The central area of the Perfumed Garden was divided off by an exquisite wrought-iron archway. Beyond it, deeper courtyards and the outlines of more magnificent buildings were faintly visible.
Four guards stood on either side of the archway, intricate patterns etched into their armor, their eyes as empty as those of the Unsullied in the outer garden.
As Aegon approached, two of the guards crossed their spears, barring his way.
"Halt." The guard's voice was flat and toneless. "The inner courtyard is closed to visitors today. The governor is receiving honored guests."
Aegon paused.
He had not expected to encounter such a tiresome cliché in a place famed for its openness and indulgence.
Behind him, Henry froze for a moment, while the other two Blood Oath Band soldiers moved their hands toward their sword hilts.
Just then-
"Oh? A new face..."
A voice tinged with unmistakable frivolity and surprise came from the other side of the archway.
Accompanied by somewhat unsteady footsteps, a young nobleman staggered over, surrounded by three or four attendants, his gait loose and wavering.
He looked to be in his early twenties and wore the vivid silk robes peculiar to Lys. Carefully curled dark brown hair fell over his shoulders, a thin layer of powder covered his face, and his lips were unnaturally red.
His gaze still held a hint of drunken haziness, but the instant it swept across Aegon's face, his light brown eyes lit up.
"What a... breathtaking face." The young nobleman openly looked Aegon up and down, lingering particularly long on his silver hair and violet eyes.
He waved a hand at the guards. "Stand aside. This... gentleman is clearly an honored guest from afar. How could you bar his way?"
The guards exchanged a glance and silently withdrew their spears.
The young