From SuspireWiki

Part of the Clan Eminence and Covenant Ascendancy Status benefits.

Being the member of a group that is perceived as the legitimate threat to the throne has its benefits. The members of a contender covenant and rival clan are thus somewhat protected from their ascendant and eminent opponents and enjoy some of the benefits as if they were themselves ascendant.

For each month, the Clan or Covenant that is considered the Rival or Contender is allowed one of the eminent or ascendant's benefits - which is chosen by the Storytellers for the group in question.