Danyla's Holy Flame Fleet was enormous and impossible to miss, so word had reached the current Sealord of Braavos, Utherys Reyaan, almost as soon as it approached the city.
Sealord Utherys's hair and long beard were now snow-white. Years of illness had left his thin frame somewhat stooped.
"Larel, fetch Uthenia and Utheryan. This Princess Danyla is no simple character. We mustn't give her any grounds to find fault with our courtesies."
"And send the people from House Velaryon away at once. Whatever happens, don't let Princess Danyla encounter them."
Larel was Utherys's most trusted confidant. At his command, he immediately turned to make the arrangements. His steps were light, and though he moved quickly, he made no sound at all.
Before long, Uthenia arrived in plain attire. As the Sealord's eldest daughter, the twenty-year-old had remained unmarried to help her father manage the Sealord's Palace and the family business.
Though her looks could at best be called delicate, she had a quiet grace and an elegant figure. Her pale blue eyes, clear as autumn waters, made it plain at a glance that she was an intelligent young woman.
"Uthenia, you're here. Come with me to the harbor to welcome this dragon princess."
The sight of his dutiful daughter instantly made Utherys feel as though he had regained his strength and found someone to lean on.
By the time they had finished their preparations and reached the broad steps outside the palace gates with their guards, Utheryan finally arrived at his servants' urging, reeking of wine.
"Father! Sister!"
"Hic! What's happened? Why did you call me back in such a hurry?"
Already in poor health, Utherys broke into a violent coughing fit at the sight of his troublesome son.
"Useless wretch! How did I father such a fool? Go change