Morning at the governor's manse in Pentos.
There was no birdsong, only the distant cries of gulls sweeping over the tiled roofs.
Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattice, casting dappled light and shadow across the luxurious carpet.
A rich scent of spices filled the air, cloyingly sweet, as though it meant to drown anyone inside this gentle cage.
Daenerys could not sit still.
The slave women had dressed her in a moon-white silk gown.
The fabric flowed like moonlight, making her already pale skin seem almost translucent.
Her long silver-gold hair had been painstakingly combed and secured with tiny pearls.
Then Lynn pushed open the door and walked in.
He had changed into the black velvet coat Illyrio had prepared for him.
An unobtrusive emblem was embroidered on its chest in silver thread: a ferocious Three-Headed Ice Dragon.
The simple clothes only heightened the innate air of menace he exuded.
"Are you ready?" Lynn asked calmly.
Daenerys nodded, then quickly shook her head.
She rose nervously and walked up to him.
Her violet eyes brimmed with anticipation and unease.
"I... I don't know what to do."
"Do what?"
"Be a... wife." Her voice was barely audible.
Lynn looked at her, at the girl who was about to become his wife.
Her beauty was enough to drive any man mad.
Yet beneath that beauty lay a soul that had been wrapped in fear and insecurity for far too long.
"You don't have to do anything."
Lynn reached out and tucked a stray lock of silver hair behind her ear.
"Just be yourself."
His fingertips were cool, yet they brought Daenerys a wave of reassurance.
Yes.
Be herself.
That was all her prince expected of her.
The wedding was so simple it bordered on shabby.
There were no guests, no choir,