The sea breeze swept across the sails of the three merchant ships, carrying the damp, briny scent of the Narrow Sea.
Westeros had long since vanished beyond the horizon. Nothing remained in sight but an endless expanse of blue.
Lynn stood at the bow, with Daenerys quietly at his side.
She had changed out of her elaborate silk gown into a linen dress that allowed her to move freely. Her long silver-gold hair had been woven into a thick braid that hung down her back.
On the deck, Daenerys straightened Lynn's collar where the sea breeze had lifted it.
The timidity and unease she had worn when they first met had long since faded from her exquisite face.
In their place were a wife's tenderness and boundless hope for the future.
Lynn took her hand naturally, their fingers intertwining.
These past few days had been the most peaceful of her life.
She no longer had to watch her brother's ever-changing moods.
She no longer had to worry about where her next meal would come from.
And she no longer had to live like a piece of merchandise, always waiting to be traded away.
Her prince was right beside her now.
"Once we cross these waters and head southeast, we'll reach Volantis."
Daenerys pointed into the distance, a spark of intelligence shining in her beautiful violet eyes.
"It's the oldest and largest of the Free Cities."
"They used slaves to build the enormous Black Wall, shutting themselves off from the world outside."
A barely perceptible note of disgust crept into her voice.
"My brother always said that once he reclaimed the Iron Throne, he would build an even grander wall to keep all his enemies outside."
"There are tens of thousands of slaves in that city. They wear chains around their