The morning air in Volantis was thick with the cloying sweetness of syrup and spices mingled with the sea breeze.
And a faint trace of something scorched...
Aegon sat on the second floor of a streetside eatery in the harbor district, with several local breakfast specialties laid out before him.
Fried dough balls soaked in thick syrup, flaky pastries dusted with sugar, and a cup of hot goat's milk sweetened with far too much honey.
He speared a dough ball and popped it into his mouth. Sweetness instantly overwhelmed his taste buds.
Sweet-sickeningly sweet. Almost everything in Volantis was sweet, but compared to roughing it in the ruins, this was already a luxury.
"Nothing but the frame left of the Pink Dream... The Tiger-Robe Army said it was a gang feud..."
"Bali finally crossed the wrong people... Even his sister couldn't save him..."
The murmured gossip buzzed around him, but it eased Aegon's mind a little.
The incident had indeed been classified as a gang conflict. No one was digging deeper.
Either the ruby had bought the right favors, or the Elephant Party triarch simply didn't care whether his mistress's brother lived or died.
Across from him, Henry was enjoying his breakfast as well. He ate with a mercenary's hearty appetite, though his manners retained a basic degree of propriety.
Noticing that Aegon had barely touched the food on his plate, he asked with concern, "Your Highness, is it not to your liking? Would you like to try this pastry? It's sweet, but it smells wonderful."
"No need." Aegon set down his fork and wiped his mouth. "How well have the men rested?"
Henry immediately put down his food and answered earnestly, "They've all recovered. We had a physician see to the wounded, too, and everyone's in good spirits. They