[ When she accepts Embry’s offer, she tells him the location of her room, nextdoor to Lestat de Lioncourt, though his room remains closed to her. In King’s Landing, such an invitation would condemn her to scandal, but she’s quickly learning there are no such rules in play here.

Still, her heart flutters like a bird in her breast, as she opens the door. Ser Criston had been her guard since she was a girl, Viserys as good as family until she’d been asked to — to — ]

It’s most reassuring to see you, Embry.

[ A little thrill, at calling a man by name, not title. She’s only ever been able to address her sons so informally. With a slight smile, she clasps her hands before her. Today, her dress bridges the gap between the world she knew and this one, a shimmering green cut across her chest, shoulders and collarbone exposed. The light fabric reaches her ankles and the sleeves split open, cuffed gold at her wrist. Bandages line her left forearm, obscuring the mark of the beast. ]

Would you — [ She turns around, her dress open to her lower back. ] I suppose I can’t ask you to ‘lace me’ when these dresses haven’t any stays.

[ Zip her up, ladies’ maid. ]