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The Mad King made an appearance at the tournament some time after it had started, entering escorted by his guard.
He made his way to where his father, Tywin, was seated. Tyrion didn't know what his king wanted with his father but thought that probably the king was looking for some kind of 'trusted companion.'
At least, that was what Tyrion naively thought at first. But it was clear the king had come to the tournament for other reasons.
The truth was that the Mad King's influence was low, and he believed that by showing up at the tournament, his popularity would increase. He thought that if people saw him again, his influence and authority would be restored.
But this turned out to be a mistake. When people saw his condition, instead of thinking it 'handsome' or reaffirming his authority, they judged him as mad based on his appearance and mental state, which was clearly reflected in his clothing.
His beard was long, his hair too, and it seemed he hadn't bathed for days. His nails were long and unkempt; he truly looked like a madman.
King Aerys II approached where the Lannister family was sitting and took a seat relatively close to Tywin—not near Cersei or Tyrion.
Tyrion took a good look at Daenerys's father and couldn't help but judge him. He stored that memory for the future, thinking that if he ever met her and she asked, he would have something to tell about what her father was like.
At first, the king didn't speak to his father. Instead, he seemed focused, his attention on his son Rhaegar. It even seemed that he was slightly proud of his son.
But Tyrion wasn't sure if that was correct, considering the king was already somewhat mad and mentally unstable.
The jousts continued. His brother fought well, winning every match in his path. Prince Rhaegar Targaryen also kept winning all the battles he fought; he was clearly skilled.
Other notable competitors included the legendary Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Gerold Hightower of the Kingsguard, Brynden "Blackfish" Tully, Ser Jeffory Mallister, and Ser Arthur Dayne, one of the most brilliant knights.
Besides these standouts, there was also a mysterious figure whose identity no one knew for sure:
The Knight of the Laughing Tree, wearing patched armor and a shield painted with a laughing tree.
His voice was distorted to avoid recognition, adding to the mystery.
The knight challenged three squires who had been bullying Howland Reed (Lyanna's friend).
This caught Prince Rhaegar's attention and made the audience cheer for him.
But to everyone's surprise, the mysterious knight disappeared the next day, leaving the crowd disappointed.
The days went on, and the festivities continued. These days were very enjoyable for Tyrion. Sometimes he had to deal with his annoying sister or his father, but whenever he could, without being seen, he drank and enjoyed the tournament. He was honest—it was entertaining to watch a bunch of men exchanging blows.
The number of competitors began to dwindle each day, while Prince Rhaegar kept winning.
At some point, his brother Jaime was defeated, though the king thought Jaime's skills were excellent.
As for who won the tournament and received many coins for prize, it was Prince Rhaegar.
The final battles were intense. Rhaegar defeated Ser Arthur Dayne with difficulty; it was a closely matched fight.
He also defeated Barristan Selmy, which surprised Tyrion and everyone else, since Barristan was an excellent fighter. Perhaps age played a role? It was perhaps for that reason that he lost
Rhaegar eventually reached the final and won the tournament.
As the champion, Rhaegar was to crown the Queen of Love and Beauty.
The Queen of Love and Beauty was a title given to the woman chosen by the tournament winner (the champion) to represent beauty, virtue, romance, and honor—a form of entertainment for the spectators.
The champion placed a crown of flowers on the chosen woman's lap (usually roses).
Why was this important?
It was a public gesture. The whole kingdom saw whom the champion had chosen. It had romantic implications and often signified admiration, desire, or even hidden love.
Because of this, the end of the tournament caused a huge stir, as Prince Rhaegar did not choose his wife.
Instead of choosing his wife, Elia Martell, he chose Lyanna Stark.
Tyrion saw that after Rhaegar placed the crown on Lyanna's lap, the entire stadium fell into awkward silence.
This act humiliated Elia Martell, enraged Robert Baratheon (who was betrothed to her), and left Brandon Stark and the other Starks outraged.
It instantly created a tense political atmosphere.
As Tyrion watched from his seat with his beloved family, he knew the next events would lead to Robert Baratheon's Rebellion.
It wouldn't be long before Lyanna Stark and the "sleazy" prince disappeared.
That was at least Tyrion's view of the prince. In Tyrion's mind, the prince was nothing more than that.
Rhaegar was already married but abandoned his wife to pursue a much younger girl. He gave up everything and started a war for a woman. Tyrion didn't see love itself as a problem, but in his view, a man shouldn't leave his wife to chase a younger woman.
After the tournament, Jaime was appointed by the king to join the Kingsguard and serve as the king's personal guard—a prestigious position for anyone.
But for Tywin, it was an insult. When a man joins the Kingsguard, he gives up his titles. When the king asked Jaime to join, he was essentially saying, "I am taking your son as a hostage."
That was how Tywin understood it, and it made him very angry. But there wasn't much he could do, after all, he was going against the king.
The king was taking Tywin's son Jaime with him—a decision that would later prove disastrous for the king—but it also filled Tyrion with a subtle sadness. He would miss his brother and have to fend for himself with Cersei at Casterly Rock
After the tournament, the entire court dispersed, and each house returned to their lands.
Tywin, Cersei, and the main Lannisters returned to Casterly Rock, while Jaime did not go back with the family.
He was now part of the Kingsguard, traveling with King Aerys to King's Landing, serving the king directly—essentially a luxurious prisoner.
Tyrion was at that moment in the Lannister tent, with his father, his annoying sister, and other relatives like his uncle and cousin all gathered.
After the tournament, tensions were high. The scent of rebellion lingered in the air. The houses of Westeros were preparing to depart, and his family did the same.
His father had decided where they would go. As head of the family, it was his responsibility to guide and protect everyone.
Tywin was very angry. The king had taken his favorite son and left him with the "little one."
After the king knighted Jaime, Tywin felt deeply insulted and resigned as Hand of the King.
This created terrible tension between him and the king, but Tyrion thought the king was foolish—he shouldn't risk losing his father's services, as there was no better advisor than Tywin.
Tywin returned to Casterly Rock to manage his lands and await the next political moves.
They were ready to depart when someone entered their tent to say goodbye.
It was Jaime, his brother, now a member of the Kingsguard.
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