Lotus Port

Koja grinned at Daenya. "Let us go to the pillow house my family uses. You can rest and bathe there. And we will send a message to the king."

"I do not know," Koja replied. "I have not met the king. Come, the pillow house is not far. There will be cool drinks, wine and rum if you fancy it. Food too, if you are hungry."

Koja shrugged. "That is for the king to say. They will not force a man upon you at first. You will be treated kindly. Come!"

She indicated a tall building with vines decorating the balcony. "It is a nice place."

The whole place had an air of luxury, from the scented bowls to the rich Myrish carpet to the fine furniture. Daenya saw women in brightly covered robes, all with the ebony skin of the Summer Isles. Their clothing ranged from modest to revealing. Men were present too, teasing the women, kissing them, drinking with them. Some men were Summer Islanders too, but others were clearly travellers, perhaps merchants or mercenary captains.

"this is the common room," Koja explained. "We will speak to the owner."

Koja indicated a tall, stately woman in a sea green silk robe which flowed about her as if it were water. She wore a gold belt studded with glass stones to cinch it in at her waist. The woman glided over to them. Her hair was pinned behind her head and she wore long earrings to match the belt.

"Greetings," she said in the common tongue. She looked at Daenya and Adara. "Who have we hear? A girl from Tyrosh, perhaps?"

"My name is Alayaya," she responded smoothly. "I own this establishment." Already Daenya could tell the difference in her command of the Common Tongue. Alayaya spoke with more fluently and with more confidence than the villagers Daenya and Adara had met Her demeanour was considerably warmer as well. "We know of the Targaryens here in Lotus Port. Your family is very famous. I recognise dear Koja, of course. She and I are old friends, and I know the maid to be her sister. But you have not introduced your companion."

"I'm Daenya's cousin," Adara said. "Lady Dondarrion. Could I have some wine?"

Alayaya laughed and beckoned to one of the girls present but turned back to Daenya. "Why have you to come to me? Do you seek a companion to warm your bed?"

Koja said something to Alayaya that made the older woman's expression change. They conducted a short conversation in the summer tongue, which the women from Westeros could not understand.

"Koja says her father asked you to come here so you may prove your willingness to learn our customs before you meet the king. We believe there is no shame in the pillow house, not like you Westerosi, who keep your women maiden until marriage. Ah yes, I know of your ways. I have merchants from Westeros among my customers."

Adara burst out laughing. The wine was swiftly brought to them on a tray. It was a bright amber hue.

Adara looked at Daenya. "Oh, come on! I've never had a Summer Islander! Don't be boring, Daenya! We;re in their land, we have to respect their wishes."

Alayaya said "Either you do as Koja's father wishes and you may have free board until you go to the king. Otherwise, you will pay for both bed and board, or go to an inn."

"That is for the king to decide," Koja answered.

Alayaya named an extortionate fee for Daenya's food and lodging. "A servant will be extra."

Alayaya looked at the Westerosi coins with interest, then nodded. She had a woman escort Adara to her room, and another took Koja and her sister off too. Alayaya herself escorted the princess. Daenya's was small but lavish, with a four poster bed, a clothes chest, a bedside cabinet, table and comfortable chairs. Wine and fruit were laid out on the table, with a jug of scented water.

"Why do you wish to see the king?" She asked.

"I have never met the king, though I have met his brother," Alayaya confided with a knowing smile. "Very charming, and an excellent lover. It would seem logical for a visiting princess to meet the king. Though Koja informs me that her father thinks you a spy. Tell me how you will persuade me not to agree with her."