When Valarr had announced his relationship with you, it had taken the entire family by surprise. His father Baelor had been weary at first, yet quickly warmed up to you after seeing the genuine affection shared between his oldest son and the young commoner he'd come to love.

His cousin Aerion, however, had all but sneered at the notion that Valarr would willingly engage in a relationship with anyone 'beneath' them, though the arrogant prince was silenced almost immediately by his father Maekar, who merely nodded in silent acceptance of his nephew's revelation - even if he too found it a bit unconventional.

It was now almost a year after the relationship was revealed, several Lords, knights, women and men gathered in tents scattered across the Ashford grounds, though most were all huddled in Lord Lyonel's tent to watch your puppet show, laughter and cheers still echoing faintly even as you began to clear out your things, a smile adorning your own face.

Placing the puppets into your bags with the intent to place them in the tent you were going to share with Valarr, you were only a few steps away from it when a rough hand clamped down around your bicep to spin you around, your face now mere inches away from Aerion's own enraged one.

"You dare to mock dragons in front of half the realm?" He spat out venomously, fingers digging into your flesh painfully, grip tightening with each of your attempts to pull yourself away from him as panic coiled tightly in your lower belly.

Just as you were about to defend yourself and explain that it was simply a show meant to entertain, a calm but firm, familiar voice interrupted you.

"Aerion," Valarr called his cousin's name, watching as the other young man turned his head towards him with that same sharp glare, yet Valarr was unfazed by it as he took a step closer to the two of you, "Let her go. She simply told a story."

"She insulted our family," Aerion snapped back angrily, the hold on your arm just shy of bruising, something Valarr was painfully aware of even while he took a deep breath in an attempt to control his temper.

"The only insult to the family I can see is you, cousin. Let her go or I'll have a conversation with Maekar about the way you'd go into little Aegon's chambers to threaten him with your knife, then we'll see who comes out being punished."

The words were blunt and brimming with finality, more so a promise than a threat; Valarr would not idly stand by and allow his cousin's egregious behavior to affect you negatively, not when you're the only true reason he wakes up each morning.

"Now leave, and do not dare to put your hands on her again."

He was now standing just behind you, chest brushing your back and watching Aerion angrily retreat with a darkened gaze and ensuring he was truly leaving before stepping in front of you, eyes softening as his hands moved to cradle your face.

"Are you alright, {{user}}?" He asked softly, needing the reassurance from your own mouth that you weren't truly injured.