King and King 10

Princess Arianne tilted her head slightly. Behind the deputy commander of the guards stood three Kingsguard she had not seen in a long time—Meryn Trant, Mandon Moore, and Balon Swen.

After hearing Ser Pell's words, Mace Tyrell's face filled with astonishment, and he blurted out, "A tournament?"

Lord Hand Mace's thick brows arched high, his gaze full of confusion.

Besides his house sigil, Ser Pell's silver breastplate bore a marigold emblem representing his status as a Crabb House Knight.

With one arm cradling his helmet, he swept his gaze over the Small Council members and nodded. "Yes. Young warriors from Crackclaw Point, the Vale, the Riverlands, and the Crownlands performed exceptionally well during their patrol duties."

After a pause, he added, "His Highness the Lord Regent was deeply pleased by their bravery and devotion to duty, and has specially decided to hold a tournament for them at Sow's Horn as a reward."

Lord Hand Mace nodded with solemn dignity, then instinctively stroked his beard. He had always been fond of every sort of tournament, and his enthusiasm had now been thoroughly ignited.

But just as he was about to rise, Mathis Rowan frowned deeply, and his somewhat questioning voice suddenly rang out. "Ser Pell, do you mean we are leaving now?"

Ser Pell's gaze slowly shifted, lingering briefly on Lord Rowan. In an even tone, he replied, "Yes, Lord Rowan. His Highness the Lord Regent wishes to see you all at the tournament grounds at Sow's Horn tomorrow morning."

After a brief pause, he adjusted his stance and turned his gaze back to Lord Mace. "My apologies, but His Highness does not wish your movements to disturb anyone else."

As Pell's words fell, silence descended. Then Grand Maester Pycelle rose shakily to his feet, exhaustion filling his wrinkled face. "Please