She no longer hesitated or held anything back. Her words came faster as she revealed everything she knew:
"His name is Young Griff. That's the alias he uses."
"His public identity... we were told he was Prince Aegon Targaryen, the legitimate son of Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia."
"When King's Landing fell, he was secretly switched with another child and smuggled out. He has been raised in secret ever since, by Lord Jon Connington."
"Illyrio Mopatis of Pentos provided money and shelter, while his well-informed friend at the court in Westeros provided intelligence and support."
"They have spent years plotting, waiting for their chance."
"According to the original plan..." She paused, her voice dropping lower, though it remained clear. "Young Griff will arrive in Lys within the next few days, escorted by Lord Clinton."
"He will meet with Governor Dorian to settle the final details of their cooperation. Here, he will receive the title of Prince of Lys and public support."
Aegon listened quietly, his face expressionless. Only his index finger, resting on the sword hilt, gave a barely perceptible tap.
"So the Golden Company will come to Lys with him?" he suddenly asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
That would be a considerable problem.
"No, Your Highness." Sa Melis shook her head.
"The Golden Company isn't accompanying him. They're still stationed in the Disputed Lands. According to the intelligence I've gathered, their senior officers recognize Young Griff's identity and claim, but their allegiance is... in name only."
"What truly drives the Golden Company is the enormous payment Illyrio has promised them, along with grants of land once they succeed."
She added the most crucial detail: "Only a handful of the Golden Company's highest-ranking commanders have met Young Griff in person."
"The vast majority of their soldiers know only that they