He did not respond to her question about whether she was disturbing him, merely inclining his head. "Sorry for the trouble."
The amusement in Sa Melis's eyes deepened, and she turned to lead the way.
This time, the guards did not stop them.
Beyond the archway, the inner courtyard offered a more secluded vista.
Exotic flowers and plants filled the air with fragrance, while artificial streams burbled among fountains and white marble sculptures.
Even the perfume in the air smelled more expensive.
Here and there, richly dressed men and women whispered in pavilions, but they were far fewer than in the outer courtyard. The atmosphere was more "refined" and secretive.
"My name is Sa Melis," the woman walking ahead said casually. "I suppose you could say I... help manage a few things in this garden."
"Judging by your bearing, you're no ordinary traveler or sailor. Have you come from across the Narrow Sea? Or farther east?"
An effortless opening, an effortless probe.
Aegon's steps never faltered. His calm gaze swept the depths of the courtyard; the golden point on the system map was now close at hand.
"Passing through," he replied indifferently.
Sa Melis's steps paused almost imperceptibly.
She had anticipated any number of answers, but "passing through"? Such a dismissive response-he could not even be bothered to invent a name?
She could not help turning her head to study the young man beside her again. Black clothes, silver hair, an upright figure, and steady, soundless steps.
His almost inhumanly handsome face showed little expression. His violet eyes were deep, regarding his surroundings with nothing but cold scrutiny.
Faced with her beauty and her attempt to strike up a conversation, his response was so calm it bordered on indifference.
*This man... there was something very wrong about him. And he