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Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Galahad vs Prince Rhaegar
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Third POV

After the melee, Galahad had become something of a legend. The moment he made his way out of the melee grounds, he was swarmed by a crowd, a mix of nobles and smallfolk alike, all eager to catch a glimpse of him.

The press of people was overwhelming, but what stood out most were the young ladies, each vying for his attention.

They reached out, their hands brushing against his armor, all hoping to make some small connection.

Many of them wore shy smiles, cheeks flushed as they whispered to each other, while others gathered their courage to speak, offering him congratulations or fluttering, admiring words.

Some simply wanted to touch him, as though confirming he was real; others asked him question after question, eager to hear his voice.

Galahad managed a polite smile, acknowledging each one as best he could, though the weight of their attention was more intense than the melee he'd just emerged from.

Surrounded on all sides, he felt the pressure mounting, realizing he could be late for the joust if he didn't find a way to escape.

Thinking quickly, he glanced up at the sky, then pointed with urgency. "Dragon!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the crowd.

Heads turned in every direction as a ripple of gasps and murmurs spread. And in that brief moment of distraction, Galahad made his escape, slipping through the parted crowd and breaking into a run.

After that, he readied himself for the joust, which would be in half an hour. Today would bring three rounds, three opponents to face.

When he was armored and prepared, he made his way to the stables, mounting Lancelot. Together, they rode to the jousting field, where the thrill of competition awaited.

When Galahad entered the field for the first round of the day, lords, ladies, and smallfolk alike buzzed with anticipation, their attention fixated on him.

In the first round of the day, Galahad faced his friend Gerion Lannister.

He drew out the match, giving the crowd a show as he jousted with careful precision, going easy on his friend while still displaying enough skill to keep the spectators on the edge of their seats.

On the final tilt, he delivered a decisive blow, unhorsing Gerion with practiced ease, earning cheers and admiration from the crowd.

His second round brought him face to face with Tygett Lannister. Another friend, and another match that he let stretch to its full length, each tilt building the crowd's excitement.

Tygett fought fiercely, their lances splintering with every pass, but in the end, Galahad unhorsed him as well, bringing him down on the last lance in what appeared to be a hard-won victory.

For his third round, however, he was set to face none other than Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

Currently in the stables, Galahad was brushing his stallion, Lancelot, as he waited out the hour's break before his final joust.

Around him were Gerion, Tygett, and Oberyn—all of whom had been eliminated from the Joust.

Oberyn shook his head ruefully, still stinging from his defeat by Ser Barristan Selmy, who had unseated him on the third tilt.

Gerion was quick to tease him for his loss, laughing at his quick elimination.

"At least I made it farther in the rounds" Oberyn retorted with annoyance, which only sent Gerion into another fit of laughter.