The day before the Tourney of the Hand felt electric.
The Red Keep was in full preparation. Banners of every great house hung from the walls, carpenters built new stands around the tourney grounds, and knights from across the Seven Kingdoms arrived daily. The air smelled of fresh paint, oiled steel, and anticipation.
Ethan woke early, as always. His body was sore from weeks of relentless training, but the pain had become familiar. He made his way to the training yard while most of the castle still slept.
The yard was already busy. Several knights were practicing jousting runs, while others sparred in full armor. Ethan joined the melee training group, fighting with blunted swords against whoever was willing.
He lost his first three bouts — the southern knights were experienced and cunning. But in the fourth fight, he managed to disarm a knight from the Reach using the new footwork he'd been drilling. The man laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"You're improving, Snow. Keep that up and you might last more than one round tomorrow."
Current Status:
Strength: 27
Agility: 26
Endurance: 25
Vitality: 23
Charisma: 26
Dragon Affinity: 9
Level: 11 (1680/1800 EXP)
One more good training session and he would level up again.
Ser Rodrik watched him closely. "You fight with your head more than your arm now. That's good. In a real melee, clever men outlive strong ones."
Midmorning – Godswood
Sansa found him after her morning prayers. She looked nervous but determined, wearing a simple grey dress with the direwolf sigil.
"Can we walk?" she asked quietly.
They strolled through the small godswood together. For a while they didn't speak, simply enjoying the rare moment of peace. The young weirwood tree stood silent witness as they sat on the stone bench.
Sansa took his hand and intertwined their fingers.
"Tomorrow… I'll be watching you the entire time," she said softly. "I'm scared you'll get hurt. But I'm also proud. No one else here fights for honor the way you do."
Ethan squeezed her hand. "I'll fight well. For you."
Sansa looked around to make sure they were alone, then leaned in and kissed him. The kiss started gentle but quickly grew deeper. She shifted closer, pressing her body against his side. Her hand rested on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
"I've been thinking about last night," she whispered between kisses, cheeks burning. "About your hands on me… I want more of that. Soon."
Ethan's breath caught. He kissed her again, slower this time, letting his hand slide from her waist up to the side of her breast. Sansa gasped softly but didn't stop him. She trembled as his thumb gently brushed over her through the fabric of her dress.
"I want you so much it scares me," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "But I want our first time to be perfect. After the tourney… if you win… maybe we can find a way."
Ethan nodded, kissing her forehead. "Whenever you're ready. I'll wait as long as you need."
They stayed wrapped in each other for nearly half an hour, stealing kisses and quiet touches until Sansa had to return before her mother noticed her absence.
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 95/100 (Deep Love + Strong Physical Desire)]
Afternoon – The Lion's Den
While heading back to the Tower of the Hand, Ethan was stopped by two Lannister guards.
"Queen Cersei requests your presence," one of them said flatly.
Ethan's stomach tightened, but he followed them.
Cersei Lannister waited for him in a private solar overlooking the Blackwater Bay. She wore a magnificent green and gold gown, her golden hair cascading perfectly. Two handmaids stood silently in the corner.
"Ethan Snow," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "Come closer."
He approached and bowed. "Your Grace."
Cersei studied him openly, her emerald eyes sharp. "You've caused quite a stir in my son's court. Defending the little Stark girl so passionately. One might think you have… personal feelings for her."
Ethan kept his face neutral. "I serve House Stark, Your Grace."
Cersei smiled — a dangerous, beautiful smile. She stood and walked around him slowly, like a lioness circling prey.
"You're not like other northerners. There's something… different about you." She stopped in front of him, close enough that he could smell her perfume. "That silver streak in your hair. Those eyes. You don't look like a common bastard."
Ethan's heart beat faster. His Targaryen bloodline was starting to show more visibly.
Cersei reached up and lightly touched the silver lock in his hair. "Interesting," she murmured. "Very interesting."
She stepped back, her expression unreadable.
"Perform well in the tourney tomorrow," she said finally. "And perhaps I'll find a use for a bold young man like you."
[Favorability with Cersei Lannister: 24/100 (Curiosity + Mild Attraction + Suspicion)]
She dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
Ethan left the solar with his mind racing. Cersei was far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Evening – Final Preparations
The night before the tourney, the Red Keep was alive with music and laughter. Many lords were already celebrating.
Ethan spent the evening in quiet preparation. He checked his armor, sharpened his sword, and reviewed basic melee strategies with Robb and Jon.
Margaery Tyrell found him near the armory as the sun set.
"Tomorrow is an important day," she said softly. "I'll be watching you closely, Ethan Snow." She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Win a few rounds… and I might reward you with a private conversation in my gardens."
Her smile was both innocent and suggestive.
[Margaery Tyrell Favorability: 51/100 (Romantic Interest)]
Late Night – Ethan's Room
Sansa came to him again after midnight. This time she stayed longer than ever before.
She wore only her nightgown. The moment she entered, she kissed him with clear hunger. They lay on his bed, bodies pressed together. Sansa was bolder tonight — she guided his hand under her nightgown, letting him touch her bare skin for the first time. She gasped and moaned softly as his fingers explored, her body trembling with pleasure.
"Ethan…" she breathed, clutching his shoulders. "That feels… so good."
He brought her to her first real climax with his fingers, gentle and patient. Sansa buried her face in his neck to muffle her cry, shaking in his arms.
Afterward, she lay against his chest, glowing and emotional.
"I've never felt anything like that," she whispered. "I want all of you soon. After the tourney… I promise."
She kissed him deeply one last time before slipping back to her room.
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 97/100 (True Love)]
Midnight
Ethan sat alone, processing everything.
He opened the system and used his remaining points:
[Minor Agility Enhancement Potion purchased] Agility: 27
[Tourney Quest Updated] Tomorrow's performance will greatly affect your reputation in King's Landing.
Ethan looked out at the dark city, heart steady.
Tomorrow, he would step into the arena.
Tomorrow, the Game would truly begin.
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