As the herald shouted Arthur's name three times, the crowd finally got their first look at the undefeated Knight of Hearts.
Atop the magnificent purple warhorse sat a man of rugged, handsome features, chest puffed out in pride. His unkempt black hair, freshly freed from the helm, was a little wild, adding to his fierce aura. His violet eyes mirrored the hue of his steed, creating a striking image that no one in the stands would soon forget.
Arianne stared at Arthur, stunned into silence for a long moment. It took a nudge from Lady Nym to snap her back to reality. "Champions! Go and enjoy the cheers of the crowd! This glory belongs to you!"
Arthur accepted several bouquets of flowers from Jimmy and joined the other champions for a victory lap, tossing the blooms into the cheering throngs.
At the end of the lap, Arthur lifted his helm on the tip of his lance and presented it to Edric Dayne, who was screaming in excitement from the high stands.
Once the victory lap concluded, the champions exited the lists.
Amidst the roaring applause, Prince Doran placed a crown woven of red blossoms—symbolizing love and beauty—onto Princess Arianne's head, declaring the Tourney at Sunspear officially closed.
Arthur, with the help of his squires, stripped off his armor and headed straight back to his quarters in Sunspear.
The Dornish heat was unforgiving. After a full day of jousting, his padded doublet was soaked through with sweat and reeked to high heaven.
By the time Arthur had enjoyed a comfortable bath, scrubbed away the grime, and changed into fresh clothes, a servant was already waiting outside his door.
"My lord, Prince Oberyn requests your presence."
"Lead the way."
---
Arthur called for Edric and his squires to join him. He knew exactly why Oberyn had summoned him.
Lady Nym had brokered a deal on the dais: Arthur would crown Arianne the Queen of Love and Beauty instead of Ynys Yronwood, and in exchange, Oberyn would knight him.
If Oberyn had refused, Arthur would have given the laurel to Ynys without hesitation. That would have been a very different story.
They arrived at the same side hall in the Tower of the Sun where they had met before.
Unlike their previous private meeting, the hall was now filled with nobles. They had heard the rumors and come to witness the Red Viper knighting the mystery champion.
Ever since Oberyn agreed to the deal, Lady Nym had been busy spreading the word that Prince Oberyn intended to knight the "Knight of Hearts," Arthur Snow.
Sching.
Oberyn drew his longsword the moment Arthur entered. The sound of steel drew every eye in the room.
"Kneel, Arthur Snow," Oberyn commanded briskly.
Arthur glanced at Lady Nym. Seeing her nod, a flash of excitement lit his violet eyes. He dropped to one knee.
Prince Oberyn solemnly placed the flat of the blade on Arthur's right shoulder. "In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave."
The blade moved to the left shoulder. "In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just."
Back to the right. "In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent."
Left again. "In the name of the Maiden, I charge you to protect all women."
"Let all present bear witness," Oberyn announced, looking around the room before turning his gaze back to Arthur. "Rise, Arthur Snow. You knelt a boy; rise a knight."
The ceremony complete, Oberyn sheathed his sword and pulled Arthur into an embrace. "Congratulations, Ser Arthur Snow."
Edric was the first to rush forward, still clutching the helm Arthur had given him. "Congratulations, cousin! When I come of age, you have to be the one to knight me!"
Arthur rapped his knuckles on the helm in Edric's hands. "That depends on whether you prove yourself worthy."
Others came forward to offer their congratulations—some Arthur knew, others he didn't. Most were young nobles and peers.
Among the more distinguished well-wishers were Princess Arianne and Prince Quentyn, who introduced Arthur to their respective circles of companions and sworn shields.
Within a quarter of an hour, Arthur had become acquainted with most of them.
Ser Cletus Yronwood, heir to Yronwood, extended an invitation: "Ser Arthur, your journey back to Starfall will take you past Yronwood. We would be honored to host you at our castle."
Arthur wasn't sure what game Cletus was playing, so he made a polite excuse to decline. He was itching to get back to Starfall; he had no time for detours to Yronwood.
Being knighted by Prince Oberyn wasn't the end goal for him—it was merely a step.
The real prize was fulfilling the final condition of his agreement with his master, Ser Oswell Whent. Now, as a knight, he had earned the right to wield Dawn despite his bastard name and become the Sword of the Morning.
If not for Prince Doran's feast in the Tower of the Sun that evening—which would be rude to skip—Arthur would have packed his bags and ridden for Starfall that very night.
"All right, everyone, go prepare for the feast or whatever else you need to do," Prince Oberyn announced to the room. "I wish to speak with Ser Arthur alone."
"Uncle, we shall take our leave," Arianne said. She and Quentyn led their separate entourages out of the hall.
Soon, the lively hall was empty save for Oberyn, Lady Nym, and Arthur.
Arthur, feeling comfortable enough, took a seat next to Lady Nym. "Your Grace, is there something else?"
Oberyn frowned slightly. "When do you plan to leave Sunspear?"
Arthur exchanged a look with Nym. "Tomorrow, most likely."
"Hmm." Oberyn paused for a moment. "Tomorrow, my retinue will travel with you."
Nym looked nervous. "Father, why are you going to Starfall?"
"Afraid I'll spoil your fun?" Oberyn raised an eyebrow. "Nym, as I said before, I will not interfere in your sisters' marriages. I gave you the tools; how you use them is up to you."
"I am only passing through Starfall. My destination is Oldtown. I'm taking Sarella to the Citadel to study."
Lady Nym relaxed, but then frowned again. "As far as I know, the Citadel doesn't accept women."
"I studied there for years and forged six links of a maester's chain. There are plenty of ways around the rules." Oberyn poured himself a cup of wine. The liquid was amber and carried the scent of peaches.
If Arthur wasn't mistaken, Oberyn was drinking Amber Peach Wine.
Nym smirked. "The Citadel is certainly the best place for Sarella. Endless books. Who knows, maybe when she returns, I'll have to call her Maester Sarella."
"Ser Arthur, this brings me to your other purpose in Sunspear," Oberyn said, ignoring his daughter's quip. He raised his glass to Arthur. "Tonight, this wine—Amber Peach—will be served at the high table."
Arthur bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Grace, for making it happen."
"I didn't 'make' anything happen." Oberyn took a sip and set the goblet down. "This wine is on the table because of its quality. Just as I knighted you because of your skill. Merit earns its place."
Oberyn then switched topics casually. "Speaking of which, this wine comes from your lands. Since you have lands and a barony now, why not take a new surname? Dorne doesn't despise bastards, but 'Snow' is hardly a name that commands respect."
Arthur thought for a moment. "I considered it when I was in the North. But I decided against it."
Lady Nym took Arthur's hand. "Why?"
"Changing my name doesn't change the fact that I was born a bastard. Strangers who care about status won't shed their prejudices just because I paint over the name."
Arthur continued, "Bloodraven—Brynden Rivers—and Bittersteel—Aegor Rivers—kept their names even after being legitimized. I think they understood that."
"Legitimized?"
Oberyn's eyes snapped to Arthur like a viper spotting prey. His gaze, dark as midnight, bore into him.
"Arthur, tell me the truth. By keeping the name Snow... are you hoping to be legitimized? To take the name Stark and press a claim on Winterfell as your birthright?"
"If so... I might be able to help you get that decree of legitimization."