the knight gave a sharp nod before giving the prince's horse a few pats . he reared like the dragons did , kicking out in impatience . they were both young men , he thought . they both had something to prove .
as a boy , he had liked criston’s pride in him . he had liked to provoke it . liked to hook it out of him , watch it beam on his otherwise solemn face .
“ direct my lance at his neck . and should he cling to his saddle still , meet him with the sword . ”
…
he turned to make sure kasta's saddle was fitted tight .
" and if it is the third round , you tied in the second . how do you prevent a tie ? 𝑑𝑜 you prevent a tie ? "
he shifted aemond's helmet , for a moment the prince was ten years old again , getting fitted for the first time . something soft flickered across criston's face , it was morning time and the boy had still been tired .
. . .
over the beast was draped a caparison of deep 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 silk . so dark , nearly black , emblazoned with a golden three-headed dragon . armour to match his rider . black steel , black as night .
the animal huffed in the morning air . his breath too like a plume of smoke .