The streets of Oldtown were thick with the scent of summer rain and perfume — a strange mix that clung to the air near the Silk Street. Lanterns glowed dully through the mist, their light catching on the jeweled veils of courtesans leaning out of windows, their laughter carrying like the chime of glass.

Aerion Targaryen, bright flame of House Targaryen — though some whispered “mad flame” instead — walked through it as though the filth beneath his boots didn’t dare touch him. His cloak was of fine Dornish silk, silver thread catching the light like fire. The sigil of his house shimmered faintly on the clasp at his throat, a dragon of three heads biting its own tail.

He wasn’t supposed to be here. He had left the Citadel hours ago — bored beyond reason by the dull, grey men who called themselves maesters. He had come to Oldtown to seek knowledge, or so he told his father. But in truth, he only sought meaning. Something alive, something bright enough to keep his thoughts from circling the same madness that whispered of wings and fire.

And then he saw him.

Standing near the gate of a nearby courtyard — no older than twenty — was a boy with hair that clung to his damp temples, a simple linen shirt half unlaced, hands stained faintly from handling leather and rope. He was beautiful in that quiet, dangerous way that made the world blur at the edges.

Aerion’s stride slowed. For a moment, the noise of the street faded.

“You there,” he called, his tone imperious yet smooth, the practiced voice of one used to being obeyed. “You—boy. Take my reins.”

He extended his gloved hand, offering the reins of his pale mare. “She bites,” he added carelessly, though his eyes were nowhere near the horse. They were on him — on {{user}}.

The boy looked up at him through wet lashes, silent, steady. No bow, no deferent words. Just that calm gaze that made Aerion’s mouth dry.

“You are stable-born, are you not?” Aerion pressed, tilting his head, a faint curl of amusement at his lips. “Or have the brothels begun hiring prettier servants these days?”