chapter 18

As William navigated the labyrinth of nobles and knights, his mind wandered back to the countless episodes of the series he had watched, the characters and their narratives etched into his memory with unwavering clarity. The voices of the highborn mingled with the clinking of goblets and the symphony of laughter, creating a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Then, amidst the sea of conversations, a familiar voice rose above the rest, its boastful tone punctuating the air. Jason Lannister, known for his pride in his ancestral seat of Casterly Rock, regaled the listeners with tales of its grandeur, claiming it to be taller than the High Tower of Oldtown and even surpassing the mighty Wall in the north.

Intrigued by the familiar voice and the prospect of witnessing a rejection, William's curiosity was piqued. He knew of Jason Lannister not only from the series but from their past encounters in the world beyond the screen. A sly grin spread across William's face as he made his way closer to where the voices emanated, eager to witness the unfolding spectacle.

And there it was, just as he had anticipated. Jason stood before Rhaenyra, his words falling on deaf ears as she steadfastly denied his advances. Frustration etched itself onto Jason's face, culminating in a moment of fiery defiance as he flung his wine goblet to the ground, its contents splattering across the courtyard.

Their eyes locked, and in that fleeting moment, William sensed a spark of recognition flickering in Jason's gaze. It was as if, against all odds, a glimmer of awareness had surfaced within the depths of Jason's mind.

With a purposeful stride, Jason approached William, his smile carrying a mix of embarrassment and recognition. "Ah, young William," Jason greeted, his voice laced with a subtle blend of vulnerability and bravado. "It seems our paths have crossed once more."

William met Jason's gaze, his own expression guarded yet tinged with a hint of amusement. "Indeed, Jason," he replied, his words dripping with a touch of mischief. "The twists and turns of fate have a peculiar way of intertwining our lives, don't they?"

Jason's smile wavered for a moment, his eyes betraying a flicker of concern. It was clear he feared that William had overheard his rejection at Rhaenyra's hands. But William was not one to let such an opportunity slip away. He relished in the chance to toy with Jason, to dance on the delicate edge between truth and manipulation.

"They do indeed, my friend," Jason conceded, his voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and curiosity. "But let us not dwell on the past. Today is a day of celebration and revelry. We shall save our personal vendettas for another time, shall we not?"

William's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, certainly," he replied, his voice laced with hidden meaning. "For now, let us immerse ourselves in the festivities and embrace the allure of this momentous occasion. Who knows what fate has in store for us on this day of destiny?"

And with those words, William parted ways with Jason, his mind filled with a single unwavering thought. He would not let Criston Cole, win the heart of Rhaenyra. No, not on his watch.