "The dragon amongst men...I only need you Aerion."

The words struck him like a fire. Aerions hands found her waist, pulling her out of the water until she felt her breasts pressed against his buttoned shirt. As Aerion continued to kiss her, there was a familiar, primal and raw urgency that rushed through her body.

Cellese leaned back, forcing him into the water. His body splashed in, the water covered the wooden floors but it wasn't enough to pull Cellese away from him. She ripped his clothes off his body until she felt him bare against her own skin.

Steam swirled around them, fogging the windows as the chamber felt suffocating in the heat and lust of Cellese and Aerion.

Moans, low and unrestrained continued to echo off the walls as Cellese pressed herself again Aerion. Every stroke, every gaps and every trembling sigh belonged to her. As his hand continued to roam her body, savoring every kiss that became urgent by the second.

The tournaments, the camps and especially Tybolt ceased to exist beyond their walls. There was only them in scalding hot water, the taste of each other melted against their tongues as every soft plea from Cellese made Aerion's chest thunder. They moved as one, with water rippling around them as Cellese was plunged into ecstasy and pleasure.

Aerions back on the morrow would show proof of the sharp claws of the lion.

AUTHORS NOTE:

lowkey duncan when cellese was nice to him:

https://youtu.be/jGaAtBSue1I

(poor guy is so used to everyone treating him like dirt. I literally had the saddest frown at the scene where he's like "must you make fun of me" STAWPPP I love that tall man too much actually)

what i looked like writing this chapter ( i have the flu) it took me hours just to finish writing and editing because I'm in and out of sleep from the meds

hold on, because I'm liking dunc and cellese wayy too much. Would you guys lose interest in this book if it became a love triangle? Ofc Cellese and Aerion is endgame (they both will rather kill than have anyone so much as breath in the others direction).

Also I am thinking of doing this book beyond just the show, especially with 210 A.C during the Great Spring Sickness. Because damn that was one hell of a year and I have so much planned for Cellese given that Maekar sends Aerion to Ibiza (I MEAN LYS...). Also very big thank you to everyone who's reading this book, I can't believe it's already hit 1K! I am so happy everyone is actively reading and enjoying this book sm.

please don't forget to leave either a vote or a comment. again I love hearing what you guys have to say on each chapter.

final note: cersei lannister you would either love or hate cellese