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𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉
CHAPTER TWO, The Tournament

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Silence filled the air beside the sound of birds chirping off in the distance.

Otto Hightower was considered a hauntingly, blunt, and domineering man. He cared about his family in some way, Gwayne Hightower was his pride, Alicent was his hope, and Clarisse was his Joy. Each of his children reminded him of his wife.

When his wife died, he became cold and distant.

But out of all his children, Clarisse seemed to resemble his late Lady wife. The way she smiled and how she was the only one that shared the same hazel-green eyes. Maybe that's why he was so harsh toward Clarisse, in some ways believing that his words were out of love and worry that wasn't the case in Clarisse's eyes sometimes.

Not that Otto was aware of that.

She was the youngest. The last child he had was with his wife. Otto was never good at expressing his love for his children when she passed away except for Clarrise. Poor Clarisse was just six years old, too young and sadly didn't remember much.

Alicent was always the one to take care of Clarisse and tell her stories of their late mother.

Despite being a methodical man he did love his youngest daughter and her spirited and adventurous ways. But she should no longer act like a child anymore. Not when she's close to coming of age. She was getting older and eventually will have to do right by their family name.

He hated how Clarisse got close to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Otto originally wanted them to meet, and somehow get into Visery's graces.

Like any Lord, he wanted the Iron Throne. Even if he had to use his children like chess pieces.

In the Council when Rhaenyra appeared usually to be the cupbearer, serving him at the table, it was Viserys who commented about her adventure with Syrax. 

It wasn't until he went to check up on his daughter only to find that his youngest wasn't sitting at the window seat cushions reading a book like she always did. Otto wanted to at least have a moment with Clarisse seeing as his role as Hand made him a busy man. If it was Alicent or Gwayne they would've understood, but this was his youngest child. Even if she was old enough to comprehend. 

Otto had overheard one of the maids that were serving Queen Aemma that Rhaenyra and Clarisse had rode on Syrax's.

By the time the man had finished hunting down his daughter after a guard told her she was in the gardens.

"My child, why must you worry me? Of all things I had to find out through maids that you went flying on dragon back! I recall telling you last time to not do it again and yet you disobey me." Otto glared.

Sat on the bench was an annoyed Clarisse, arms folded in frustration but didn't comment. The best move was not to speak at all.

"Answer me!"

"I don't see what the problem is. I'm in one piece as it is." Clarisse retorts angrily

"That beast isn't strong enough to carry two people yet," Otto said knowingly. "You could've gotten killed, Clarisse."

Clarisse sighed as her father sat next to her, "I just want to keep you safe."

"I can protect myself just fine," Clarisse muttered. "Rhaenyra was there too."

Otto resisted the urge to sneer at the young princess' name. Sometimes he blamed her for making Clarisse this way. His daughter used to tell him everything and now that wasn't the case.

"You've never seemed to have time to talk to me anymore," Otto sighed, truthfully he missed the days when Clarisse would follow him around as a little girl.

The said girl bowed her head shamefully, "I'm sorry, I just don't want to bother you while you're focused on the King. Especially since Queen Aemma is pregnant with a potential Heir. You have enough on your plate."

This made Otto's cold gaze soften a bit and placed a hand on her shoulder as a gesture of comfort. That's the closest sign of care he'd ever give his children. He wasn't much of a hugger at all.

"Out of all my children, you seem to understand me. But despite my duties to the crown, I'm also your father. It doesn't matter how busy I am, I'd still like to see my youngest. I only wish to keep you safe, Clarisse."

And if there was one thing he promised his late wife, it was that he'd always think best for the children and protect them.

Clarisse gave him a half-hearted smile and placed a hand on top of his hand that clasped her shoulder, "I know you do."

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The day of the tournament came by and everyone was busy preparing for it. It was Rhaenyra who gave it to her, she chose to go in the Targaryen colors instead.

The dress was beyond stunning. Fit for a true Targaryen, Clarisse felt self-conscious wearing such a beautiful dress. She didn't feel fit to wear such a piece.

"We're late already as it is," Clarisse stated, arms linked with Rhaenyra's. Alicent was most likely there already.

"Fashionably late." Rhaenyra corrected with a smirk earning a smile from her best friend.

The two reached their seats where Alicent was already sitting. Alicent raised a brow at her little sister's outfit. "You look, beautiful little sister."

Alicent wore a beautiful blue colored dress that complimented her dark hair and warm brown eyes.

"Thanks, Cent."

Rhaenyra didn't fail to hide her amazement while Clarisse was eager and impatient, wanting it to start already. Alicent looked a bit fearful and bored, she hated such violence.

They arrived in the middle of King Viserys speech.

".... When I look at the fine knights in these lists, I see a group without equal in our histories. And this great day has been made more auspicious by the news that I am happy to share." Very said. "Queen Aemma has begun her labors!" he said happily and everyone cheered. "May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!"

"It's about to start." Clarisse beamed excitedly. Yes, there was violence and near-death experiences but her older brother is going to be competing.

Rhaenyra snuck a glance at Clarisse and couldn't help but admire the way her face lit up each time the knights began winning and losing. The dress he gave her originally belonged to her and lied when she said it didn't fit her.

It did, but Rhaenyra thought Clarisse would look much better in it. She looked like a royal princess in her eyes.

"Princess Rhaenys Targaryen!"

the said Princess placed her drink to the side.

"I would humbly ask for the favor of The Queen who Never was."

Clarisse always held respect for the woman. She was strong, relentless, and seemed to take no ounce of bullshit. She would never voice it but sometimes she wondered what it would've been like if she was Queen.

Princess Rhaeny's handed her cousin favor, "Good fortune to you, cousin,"

"I would gladly take it if I thought I needed, it," he stated cockily.

She smiled and went back to her seat, exchanging a look with her husband who seemed mildly proud of his wife.

The drums started to play again.

"Lord Stokeworth's daughter is promised to that young Tarly squire," Rhaenyra told them.

"Lord Massey's son?" Alicent asked and Rhaenyra nodded.

"They're to be married, as soon as he winds his knighthood.

"Best get on with it." Alicent quipped.

"Where do you end up getting this gossip from anyone?" Clarisse asked.

"I'm the King's daughter," Rhaenyra stated as if that explained everything.

"I have one better," Alcent said earning their attention. "I heard that Lady Elinor was hiding a swollen beneath her dress."

Clarisse's jaw dropped earning giggles from the girls. "You think if we try looking we'd get caught?"

Ser Cole had just won him round and Clarisse clapped, quite impressed with the man.

Rhaenyra had summoned Ser Harrold over and asked about Ser Criston ColHe, he was the son of Lord Dondarrion's steward which made Clarisse leave in wonder.

The Targaryen flag was raised and Clarisse already knew who it was.

"Oh great," Clarisse grumbled. She called him an old man yesterday, but couldn't help but admire that cocky smirk plastered on his face, or the way he spoke. The Rogue Prince Dameron was intriguing.

"He got quite offended when you called him old yesterday." snickered Rhaenyra, picturing her uncle's face.

He entered on his black stallion and signature House Targaryen armor before choosing his first opponent.

Daemon walked with his sword until he picked an opponent.

Daemon chose Alicent and Clarisse's older brother.

"Prince Daemon Targaryen chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown,"

"Well, may Gwayne rest well? It was nice knowing him" Clarrise stated rather questionably.

Rhaenyra would've laughed if it was for Alicent's deadly glare. The older Hightower sister smacked her little sister's arm.

"That's our brother!"

"So? I'm just saying he's going to get his arse beat." As much as Clarisse tried to remain impassive, just like Alicent, also held a face of worry, holding Rhaenyra's arm.

Daemon was trying to rile up Otto Hightower.

In the first round, Gwayne had managed to hit Daemon but that wasn't enough. It was obvious that Daemon didn't like it, so in the next round, he went for the horse's legs, making the horse and Gwayne fall to the ground.

"Isn't that cheating?" Clarrissa whisper-yelled. Then again, it was probably allowed since he was Prince.

Gwayne fell face flat making Clarisse grimace, "Ooh..."

Alicent gasped and Clarisse held her sister's hand as the other covered her mouth in shock.

Eventually, both Clarisse and Rhaenyra stood up to talk to Daemon when he made his way toward them. Alicent soon followed after her sister and friend wearing a grim look, most likely at Daemon.

"Nicely done, uncle." Rhaenyra praised.

"Thank you, princess." he thanked, "Now I'm fairly certain, I can win these games, Lady Clarisse," he said looking straight into her eyes intently, "Having your favor would all be assured it."

She rose a brow and looked at Rhaenyra who gave her a coy smile. Clarisse blushed slightly at his words before walking over to take her favor from the plate, she didn't even glance at her father, knowing the man was practically seething in his seat.

Daemon's eyes flickered to Otto as his smile grew bigger seeing the fiery look in his eye.

Clarisse slid her favor down his jousting stick. "Good luck, my Prince," she said politely, resisting the urge to fire curse words for knocking Gwayne off his horse.

When they returned to their seats eventually it was Daemon and Ser Criston Cole who were now facing one another.

"I may not know who this Criston Cole is, but I'm rooting for him," Clarisse clasped her hands in a prayer manner earning a nudge from Rhaenyra and a chuckle from Alicent.

In the first round, Dameon got hit making Rhaenyra gasp.

In the second round, Daemon managed to hit Cole. But the third got both Rhaenyra and Clarisse sitting up straight. He hit Daemon so hard that he slid down his horse.

A man tried to help him get up but Dameon like always was too proud and shoved him away.

"SWORD!"

"Oh, dear." Clarisse sipped her drink.

"Prince Daemon Targaryen wishes to continue in a contest of arms!" the man announced.

Daemon walked over to Cole with his sword and shield while Cole had his fail and shield.

Cole had managed to destroy Daemon's shield. Rhaenyra's face contorted in surprise. Somehow Cole turned it around and kicked Daemon's arse making Clarisse gasp loudly.

"Oh dear Gods he's officially lost it," muttered Clarisse watching wide-eyed. It went on until Daemon delivered one last kick to Cole leaving the man on the ground and looking around victoriously.

Their eyes met and Daemon shot a mischievous wink making Clarisse shoot a tight lip smile. The crowd was cheering for him, thinking the Prince of the City was a champion.

That was until Cole hit him with his flail on his back.

It looked like Daemon had surrendered since Cole could've easily killed him, but chose not to.

Ser Criston made his way toward the three girls as they got him to meet him.

When he removed his helmet the three ogled him.

"God. He's dornish." Alicent commented.

"You're quite attractive," Clarisse commented shamelessly earning a laugh from Ser Criston Cole.

Alicent shot her sister a look, "Clary!"

Rhaenyra was too busy staring at Ser Cole Cristone to even comment. It wasn't like her best friend was lying. He was indeed a handsome Dornish man.

"I was hoping to ask for the Princess's favor," he said slightly breathless from the fight.

"Now I wish I hadn't given mine to Prince Daemon." Clarisse groaned earning an adorable grin from Criston and a heated glare from the said Prince.

"I wish you luck, Ser Criston," Rhaenyra said after throwing him her favor.

"Princess, Lady Clarisse," he said two girls shared a blush while Alicent smiled at them teasingly.

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ Hi everyone! Make sure to comment and vote.

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ second chapter seeing as everyone loved the first chapter so far. I tried to explain Otto and Clarisse's complicated relationship. Eventually, Clarisse will grow distant from him and Alicent.

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ I'm gonna try fully committing to doing dedications so COMMENT HERE IF YOU WANT ONE.