NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Watch Unto Me
Braavos, Sea Lord's Mance – Party Hall
The grand hall of the Sea Lord's Mance gleamed with opulence, lit by chandeliers of crystal and gold. Braavosi nobles, adorned in vibrant silks and fine leathers, filled the space with their laughter and intrigue. In the center of the hall, a winged figure commanded the room, moving with the grace of a predator.
He sang a hymn of reverence and defiance, his deep voice carrying ancient verses that invoked the gods of sky, sea, and forge:
"Watch unto me, oh son of the skies;
Let them hear your roar, oh son of the seas.
You who bear no fear, soaring unfettered and unmarred—
Bard to the gods and guide to the marred.
Son to the Mother and Maiden, may they know my calling.
May my song meet thy presence once more—
Strength unmatched, untested,
Guided by he who watches over battlefields,
Oh Warrior, see me lead men to their deaths.
For the Stranger meets me at thy gates.
Oh Father, see my fortitude;
Oh Crone, thou art my whetstone.
Oh Smith, thou art my fire, my rhythm, my guide."
The Pirate Prince, clad in blood-red attire accented with a black leather breastplate, moved with poise that belied his size. His shoulders were adorned with the motif of a coiled serpentine dragon, its etched scales running down his right arm to a gauntleted hand. Rings glinted on his black horns, and his boots—polished to a mirrored shine—struck a sharp contrast against the marble floor his ever present tail flowed with him in precise motions not looking out of place at all .
By his side danced Halaena, her silver hair gleaming in the light. Her violet eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as they swayed in perfect harmony. She wore a dress of deep crimson, mirroring Aegon's colors, with a tiara of red marble carved into a scaled pattern. Together, they made a striking pair, their movements drawing murmurs of admiration—and envy—from the crowd.
Many Braavosi women knew the prince well. His visits to the city were the stuff of whispered legends, his charm and allure leaving a trail of longing behind him. Yet tonight, he arrived with a woman at his side, one who bore not only his colors but also his features. Speculation rippled through the crowd—was this woman more than a passing companion?
As the song ended and the applause swelled, the hall turned its attention to a tall, striking woman who entered with measured grace. She was dark-skinned, her height and bearing making her impossible to ignore. Clad in a gown that clung to her curves and adorned with crystalline beads, she carried herself with the confidence of royalty. Her braided hair fell past her shoulders, and a veil of translucent beads framed her enigmatic smile.
"The Onyx Paramour," someone whispered, a ripple of recognition passing through the hall.
The prince turned to meet her gaze, his smile widening. "Ah, Adeola," he said, his tone warm yet playful. "What a surprise."
"Pirate Prince," she replied, her voice smooth and melodic, the smile beneath her veil growing as she approached.
"This," Aegon said, gesturing to Halaena, "is the Pearl of the Dragon Isle." He winked at Adeola, who regarded Halaena with a knowing look.
"The Pearl, is she?" Adeola's voice carried a teasing lilt as her dark eyes studied Halaena. "Charmed to meet you."
Halaena flushed slightly under the woman's gaze but replied with measured politeness. "It's a pleasure."
"She's curious about you, I can tell," Aegon said, leaning down to whisper to Halaena. "Adeola Zoha—warrior princess in the Summer Isles on the isle of women. We've had...adventures the me saving her ship from pirates kind."
Adeola tilted her head. "Is she the one you spoke of when you rejected my gratitude all those years ago?"
"Ah, the old days," Aegon said, dismissing her question with a grin. "Never mind that. I have need of you, Adeola. Two favors, actually. First, I want your warriors to join me on the Dragon Isle. Second, I need a slab of rose quartz—large and flawless."
Adeola's smile grew predatory, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, my prince, that would leave you in my debt."
"And I suppose I'll have to repay that debt one day," Aegon said, his smile widening to an almost unnatural degree.
Halaena, noticing his expression, felt a pang of unease. His excitement was palpable, but the way he and Adeola seemed to read each other so effortlessly left her feeling out of place.
"You'll have my answer soon enough," Adeola said, bowing her head slightly toward Halaena. "For now, you may consider me your new guard for the next year."
Aegon nodded, satisfied. "Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I must discuss something with the Sea Lord. Perhaps this year, I'll compete in the swordsmanship contest."
With a dramatic flourish, he strode off, leaving Adeola and Halaena standing together. Adeola's gaze softened slightly as she turned to Halaena. "You've got fire in you. That much is clear. Let's see if it burns as brightly as his."