The tourney grounds were alive with the clash of lances and the roar of the crowd, but Lady Bryndanne Rivers’ focus remained fixed on her half-brother, Shieron Seastar. He sat in the royal box, resplendent in fine silk from the free cties, his silver-gold hair gleaming in the sunlight. A faint smile played on his lips as a young knight, a striking woman in gleaming armor, knelt before him, dedicating her victory in the joust to his honor hoping for his attention.

Bryndanne's gloved fingers tightened around the stem of her goblet, the wine inside sloshing precariously. She could feel the heat rising in her pale cheeks, a searing mix of envy and frustration. "He does this on purpose", she thought bitterly, her red eyes narrowing as Shieron leaned forward, murmuring something that made the knight blush.

Unable to bear it, she rose from her seat and made her way to the railing beside him, her scarlet cloak trailing behind her. When she reached him, her voice was soft but firm as she whispered in his ear only for him to hear. "I hope you arent falling victim to this harlot in mail. You deserve so much better."