Dany awoke with a start. Today was the day of the Festival. Each year, a menagerie of exotic animals, strange persons, and dancing boys would come into the city and perform for the people. Doreah had promised that the show was the best that she'd ever seen.
"In fact Khaleesi," she'd said excitedly, "my brother was the best dancing boy they'd ever had!"
As her litter traveled toward the site of the performance, Dany couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She chewed on her fingernails until they were raw. Dany settled onto the bench of the theatre, heart still fluttering. A mustachioed man clothed in robes of purple silk appeared on stage.
"Welcome, good people of Pentos! I am Ser Willam, and we've got a show for you!" Normally, Dany didn't attend the theatre, as she found books and adventure more intriguing, but today, Ser Willam had her whole attention.
"First," he boomed, "We shall introduce our dancing boys!"
One by one, boys no older than seven filed on stage and bowed as their names were called. They were dressed in flowing trousers of turquoise silk, and layers of gold chains hung around their necks and encircled their heads. But one little boy stood out to her during the performance. The rest of the dancers were light-skinned and boasted brown or auburn hair. This boy's skin was copper colored and his hair midnight black. He was clearly meant to be the centerpiece of the segment. For just one moment, the boy's eye caught Dany's, and she could've sworn that her heart stopped.
"Doreah," she whispered urgently, "I must speak to the dark boy once this performance is over." Doreah looked startled.
"But Khaleesi, what about the dancing cats or horse women?" Dany shook her head.
"Now." She commanded.
"As you wish."
After the curtain fell on the dancing boys, Dany was ushered backstage, where Ser Willam stood nervously twisting his hands.
"Khaleesi," he bowed awkwardly. "was our performance to your liking?"
"Yes," she replied with as much grace as she could muster. "May I speak to the dark boy please?"
Ser Willam appeared caught off guard.
"Of course, Khaleesi. Right away."
A few moments later, the young boy entered the room, eyes respectfully on the floor.
"Khaleesi." He murmured, never raising his eyes. Dany knelt to his level.
"What is your name, child?" The boy began to speak, but the mustachioed man jumped in.
"His name is Agni."
"Agni" she repeated, letting the name slip off of her tongue. "That's not your real name, is it?" The robed man blanched. "Is your mother here?" she inquired. "Agni" shook his head no.
"He's adopted." Ser Willam explained. "Well, he was sold to us."
"From where?" Dany demanded. "Is he Lhazareen?"
Ser Willam shrugged.
"We think he's Dothraki, perhaps mixed with Lhazareen or some other nomadic tribe." He spat the word nomadic as if it were a curse. The boy's eyes still watched the floor.
"How old are you, child?" she asked gently.
"Six." The boy replied. Dany rose.
"Ser Willam, would you be so kind as to give Agni and I a moment, please?"
The man paled but said grudgingly,
"As you wish, Khaleesi."
When the mustachioed man was gone, Dany knelt again. The hem of her gown was dirty, but she didn't mind.
"Child, I must ask you again. What is your name?"
The boy lifted his head and his lilac eyes met hers.
"Rhaego." He whispered.