Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

It was widely known that presenting the crown of honor—the "Queen of Love and Beauty"—to a woman could spark controversy. If the champion crowned a woman who already had a family or failed to honor his own wife, scandal would surely follow. The precedent set by Prince Rhaegar, who famously crowned Lyanna Stark, had triggered an avalanche of events leading to great turmoil.

With exceptional skill in the joust, Gavin emerged as an unstoppable force, quickly advancing to the finals. His prowess earned him the reputation of being one of the most notable dark horses in the competition.

In his very first match, Gavin faced Garth Hightower, nicknamed "Grey Iron." Perhaps eager to salvage the Hightower family's honor, Garth struck aggressively, aiming for Gavin's vital areas. Yet Gavin deftly dodged every blow. After both men shattered two spears each, Gavin found an opening and struck Garth in the armpit, dislocating his opponent's arm. It was an injury that would take months to heal.

In the finals, Gavin faced another formidable challenger—Garland Tyrell, participating in the joust for the first time. Garland, Margaery Tyrell's brother, had also earned his place in the spotlight as a dark horse.

The two were evenly matched. Both demonstrated exceptional technique, breaking five spears apiece before Gavin landed a decisive blow, unseating Garland from his horse.

However, Garland refused to yield. Taking up a sword and shield from his attendant, he declared his intent to continue.

"Stand and fight, Gavin!" he challenged, his voice echoing across the field.

Without hesitation, Gavin dismounted, unsheathing his sword. The crowd watched in breathless anticipation as the duel commenced. Despite Garland's determination, Gavin's masterful swordsmanship proved overwhelming. Within five moves, Garland was disarmed, and Gavin was crowned the undisputed champion.

Holding the laurel wreath of roses in his hands, Gavin couldn't help but recall the story of Prince Rhaegar. The wreath Rhaegar won had set in motion events that shattered a kingdom. Gavin wondered if, in his final moments, Rhaegar had regretted that choice. Shaking off the thought, Gavin turned and walked toward the stands.

Without hesitation, he presented the crown of "Queen of Love and Beauty" to Margaery Tyrell, seated gracefully among the spectators.

Margaery's cheeks flushed with a rare excitement as she accepted the garland. Though she had attended countless tournaments and witnessed similar gestures many times before, this was the first time she had been crowned.

Looking at Gavin, her heart swelled with unspoken emotion. "It would be wonderful if he were truly a prince," she thought wistfully.

With the jousting tournament over, the festival in the Reach came to an end. Nobles began to prepare for their departures, and merchants packed their wares, heading to new destinations. After bidding farewell to Ser Edmond, Gavin made his way to Highgarden Castle to take his leave of Margaery.

The castle gardens were a vision of serenity. The breeze stirred colorful petals, which danced gently through the air.

Gavin found Margaery waiting for him. Her expression held both surprise and sadness. He bowed respectfully.

"Miss Margaery," he said softly. "I will be leaving Highgarden later today. I came to bid you farewell."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Margaery's face. "Gavin," she asked, her voice tinged with urgency, "are you truly not planning to stay and serve at Highgarden?"

Gavin shook his head slightly. "I still have matters to attend to," he explained. "But I will visit again when I return."

Margaery bit her lip gently before managing a smile. "Then I wish you a pleasant journey. Take care of yourself while you're away. I'll look forward to seeing you again."

Her eyes lingered on him, as though memorizing his features. Around them, the flowers swayed gently, whispering the bittersweet notes of farewell.

Gavin departed Highgarden lightly equipped, carrying only his sword. Yet, his triumph at the tournament had left him with a substantial haul.

His carriage was loaded with loot—three massive chests stacked precariously on top of one another. The weight strained the vehicle, and the Blood Dragon Guard struggled to control its pace.

Looking at the heavy load, Gavin frowned and thought to himself, "It's a good thing I converted most of the gold into golden tickets. Otherwise, no carriage could bear the weight."

The road stretched ahead, punctuated only by the rhythm of hooves and the creak of wheels. For over ten days, Gavin's journey remained uneventful—an unexpected disappointment to him.

When he reached Oldtown, he began making preparations for his next venture. He planned to seek magical knowledge from Qyburn, whose expertise was unparalleled, even if morally questionable.

The streets of Oldtown bustled with life as Gavin made his way to the inn where he had stayed previously. After securing a room and instructing the Blood Dragon Guard to guard his belongings, he headed to the Citadel.

Upon hearing the latest news, Gavin was stunned.

"Qyburn was expelled from the Citadel?" he asked. "When did this happen?"

Bachelor Michu, the man Gavin had consulted, shook his head in dismay. "Just ten days ago," Michu explained. "The Citadel discovered that Qyburn had been conducting inhumane experiments. They stripped him of his chain and cast him out. You're fortunate, Gavin. If you'd still been studying under him, you might have been implicated, and your progress toward earning a chain delayed."

Gavin frowned thoughtfully before slipping a few golden dragons into Michu's hands. "Do you know where Qyburn went after his expulsion?"

Michu pocketed the coins with practiced ease. "I heard he's been treating mercenaries on Port Street to make a living. But don't fret. If you need guidance, I can connect you with other bachelors who can help."

Gavin shook his head. "Thank you, Master Michu, but I came to resign as an assistant bachelor. I'm planning to travel."

Michu sighed. "A shame, Gavin. You have great talent in medicine. But many have left before you, seeking adventure. If that's your decision, I'll handle the paperwork for your departure."

After leaving the Citadel, Gavin made his way to Port Street, where he learned that Qyburn had left three days earlier. Apparently, he had boarded a ship with a mercenary crew, but no one knew where they were headed.

As Gavin walked back to the inn, he passed Old John's Tavern and spotted a familiar face. Luca, a man Gavin had once treated, was seated at a corner table.

Luca's face lit up when he saw him. "Ser Gavin!" he called out, standing to greet him. "It's been a while. You saved my life, remember? Sit down, let me buy you a drink!"