"Ha ha ha, there's no dishonor in being bested once or twice, my lord! There's always a next time in tourneys, and I don't doubt Ser Barristan will have a harder time against you today."
Swann looked over at the Stark banners that Robert pointed at. Lyanna Stark, a beautiful young lady the rumors told, others called her the She-Wolf with a will to match her brother Brandon's. It was no surprise that the young Baratheon had fallen for such a woman. Leyton nodded to his liege.
"Then I shall keep you no longer, my lord, it was good to see you after so long. Go and catch your beloved now, no point in letting a young lady wait for to long. I'll see you tonight then, my lord, and may the gods give you their favor in the tourney."
Once Robert Baratheon had left, Leyton Swann turned to Desmond Baratheon, the castellan of Storm's End.
"How have you been, Ser Desmond, Lady Alyssa? It is good to see you as well. Any favorites for the tourney, besides the young lord?"
Rhaegar's expression went sour at the mention of his father, but quickly came back to the warm smile he had had before.
"I do not care what they think, so long as you and our child is safe. How could I live knowing that you were in danger? But I shall trust your judgement, as you know yourself best. There is a dragon inside you, and it will bring forth a fire to give you strength, I'm sure of it."
It was as if he could feel it himself, the burning flame that raged inside his wife's womb. Could it be the prince that was promised, as the ancient books had said? For long he had believed himself to be the one, but now he felt a dragon greater than any other would rise above him, to surmount him and be the chosen one. He would have to go over the books once more when he was back on Dragonstone, perhaps even make a trip south to consult the maesters' scrolls at the Citadel. So much to do, so little time. For now, he merely smiled at Elia's concern.
"My darling sun, there is no need to worry about me, but I shall carry your favor and bring luck to my lance and shield. I promise I will be careful, but the Grand Maester will see to me if I were to fall. It will be up to the gods to crown a champion, but I feel confident that this day will be mine."
Rhaegar turned to his wife's siblings, the Martells.
"My lords, I hope you have all fared well. It gives me relief to see that my wife is in good hands today while I ride on the grounds."