Chapter 29: Chapter 29 - The Street Of Silk
122 AC
The first day of the sixth moon
Ulf Pov
As I slowly woke up from my sleep, I winced in pain and muttered, "Ouch." My arm was fully bandaged, making it difficult to move. I looked towards the window and noticed the sun setting, realizing that I had slept for quite some time.
My gaze then shifted towards a small chest resting on the table, emitting a faint glow. As I made my way towards it, I could feel my heart racing with excitement and curiosity. Upon opening the chest, my eyes widened with amazement as I saw it was filled with gold.
Before I could even process what was happening, I heard Daemon's voice.
"It's all yours," Daemon's voice rang out, breaking the stillness of the room.
I turned around to see him standing there with a broad grin on his face. "You won around a hundred gold dragons in the squires' melee," he continued, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
As I looked down at the chest of gold, I felt a sense of disbelief. This bounty was beyond my wildest dreams.
Even as I thanked Daemon, my mind wandered to what I would do with this newfound wealth. I was grateful for his role in delivering this fortune to me, but I also knew that I needed to use it wisely. The thought of investing it in the iron bank crossed my mind. There must be some safe and profitable ventures I could explore with this much gold.
I pondered over the various options that lay before me, weighing the pros and cons of each. It was not often that one came across such a large sum of money, and I wanted to ensure that I made the most of it.
The possibilities were endless, and my mind was abuzz with excitement at the thought of all the things I could do with this gold. However, I also knew that I needed to be cautious. Wealth often came with its own set of challenges, and I needed to be mindful of the risks that lay ahead.
For the moment, though, I planned to savor the feeling of this unexpected bounty. I knew that I had been given a rare opportunity, and I intended to make the most of it.
The last thing I wanted was to waste my newfound wealth on drink and women, like the prince who stood before me. I was determined to be responsible and make smart decisions with my money.
However, my thoughts were interrupted as the rogue prince spoke up. "We're going to the Street of Silk to make a man out of you," he said, his voice full of mischief.
I tried to protest, explaining that I was not yet healed from my injuries, but my words fell on deaf ears. The rogue prince merely chuckled and told me that he had seen how I was ogling Lady Lysa Redwyne's bosom when I danced with her at the feast. I couldn't help but blush at the memory of her ample curves.
As we made our way to the Street of Silk, my apprehension grew. I knew that this was a notorious street in King's Landing, home to the city's most expensive and luxurious brothels. Men came here to lose their coins, as well as their trousers.
The thought of venturing into such a place made me feel uneasy. I couldn't shake the image of the lack of hygiene and the various STDs that I could contract. But the rogue prince seemed unfazed, eager to show me the delights of this infamous street.
As we entered the Street of Silk, I felt a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The sights, sounds, and smells assaulted my senses, overwhelming me with their intensity. I couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water, out of my depth in this strange and decadent world.
Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a journey that would change my life in ways that I never could have imagined.
"Here we are," Daemon said, his deep voice resonating through the air as we approached the imposing structure before us. My eyes widened in surprise as I read the name of the establishment above the door: "House of Kisses."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to enter this seedy den of debauchery. But then Daemon's hand was on my back, urging me forward, and I found myself following him inside.
As we walked through the dimly lit corridors, the sounds of moans and screams filled the air. Men and women were engaged in all sorts of sinful activities, their bodies writhing in ecstasy.
The whores looked up at us as we passed, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw Daemon. He was a man of great power and influence, feared and respected by many. The fact that he had brought me here was a sign that I was someone of importance as well.
We finally reached a door at the end of the hallway, and Daemon pushed it open to reveal a lavish room filled with silk cushions and flickering candles. A woman was lounging on a chaise longue, her long legs crossed provocatively as she eyed us with interest.
"Ah, Daemon," she purred, rising to her feet. "What brings you here tonight?"
"I have a business proposition for you, my dear," Daemon said smoothly, taking a seat on one of the cushions. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should join him, but then the woman gestured for me to sit beside him.
"What sort of proposition?" she asked, a sly smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Daemon leaned in close, his voice low and confidential. I strained to hear what he was saying, but the words were too soft for my ears. The woman nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with greed.
"I can arrange it," she said. "But it will cost you."
Daemon nodded, his expression unreadable. I felt a twinge of unease, wondering what sort of deal he was making with this woman.
"And now onto my former squire who I have brought here to experience what it means to be a man," Daemon said with a grin, his eyes glittering with amusement.
I shifted uncomfortably, my eyes darting around the room. It was dimly lit, with plush cushions and flickering candles providing the only illumination. The woman who ran the establishment, a voluptuous creature with ample bosoms and a sultry voice, was eyeing me with interest.
"It will be my pleasure to make sure that the youngest knight in the realm receives the best attention," she said, giving me a small smile.
"Do you have a preference, Ser?" she asked, her tone coy.
"Preference?" I croaked out, not understanding the question.
"Hahah," she laughed, a sound that was both alluring and slightly menacing. "I have various girls working here, Dornish, Valyrian, from the Reach and the Westerlands as well. Which do you want?"
"A maiden will be required," Daemon said smoothly, his eyes flickering over to me. I felt a pang of unease at his words, wondering what sort of game he was playing.
The woman who ran the establishment raised an eyebrow. "That will cost you a gold dragon, my prince," she said.
"Prince Daemon," I said quickly, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. I had not brought any gold with me, and the thought of paying for a woman's virginity made my stomach turn.
"Ahh, I understand, Ulf," Daemon said, giving me a devilish grin. "My former squire has built quite an appetite. He will require two women with their maidenheads intact."
I felt my eyes widen in shock, my mind struggling to comprehend what he was suggesting. Two women? With their maidenheads intact? Surely he couldn't be serious.
But then I saw the look in his eyes, the glint of amusement that told me he was enjoying my discomfort. I knew then that there was no escape from this situation.
Hearing Daemon's words, the woman who ran the establishment called a woman inside and whispered in her ear. The woman nodded and left, returning after some time with two girls who looked like they were my age.
One girl had light brown hair and bluish eyes, with creamy white skin that looked like it had never seen the sun. The other girl had dark hair and brown eyes, and she looked Dornish, with her brown skin and sharp features. "Salty" Dornish, to be exact.
The girls were both wearing simple shifts that left little to the imagination, and I felt a surge of desire course through me at the sight of them. But then I remembered Daemon's words, and the guilt and shame flooded back.
"Are you sure about this, my prince?" the woman who ran the establishment asked, eyeing me critically.
Daemon waved her off with a dismissive gesture. "He'll be fine," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Won't you, Ulf?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words died on my lips. I had no idea what to say, no way to protest or refuse. So I simply nodded my head.
As I walked into the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. The girls holding my hands were leading me toward a large bed adorned with silky cushions and a pitcher of wine on the table. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight filtering in through the open window. I couldn't believe that I was actually here, about to have my first sexual encounter.
As I poured myself a drink, the girls continued to stare at me with curious eyes. I could sense their anticipation, and it made me feel even more nervous. I couldn't believe that I had allowed myself to be dragged into this situation.
As I took a sip of the wine, I tried to calm my nerves. The girls continued to eye me curiously, and I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. I had never been particularly confident around women in my past life, and the fact that I was about to have sex with two girls at once made me feel even more unsure of myself.
"You are more handsome in person, Ser," the dornish girl said, eyeing me up and down. Feeling a little self-conscious, I gave her a nervous smile and quickly downed the wine in my glass.
Another girl then approached me, although she seemed more reserved than her companion. Despite her smile, I could sense her unease.
"May I have your names?" I asked, hoping to break the tension.
The first girl spoke up. "My name is Sylvenna Sand, and hers is Essie," she said.
Sylvenna and Essie's name triggered a flurry of thoughts in my mind. I remembered Sylvenna as the paramour of Essie. Essie was the mother of Gaemon Palehair, who had claimed to be a bastard of King Aegon II Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. Gaemon had gathered thousands of followers during the Moon of the Three Kings, after Rhaenyra's escape from King's Landing. Some of the edicts he had issued, which reflected Rhoynish views on women, were thought to have been crafted by Sylvenna.
As the two girls looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to say something, I felt a pang of sadness for their future. They would undoubtedly get caught up in the dangerous game of court politics and would likely suffer the consequences for their ambitions. I couldn't help but wonder what would become of them once Borros Baratheon stormed King's Landing and took control as my memory of the last stages of the dance had started to fade away.
But I couldn't dwell on these thoughts for long. I had to focus on the present conversation and the two young girls before me. They looked so innocent and vulnerable, yet I knew that they were already a part of this dangerous world.
To break the silence, I asked them how old they were, and to my surprise, they replied that they had just turned thirteen namedays old. I felt a mixture of shock and sadness at their young age and the fact that they were already working as prostitutes. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life in Westeros, where innocence was often shattered far too soon.
Despite my inner turmoil, I maintained my composure and engaged in small talk with the girls. It was a delicate balance, trying to be friendly and respectful while also keeping my guard up. After all, I didn't know what secrets or motives they might have, or who might be watching our interaction.
"Do you wish to become whores? Do you not want to do something more respectful?" I asked them, hoping to start a conversation that was more meaningful.
Hearing my response, Sylvenna laughed. "Are you serious?" she asked in a serious tone. "Do you think we want to become whores? The truth is that my mother sold me away for a few silver stags, while Essie's parents were killed by a bloody knight. We had no choice but to work in this brothel to survive."
My heart sank as I listened to their stories. It was a stark reminder of the harsh reality that many people in the Seven Kingdoms faced. I felt a sudden surge of compassion toward them and realized that I needed to approach the situation with more sensitivity.
"I'm sorry to hear that. It must be hard for you both," I said, trying to sound as empathetic as possible. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Sylvenna and Essie exchanged a quick glance, and I could tell that they were both surprised by my offer. They seemed hesitant at first, but after a few moments, Sylvenna spoke up.
"Well, there is one thing that you could do," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have been saving up some money, and we were thinking of leaving King's Landing and starting a new life somewhere else. Dorne to be exact. We know a merchant who is willing to take us there but we do not have enough money. Maybe you could help us?"
I nodded, grateful for the opportunity to help. It was the least I could do for these two young girls who had been dealt such a cruel hand in life. We talked for a few more minutes, and I promised to help them as much as I could and gave them the five gold dragons that Daemon had given to me.
"Thank you, Ser," they both said in unison. I chuckled nervously, happy to have helped them.
Then, to my surprise, Essie started to remove her garments. I immediately told her to stop.
"Why are you doing this?" I asked her.
"To repay you, Ser," she said.
I was aghast. "I did not give you the money in return for something, Essie. It is my duty as a knight to help those in need," I said with conviction.
My words seemed to have moved her, and a few tears streamed down her face as she came closer to me and planted a kiss on my cheek. "You truly are a noble knight, Ulf, and a good man above all that," she said.
I smiled slightly at her compliment, but my heart ached for the circumstances that had led them to this path. I knew that their lives were full of hardship, and my small act of kindness could only do so much to alleviate their struggles. But, in that moment, I was glad to have made a difference, no matter how small.
As I left the brothel that night, I couldn't help but think about Sylvenna and Essie and the countless other people in the Seven Kingdoms who were struggling just to survive. It was a sobering thought, and I knew that I needed to do more to help those in need.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Last_Quincy
Last_Quincy There you have it folks. Ulf decided to become a knight in the truest sense of the word and realized his purpose in life other than just surviving the dance. I hope you like this chapter. Do comment your thoughts.
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