Ashara smiled, both her lips and violet eyes. She leaned in slightly. "With you by my side, what danger could possibly befall me? You'll keep me safe, won't you?"
At that, Wylis smiled roguishly and exaggeratedly bowed towards her, one hand on his chest and the other spread wide. "With pleasure, my Lady. And if need be, my life too."
She giggled cutely and walked around Wylis, checking his bow with her slender fingers.
Wylis couldn't take his eyes off her frame as she moved closer to him. Her scent was pleasing, and her figure was interesting. While the cloak covered her slender waist with an hourglass curve, as she leaned forward to pick the bow, her rear did reveal its shape. Round, probably soft, like a true highborn lady born and raised in wealth.
Elia must've liked my performance; Wylis reckoned, believing that Ashara was working for Elia.
"You've stirred quite the commotion, Wylis. Tomorrow, expect a procession of lords, each flaunting their daughters' virtues, hoping to bind you to their houses. And the noble widows? They'll be vying for your attention, dreaming of a gallant husband to share their lonely nights."
Wylis gave a knowing nod. Brandon and Lyanna had already spoken to him. Still, he played along with Ashara. "Really? What should I do then? I suppose it's time I considered marriage. Being merely a stableboy at Winterfell does lack a certain... excitement."
That's it! She wants me… or Elia?
Seeing Ashara turn towards him in a rush was all the clue he needed about her intention. While Robert was direct, it seemed Elia was taking an indirect approach. But he didn't know if Ashara was being so flirty willingly or if she was ordered to do that. After all, he didn't consider her as someone who'd sell herself like that.
"You mustn't, Wylis. You're merely eight and ten, and your future is boundless. The prowess you displayed today has even the Great Houses taking notice. Aim high; accept nothing but the best." Ashara advised him, but her hurried pace made it seem she was worried he'd really marry some petty lord's daughter. "And with the talents you'll reveal in the days ahead, more lords will seek your company. If you were to triumph in the joust... oh dear, I've said too much. I shouldn't be hoping for the Prince's defeat, should I?"
She's good, but far from enough to fool me.
Wylis saw right through her acting. He'd seen it plenty in his last life. Corrupt company executives trying to fool him. People trying to get money from him. They all lied and played tricks.
Elia probably wants Rhaegar to lose. I would if I were in her place. The silver fucker has grown too cocky.
"Hmm…" Wylis rubbed his chin, thinking about it seriously. But not her words, he was rather confused about who he should crown his Queen of Beauty and Love after winning the Joust. Lyanna was an obvious choice, but that would anger Robert and Lord Stark. Was there even a need to do that since Rhaegar would lose?
"I'm grateful for your advice, Lady Ashara. I'm new to this blue-blooded business. Spent my life following orders, sharpening my skills, hoping for a chance to climb. But having friends who offer sound advice? That's worth more than any opportunity." Wylis stepped closer to Ashara, toying a little. He liked that she didn't recoil back due to his overbearing height. Her head barely reached his middle chest, after all.
"That is true." Ashara nodded strongly and glanced around conspiratorially before lightly patting his chest. "If you're finished with your training, I would be delighted if you'd join me at the castle. Her Grace has instructed Lord Whent to arrange a private chamber for you. The champion of the melee should be rewarded appropriately."
Is this it? Is that how it's going to go?
"Let's go."
Wylis quickly put away the tools in a locked chest and followed Ashara into the castle. She had come with two guards, it appeared.
Once they entered the castle, she dismissed the guards and led Wylis into the labyrinth that was Harrenhal. Through some ruined hallways, into some intact, and then more ruins. Clearly, he'd received a room, but it wasn't in the best part of the castle.
Sure enough, when he reached a ruined end that barely had any occupants, Ashara opened a wooden door that looked new.
There was one large bed, that was it. There was no table, no chair, no cupboard, no carpets. Just a bed, stone walls, and a tiny window.
"This room is bare, I admit," Ashara said and gestured towards the simple furniture. "But the bed is large, the bedding new, and the company..."
She let the words hang, a playful smile dancing on her lips.
"This'll suffice, my Lady. I'd rather have this than be serenaded by Brandon's snores."
She laughed and looked around the room for a while. Then, she turned towards Wylis, silence lingering between them. Her perfect, fair face seemingly grew a faint shade of red, her luscious lips looked dry.
"Then…" Ashara nodded softly and stopped looking into his eyes. She stepped backward towards the door. "I'll leave you to rest. I'm sure you need it to perform well in the tournament. I will… perhaps visit again sometime. It's interesting to speak with you."
Wait, wait, wait… Wasn't she going to drop her cloak and reveal her bare beauty now? Isn't that how it goes?
He was sure he saw the signs there. He could swear that he felt her eyes seemingly inviting him to make a move. But he was scared of messing it all up. One scream from her and he would have had to escape to Essos.
"You are welcome at any time, my Lady." Wylis maintained a noble persona.
By now, he reckoned he had two faces. One he showed to the world—noble, honorable, kind, and just. Then there was the other, reserved for a select few—calculative, cold, ambitious, and perhaps a little perverted. How could he not in his quest to become a lord and live like one? All that gold, fame, and skills should bring in some rewards, no?
"May the Warrior favor you, Wylis."
Finally, Ashara closed the door of his room, leaving him all alone.
Hard, in need, seriously missing his she-wolf.
"Ugh… let's win this tourney and find a way to be knighted."
Eventually, he hugged the spare pillow and fell asleep. Sadly, the pillow was too small for his size.
However, that did give him the idea of making body pillows. Slutty, horny noble ladies and widows would absolutely love and demolish it in their beds.
Fuck! What am I even thinking?
####
It was a sunny day with clear skies and warmth. It was winter, but Wylis didn't need to wear any extra fur cloaks that day.
He'd woken up early, cleaned himself with a wet cloth, and reported at the archery range. It was the same ground from the previous day. But now multiple targets were set there at different distances.
But the crowd of onlookers had decreased by a lot. Not many were interested in events other than melee and jousting. Still, he noticed an unusually high number of women. Many of them were nobles, dressed in fine clothes with little revealing necks. Many of them were old.
Even she's here. He noticed Cersei sitting in the same place as the previous day, surrounded by Lannister soldiers. She'd worn green with golden embroidery now, and her curly long hair was tied in a bun behind her head, ornate with some jewelry and some locks falling at the side of her face. She was stunning as expected.
And then there's him.
He ignored King Aerys. He didn't expect the King would be interested in seeing other tournaments. Even Rhaegar was only taking part in the joust, so there was nothing to see.
"Wylis of Winterfell!"
As his name was called, Wylis reacted and walked over to the shooting position. The first target was not that far away, just at thirty meters range.
Wasting no time, Wylis aimed the bow, pulled the string with the arrow, and kept his breath and body steady. His strength was useful in archery.
Woosh!
Woosh!
Woosh!
In three consecutive strikes, Wylis completed his round and waited for the marshal to announce the result.
"All miss!"
"..."
Wylis frowned and shouted back. "Look again—Center of the target."
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