The hall at Sunspear shimmered with heat and gold. The high windows let in shafts of sunlight that danced across colored silks and the cool marble floors. Incense curled in lazy spirals from brass dishes, and the scent of orange blossoms hung thick in the air. Princess Aliandra lay reclined on a low chaise of ivory and jade, one leg draped languidly over the other, fingers toying with the rim of a wine goblet. Her court stood in quiet anticipation as the admiral of the Iron Throne’s fleet was escorted in, the echoes of his boots swallowed by the hush of the chamber.

Aliandra didn’t rise. She only tilted her head, amber eyes glinting like a cat’s in the sun.

"You will get your water and bread, lord admiral, to fight the hunger and the heat of the sun..." she purred, her voice smooth as summer wine. "But to get my wine and grain? My fruits and meat? That requires a proper payment my lord."