Chapter Text
Ironically enough Rhaenyra had enjoyed conversing with Ser Harwin more than her own husband at her wedding. And that was even before the brawl and ensuing murder occurred.
Daemon always drew her attention, so for a moment Ser Harwin’s presence faded from her view. Daemon had grasped her neck and leaned in; but when the fighting broke out he was nowhere to be found. In the chaos she had not seen his departure; and even worse she was knocked down by someone, falling near one of the tables. She did not see Harwin restraining himself from joining the fray and that he had kept his gaze on her most of the night. After catching his father’s eye for permission he was granted a nod and rammed into the crowd.
Rhaenyra was considering whether it would be safer to crawl under the table when a big pair of boots stopped in front of her. Looking up as he reached down for her Rhaenyra met Ser Harwin’s eyes. He scooped her up like she weighed nothing and quickly put her over his shoulder. She held onto his doublet for dear life as he made a swathe through the disoriented crowd and made guests move out of the way when they otherwise would not.
Instead of delivering her back to the high table, Ser Harwin made for the doors and did not stop until he was far down the hall in one of the alcoves. Only then did he gently let her slip down his chest, pausing as their faces came close, before letting her feet rest on the stones.
“Thank you, Ser. I don’t know what I would have done.” Her purple eyes locked with his blues and her throat became tight.
“It was my honor, princess.” He held her gaze. “Are you hurt?” His hand reached out as if to examine her but he let it fall back to his side.
“Yes, thank you. I would have fared far worse without your rescue.”
“The crowd should be clear by now, Princess.” He said, offering his arm to her as an escort.
She put a hand on his forearm and stretched up to place a kiss on his cheek in thanks. Caught off guard, he turned his face towards her and his short beard passed over her lips instead of his cheek. With their faces so close Ser Harwin couldn’t hide his hunger. Rhaenyra had not intended to kiss him but the look on his face and the tension in the air made her feel a bit impish.
Her lips brushed his, intending to pull away, but then she felt his teeth nip her bottom lip and she leaned in. She backed him up to the wall and threaded her fingers in his curls. She could almost feel his heartbeat through his doublet as his tongue slipped between her lips, making her wish it wasn’t the only part of him inside her. She felt his big hands come to rest on the small of her back, gently pressing her towards him.
“Princess!” they heard voices coming from the end of the hall.
Ser Harwin backed away and Rhaenyra walked ahead of him to meet with the rest of the King’s guard and her father.