Aegon POV
Aegon was officially confused. Ever since Aemond had dragged him out of the brothel, his mind had felt muddled, like a thick fog had settled over his thoughts. The revelry of the previous night still clung to him like a heavy cloak, but the urgency in Aemond's voice had pierced through the haze. They had been a whirlwind of frustration and concern, especially when Aemond had stumbled into their grandfather's presence, delivering an error that was almost unforgivable. Aegon had watched helplessly as Aemond had taken a severe beating for it, the older brother's pride visibly bruised as he walked away with a limp.
Despite the ache in his chest from seeing Aemond suffer, Aegon felt a strange sense of detachment. They had barely exchanged words on their way back to the Red Keep, Aemond brooding and silent, lost in his thoughts about that child, the one who had captured his attention with nothing more than a fleeting glance. Aegon hadn’t quite understood why Aemond had fixated on the boy, but he had seen the determination burning in his brother’s eye. It was more than mere curiosity; it was a protective instinct that Aegon recognized as a reflection of his own deep-seated desires to shield those weaker than himself.
As they navigated through the narrow streets, Aegon allowed himself to take in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of King’s Landing. It was a place alive with chaos, the air thick with the cries of vendors and the shuffling feet of passersby. But there was something else, something unsettling. He watched as children played in the dirt, their laughter echoing in stark contrast to the weariness etched on their faces. Aegon kept an eye on each child, an instinctive part of him searching, yearning to find the one that had sparked Aemond’s obsession. It was almost as if Aemond had cast a spell over him, forcing him to share in his brother's strange fascination.
With each alley they passed, Aegon slipped gold coins into the hands of the little ones, his heart heavy with the need for silence. He didn’t want the guards prying into their affairs, didn’t want to face the consequences of being recognized or followed. The transactions were swift, a nod here, a fleeting smile there, but Aegon’s mind was elsewhere, lingering on thoughts of the mysterious child. What was it about him that had so captured Aemond’s focus? The way his brother spoke of the boy painted vivid images in Aegon’s mind, images of a fragile figure, wild hair, and hauntingly green eyes that held untold stories.
Finally, as he approached the last alley, Aegon felt a surge of hope and anxiety. There, amidst the shadows and refuse, he saw a glimpse of a child that seemed to match Aemond's vague description. The boy was small, with dishevelled hair that seemed to catch the dim light of the moon, and he had an air of mystery about him, as if he existed just outside the bounds of reality. Aegon’s heart raced; he could feel the magnetic pull towards the boy as if they were both connected by an invisible thread.
The child’s eyes darted around, wide and alert, reflecting a mixture of fear and defiance. Aegon could sense the energy radiating off him, an unusual intensity that seemed to resonate with something deep inside. It was the kind of look that spoke of past hurts and a resilience forged through hardship, an echo of Aemond’s own protective nature. Aegon took a step closer, his curiosity piqued. The boy was a ghost flitting between worlds, too ephemeral to grasp yet somehow vital.
“Hey there, little one,” Aegon called softly, instinctively lowering himself to appear less threatening. The boy flinched, his posture tensing as if preparing to flee. “Wait! I just want to help.”
But before he could take another step, the boy bolted, his small frame darting into the shadows, disappearing before Aegon could process what had just happened. Panic surged through him, a reflexive need to chase after the child, to reach out and offer some semblance of safety in a world that had shown him only cruelty. He felt an odd sense of loss as he stood there, the silence swallowing the air around him, a longing to understand this fleeting connection with someone he didn’t even know.
Feeling the weight of disappointment settle in his chest like lead, Aegon turned away from the alley where the boy had vanished. He felt the grip of confusion tighten around him, leaving him longing for an escape, a reprieve from the tangled web of emotions and responsibilities pressing down on him. As he made his way back to the brothel, the familiar scents of smoke and cheap perfume embraced him like an old friend, offering a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of the outside world. He stepped inside, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over the familiar interior. The murmur of voices and the occasional laughter of patrons filled the air, a cacophony that drowned out his troubling thoughts.
The madam, a shrewd woman with a knowing smile, spotted him immediately. “Aegon, my dear,” she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. “Back so soon? I hope tonight’s escapades were worth the trouble.”
Aegon slipped a handful of coins into her palm, grateful for the sanctuary this place provided. “You know what I like,” he replied, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of the child. “Just… bring me my usual.”
“Of course,” she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She waved over a tall, urban man, whose sharp features and confident stride made him a striking presence. Aegon had come to appreciate the man’s company; he was someone who could take Aegon’s mind off the pressures of his life, even if only for a few hours.
As the man approached, Aegon offered a weak smile. “You again,” he said, trying to sound more enthusiastic than he felt.
The man grinned, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief. “What can I say? I’m irresistible.” They moved to one of the more private corners of the brothel, the atmosphere thick with tension and the promise of fleeting pleasures. As they settled into their routine, Aegon found himself momentarily distracted from his worries. The urban man was skilled, his movements fluid and confident, and Aegon surrendered to the moment, allowing the chaos of his thoughts to fade into the background. But the child lingered at the edges of his mind, a spectre haunting the recesses of his consciousness. Once the initial thrill subsided, curiosity bubbled back to the surface, and he found himself asking the man a question that had been gnawing at him.
“Do you ever see children on the streets?” Aegon asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “You know, the ones who… who don’t belong there?”
The man paused, a hint of surprise crossing his features. “You mean the orphans?” he replied, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. “Aye, there are plenty of them. King’s Landing is crawling with lost souls. You can’t walk a block without seeing a child begging for scraps or dodging the guards.”
Aegon’s heart sank further. “What do you think happens to them? Do they find help?”
The man shrugged, a flicker of disdain crossing his face. “Most don’t. Some get taken in by the watch, but many are left to fend for themselves. It’s a cruel world, Aegon. You should know that by now.”
Aegon’s shoulders drooped, the weight of his thoughts evident even in the dim light of the brothel. Joren, ever observant, noticed the change in his demeanour. “Did one pique your interest?” he asked, his tone teasing yet genuine.
Aegon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he struggled to articulate the strange feelings swirling within him. “It’s my brother, Aemond. He’s been fixated on a child he saw just once, a boy from the streets.” Aegon hesitated, trying to find the right words to convey the depth of Aemond's obsession. “He can’t stop talking about him, and I don’t understand why. I’ve never seen him, but Aemond speaks of the child as if he holds some kind of secret.”
Joren leaned in closer, his interest piqued. “What do you know about this boy?”
“Not much,” Aegon admitted, his brow furrowing. “Just that he’s elusive, almost like a shadow. Aemond can’t shake the feeling that there’s something… different about him.” He felt the stirrings of frustration. “The way he describes the boy, it’s as if he sees something in hima reflection of himself, maybe. But I don’t get it. Why would Aemond care so much about a child he barely knows?”
Joren nodded thoughtfully, his expression turning serious. “The child is new to the streets, extremely elusive, smart but doesn’t seem to understand Westeros. He only started appearing just over a month ago. The madam keeps a close eye on the ones who frequent these places, so she knows who causes problems.”
Aegon felt a strange knot tighten in his chest. “Problems? What do you mean?”
“There have been attempts to coax him out of the alleys. Some people think they can take advantage of his innocence, but he always flees before they can get close. Someone tried to speak to him, but he bolted. And from what I hear, when he does stop, he doesn’t respond as you’d expect. It’s like he’s in his own world, disconnected from everything around him.”
Aegon frowned, picturing the boy from Aemond's description. “Is he dangerous?”
Joren shook his head. “Not dangerous, but definitely wary. There’s something about him, though; he’s clever. I’ve seen him with scraps of paper, he makes small figures from them. It’s like he’s creating something out of nothing. But I don’t think he fully grasps what’s going on around him.”
Aegon felt a surge of protectiveness rise within him. “It’s unfair, isn’t it? That he has to navigate a world that’s so harsh and unforgiving? He deserves better.”
“Maybe that’s why Aemond can’t let it go,” Joren said, his voice thoughtful. “He sees a part of himself in that boy, the part that was once lost, maybe. Perhaps Aemond feels compelled to help him in a way he couldn’t for himself.”
Aegon pondered Joren’s words, feeling a flicker of understanding ignite within him. “But how do we even reach him? If he’s so elusive…” His voice trailed off, the reality of their situation weighing heavily on his shoulders. “Aemond doesn’t know what he’s getting into. What if he gets hurt?”
“Then it’s up to you to keep him safe,” Joren replied, a note of determination in his voice. “Help Aemond find this boy. Maybe together, you can offer him a chance, a way out of the darkness.”
Aegon felt the gears in his mind turning, the fog slowly clearing. “You’re right. I can’t just stand by and watch this unfold. If Aemond is willing to risk so much for this child, then I’ll do everything I can to help him.”
With renewed purpose coursing through his veins, Aegon straightened his posture, the weight of his responsibility settling more comfortably on his shoulders. The tension that had knotted within him began to ease, replaced by a sense of determination that he hadn’t felt in some time. He knew he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated, yet a flicker of hope ignited within him. For now, he had a direction, one that would lead him deeper into the shadows of King’s Landing and toward the boy whose presence had unknowingly entwined their fates.
As he prepared to leave the brothel, Aegon felt a pang of sadness grip his heart. He had come to value the brief moments of respite he found within these walls, the fleeting sense of freedom that the night offered. He knew he would soon have to return to the oppressive atmosphere of the keep, where every conversation was weighed down by expectation and scrutiny. But before he left, he wanted to cling to that feeling of escape for just a little while longer.
Aegon took a moment to linger in Joren’s embrace, savouring the warmth of the man’s strong arms wrapping around him. Joren was not just a companion; he was a refuge from the chaos of Aegon’s life. In that embrace, Aegon felt understood, cherished even, as if the weight of the world was momentarily lifted. They shared a quiet intimacy, their breathing synchronized as they held each other close, the outside world fading away. In this cocoon of safety, Aegon allowed himself to close his eyes and imagine a life free from the burdens of royalty, a life where he could focus on the boy, the mysterious child who had captured Aemond’s obsession.
But all too soon, Aegon knew he had to leave. Reluctantly, he pulled away from Joren, the lingering warmth of their connection still crackling between them. “I’ll be back,” he promised, brushing his fingers against Joren’s cheek. The man’s eyes sparkled with understanding, and he nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips as Aegon stepped out into the cool night air.
The streets of King’s Landing felt different tonight. The usual chaos and noise were still present, but there was an undercurrent of purpose guiding Aegon’s steps. As he made his way through the narrow alleys, shadows danced around him, flickering in the dim light of the torches lining the streets. He felt a magnetic pull guiding him forward, urging him to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.
And then he saw him. The boy. Aegon’s breath caught in his throat as he caught sight of the child once more, his long pitch-black hair flowing like ink against the backdrop of the cobblestone street. The boy’s face was partially obscured by shadows, but even in the dim light, Aegon could make out the hauntingly beautiful features. The boy’s left eye was just barely visible, a striking green that seemed to glimmer like a precious gem, full of secrets and stories untold.
Aegon’s heart raced as he took a step closer, drawn to the child like a moth to a flame. There was an intensity in the boy’s gaze, a flicker of awareness that sent shivers down Aegon’s spine. The boy seemed to sense him, his body tense as he regarded Aegon with cautious curiosity. Aegon felt a surge of longing; he wanted to reach out, to offer the boy a chance, to pull him away from the darkness that threatened to swallow him whole.
“Hey,” Aegon called softly, not wanting to startle him. “I’m not going to hurt you.” But the boy only took a step back, the tension in his small frame apparent. Aegon’s heart ached at the sight. He understood that fear all too well, the instinct to flee from the unknown. “Please, it’s okay. I just want to talk.”
But as soon as the words left his lips, the boy’s expression shifted. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he turned and bolted down a narrow alley, disappearing into the night like a wisp of smoke. Aegon stood frozen for a moment, frustration welling up inside him. Why did this child have to be so elusive? Why couldn’t he just stay still long enough for Aegon to reach him?
Yet deep down, Aegon knew this was more than just a fleeting encounter. This child, with his dark hair and enigmatic gaze, had ignited a flame within Aegon, a desire to protect, to guide, and to perhaps offer a glimpse of hope in a world so often devoid of it. Aegon’s resolve strengthened. He would not give up on finding the boy, no matter how elusive he seemed.
With renewed determination, Aegon turned back toward the keep, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew this was only the beginning, and he would do everything in his power to uncover the truth behind the boy and help him navigate the dangers of King’s Landing.