These trifling jousts between boys seeking their rite of passage had become nothing less than bothersome, your token of favour had sat untouched for weeks since these tournaments began at the dawn of the summer solstice.

Barely registering the applause at your presence you took your seat at yet another of these attempts at impressing you, though you had heard tell of the attendance of one Hound, Sandor Clegane, you assumed he wouldn't be fighting in any tournaments. You could only pray that the results of the current joust wouldn't incite a mob like the years preceding.

Nearly asleep in your seat, and awed hush fell over the crowds watching the fight, your mother pinched your shoulder.

Flicking her hand away you sat up and opened your eyes, making direct eye contact with Sandor as he stood before the royal box.

Sullen frown wavered by your gaze, Sandor took the knee and planted his sword in the dirt.

You nodded out of respect, suddenly intrigued by his presence, surely he wasn't about to try and vy for your favour by way of besting these puffed up young mules?

Before the fight began, you heard him murmur under his breath.

"Your majesty.."