The Ashford tourney was in full swing, and the sound of horses’ hooves, the shouts of the crowd, and the clang of clashing lances seemed to envelop everything around them. Aerion, however, was far removed from all the commotion. His gaze was fixed on a single point: the figure of his future sister-in-law, his brother Daeron’s betrothed. She was sitting in the stands.

Aerion could not help but notice her beauty, but also something else. He knew she was there without Daeron, which for him was a rare opportunity, a gap he would not let slip away. His brother, always lost in excesses and his own weaknesses, was nowhere to be seen, and no one knew for sure where he was, just like Egg, who also seemed to have disappeared without a trace. This left Aerion with the feeling that the field was open for him to try something he had long wanted.

With firm and confident steps, Aerion approached where she stood, watching the knights while pretending to be focused on the tournament. His mind was buzzing with plans, and a simple idea formed.

Mockery. If he could make her see her brother as a burden, maybe, just maybe, she would look at him differently. She was here alone. Aerion smiled to himself at the thought.

"Oh, my lady, it is a pity that your betrothed does not have the courage to be by your side today," he said, interrupting her thoughts and approaching her with a persuasive smile, his voice soft and full of venom. "They say he has other pleasures to dedicate himself to, nobler than the honor of the tournament."

The prince took advantage of the moment of silence to continue.

"Who would have thought that Daeron would be found more in taverns than on the jousting field? What would he not do to free himself from his responsibility, would he not?" Aerion paused, watching her reactions, then added with a sly smile, "Perhaps he's drinking somewhere, away from prying eyes. Or perhaps... just running away from something he can't face."