Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 42

Solomon. Braavos.

- Why do you not allow me to approach you, Master Solomon? I only want to do my master a favor and give him a welcoming kiss. - The Artist asked in a seductive voice with a charming smile on her face.

- How interesting," I said with a short laugh, "What is the reason for such a sudden change?

- You know, when I thought about it for a while, I immediately came to the conclusion that it was pointless to resist you. You said yourself that I am more important to you than my mother, and that means that my goal will be achieved one way or another. And since it is so, why not start to fulfill your new duties, because the disadvantage, in fact, only one?

- And, to summarize, if I let you go, you won't try to slit my throat with that brush in your hand hidden behind your back, will you?

Being on the third floor of the Pearl Bank, my cheerful gaze was directed at the vine-covered Artist a couple of meters away from me. Her maids, standing against one of the walls, were silently watching with impenetrable faces, as if they didn't know what to think about it.

- Oh, come on. How could I? - Showing impressively feigned resentment, the Artist replied - Master Solomon, are you... afraid of me? Just thinking about it makes my heart feel as if it were pierced by a thousand red-hot needles. Please don't hurt me so much and just let me approach you.

- Impressive acting skills," I ignored her request and took the empty chair, "I suppose you're interested in theater? A frequent visitor to the Blue Lantern?

One notable venue is the Blue Lantern, a theater located near Purple Harbor and Moonlight Pond. Its walls are painted a soft blue color, hence its name. Its productions were characterized by grace and poetry, which was a popular topic among ladies of all ages.

- Tch, - the Artist tsked, and her expression changed to a more familiar, that is, irritable - Let me go, I realized that this will not work.

- That's good. - I smiled, and the vines immediately disappeared into the floor as quickly as they had appeared. The artist lowered herself to the ground and strode with a disgruntled face to the couch, tossing the brush to the maids, who caught the object and placed it on the shelf, then obediently stood behind their mistress.

Her character is somewhat similar to the combination of Arya and Sansa. The icy mask seen by the vast majority of Braavos' inhabitants gives no hint of what lies beneath. The purposefulness and appealing personality that I'm sure no more person knows about than the fingers on one hand, naturally compels me to give her my attention.

If her game is exposed, she's not afraid to show who she is. That is, she doesn't care what people think of her. Her mask is not meant to favor her, but rather the opposite. It's a defense mechanism to keep anyone away from her. Given her circumstances, though, that's not surprising.

- Why are you here? I doubt the conversation between you and "mother" has happened yet. Just so you know, I'm not here to amuse you or stroke your ego.

- Oh? Now you don't think I'm a liar? That's good to know. - I said with a light laugh, to which the Artist clucked her tongue.

- You didn't answer the question, Master Solomon. What is it you want? And is it related to Velano, who has been looking for you recently?

- I'm sure it doesn't. I am here for another reason," I shook my head, "My visit has to do with your mother.

- Oh? What a surprise. - she grinned.

- Your opinion of her is clear to me, and I want to know what exactly happened between you. It will give me some basis for what kind of person she is, and what to expect.