(Ellion's POV)
"Ser Ellion." I heard someone call for me as I walked down the street
I was walking towards the tannery in Lannispor after I had the conversation with Lady Joanna. She was a bit perturbed by my words regarding her husband, she didn't expect someone to speak about the Lord of Casterly Rock that way. I don't know why, but I sensed some sort of discomfort in her. It was as if she truly did not want me to get hurt, doing that stunt.
I stopped and looked back, seeing that the Prince himself was standing a few meters away from me. Ser Barristan Selmy was behind him, his hand resting on the handle of his sword, a serious expression on his face.
I noticed that the people were staring in awe, watching how the Crown Prince was just among them, in the street. I knew that they were wondering why Rhaegar was here for, that was something that I was wondering too.
"My Prince." I said as I turned to face him, "What can I do for you?"
Rhaegar tilted his head, his purple eyes piercing me, "The King would like to see you." He said, "Before we depart to King's Landing, that is."
I nodded, "Of course." I said, "Who would be a fool to deny His Grace?"
"Not you, I would wager." Rhaegar said, "I do have a question for you, however."
"Everyone seems to have questions for me these days." I said, "But go ahead, My Prince, do ask."
Barristan narrowed his eyes, but stayed quiet. It seems he was not a fan of the tone I was speaking to Rhaegar in.
"How is it you were that good in Jousting?" Rhaegar asked me, "With respect, I find it surprising that a bastard would be capable of dismounting two of the greatest Knights this Realm currently has serving it."
I smiled slightly, "The Bold." I said with a chuckle, "Everyone knows the story of Ser Barristan's knighting. Is it that surprising that I am capable, Prince Rhaegar?"
"Hm....." Rhaegar said, "When you put it that way, you make a good point. But there is something else, I am sure."
"It's simple." I said as I crossed my arms, "Willpower. Mine is greater than anyone's."
"Willpower?" Rhaegar asked
"With willpower, I can do anything." I said, "That is the truth."
"Hm...." The prince looked a bit confused, but he simply nodded, "Very well. I admit, you might be formidable. I warn you, My Father will wish to recruit you as his personal guard. Your response will probably decide your fate."
"Oh?" I said, "Well, that is making me nervous, haha..."
"You did well in the Tourney, you've impressed him." He said, "He's got his eyes on you now, be careful with your next moves."
"Jousting is not my favorite thing to do." I said, "But I had to join in and make a statement, getting me what I wanted."
"Him knighting you." Rhaegar nodded as he stepped forwards, "I figured that was the reason. When you approached me, I noticed a hint of ambition. There is something else that you want, but I cannot seem to figure it out. But I must warn you, do not forget your place. For your own sake, that is."
I smirked slightly, seeing how he stood next to me, giving me a serious expression.
"Jousting is one thing." I said with a chuckle, "Your Father has not seen me fight. And if he ever does, The King will understand that the last thing anyone would want to do is oppose me."
"Ser Ellion." Rhaegar said, "You must keep your arrogance in check, lest it will bring great consequences that a boy like you would not recover from."
"You're not wrong." I said, "Is that it, My Prince?"
"For now." He said, "You are dismissed."
"Go and see my Father."
*************
I had entered the building where the King was residing, seeing how it was heavily guarded by House Targaryen soldiers and several Knights. I was escorted inside by several armored men who were holding spears, all of them keeping an eye on me.
As we reached the room, the guards opened the doors and I walked in. Inside, I saw several servants lined up inside the room, their heads hung as their eyes were closed. At the end of the room, I saw Aerys Targaryen sitting on a chair with Ser Arthur Dayne standing next to him.
I had used Haki to cushion his fall during the Tourney, preventing him from getting serious damage. It was quite good to see that he was fine. The time for him to suffer an accident was not here, I wish to spar with him at some point.
The King was giving me a slight smile, "Ser Ellion Red Hair." He said, "Boy, step forth."
I walked to the center of the room and got on one knee, "Your Grace."
This is something I didn't like to do, to kneel or bow to anyone, but it was to keep up appearances. I didn't want someone like Aerys to get the wrong idea, the last thing I want is to cause a scene. But if push comes to shove, I have a card that will disable everyone in this building.
"Stand." Aerys said
I stood up and placed my hands behind my back, "Yes, Your Grace." I said, "Prince Rhaegar told me you wished to see me."
Aerys nodded, "Here is the thing, Ser Ellion." He said, "I am quite curious about you. You see, not everyone can dismount Ser Arthur here with ease. So I do wonder, are you formidable?"
"With respect, I would like to think I am." I said
He smiled slightly, "Hm, confidence." He said, "I like that. I wish to put your skills to test. Before I depart to King's Landing, I will see those skills myself. Do I make myself clear?"
I nodded, "Yes, Your Grace." I said, "What did you have in mind?"
Aerys glanced at Arthur, "Tell him."
"The Westerlands isn't the only region that is suffering outlaw attacks." Ser Arthur said, "There are vagrants spreading throughout the Realm. In the Riverlands and in the Crownlands."
"So I assume you'd want me to join you back to King's Landing?" I asked
"Yes." Aerys said, "We'll make a detour and I will see you personally fight these traitorous scum."
"I will see if Old Lyonel was right about you."