Chapter Thirty-Seven

                                    

                                          
We follow some Dothraki guards into a large hall, my heart is skipping and I am finding it harder and harder to breathe. When we enter the hall, it's full of Dothraki men and women, I spot Visarys and Ser Jorah, despite trying to look aloof, Viserys straightens up when he sees us, and finally, sitting next to the Khal, the woman from my dreams.
                          
She is more beautiful in reality. Her skin is pale, her hair white and braided up in Dotraki fashion. She smiles brightly when she sees me. 
                          
I have to resist to run up to her, to hug her. My best friend, the best women in the world. I care about her, and yet this is the first time we have seen each other in reality. 
                          
A slave stands and motions toward Khal Drogo and Daenerys.  He says something in Dothraki, and I hear Ser Jorah translate, probably for me and Visarys.
                          
"You stand before Khal Drogo, The Great Khal and his Khaleesi, Daenerys Stormborn of the house Targaryen."
                          
Dravor clears his throat. "This is Nyla of the House Firebearer. Last of her Name. She comes to join your Khalisar, as friend and protector to your wife the Targaryen princess and her brother the prince, to serve them, as her ancestors once did. She is honoured to be here, and offers her horse, which served her faithfully on the journey here from Pentos to you Great Khal, as thanks."
                          
Ser Jorah translates this to the Khal who listens on, I can't read his expression, but perhaps that is because I keep looking at Daenerys. Her smile grows larger with every word.
                          
The Khal smiles ever so slightly and replies in Dothraki.
                          
Ser Jorah turns to me. "Keep your horse, as I hope it serves you well as a member of my Khalisar. Stories about the Firebearer's have reached the Dotraki, ever since I was a child their stories were told here. You are an honoured guest. Rest from your journey, tonight we will have a feast in your honour."
                          
He gets up and the crowd disperses. The Khaleesi walks toward me and I can tell she has to contain herself. Her smile cannot hide her excitement. "Lady Nyla."
                          
I curtsey the best I can manage. "Your majesty. I am... glad to see you are alright."
                          
She nods. "You as well."
                          
"Why does she look like a boy?" Visarys asks as he and Ser Jorah approach.
                          
I curtsey again. "My king. I'm honoured, to be serving the last of the Targaryen's."
                          
"I ask again. Why do you look like a boy?"
                          
I clear my throat. "I... had to disguise myself as a boy your majesty. To escape King's Landing and travel here safely."
                          
He nods. "It is good to have the last Firebearer here. You will have to earn our trust of course. Get cleaned up, we will speak later." He and Ser Jorah leave. 
                          
Daenerys smiles that smile I love. 
                          
"We will have you and your friend cleaned and clothed for the feast." 
                          
She takes my hand. It's as if a bolt of lightning courses through me. I feel dizzy, elated, strong. I can do anything if she holds my hand. I can be anyone.
                          
I feel tears roll down my face. 
                          
"Nyla!" Daenerys squeezes my hand as I desperately wipe away my tears. "What's wrong?"
                          
"I'm just so relieved. It feels like I've been running ever since... ever since Jory was killed." I sigh. "I don't have to run anymore, and maybe it's strange but... I feel safe with you."
                          
She hugs me tight. "You don't have to run anymore. I will never let anything happen to you."
                          
I hug her back. "Thank you... Khaleesi."
                          
She takes me to a tent that she says will be mine, it lies directly behind her and the Khal's tent. It's larger than I expected, a bed with furs, a tub, and room to lounge.
                          
Daenerys points to the bed, "They've placed your things from your horse there on your bed." I see bag and with a sigh of relief, my sword Dragons Claw.
                          
Daenerys motions toward a familiar slave girl beside her. "This is Doreah, she will help you bathe and get ready for the feast."
                          
I clear my throat awkwardly. "I can bathe myself it's alright."
                          
Daenerys waves her hand. "Don't worry, she speaks the common tongue." She starts to exit the tent to my dismay. "I will see you later Nyla!"
                          
Doreah gives me a slight curtsey. All I can think about is when she taught Daenerys how to please the Khal, despite myself, I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. 
                          
"Lady Firebearer." She stands up straight. "I'm sure you are tired from your journey. The tub is ready for your bath." She motions toward a low stool. "Please sit."
                          
I do as instructed. I take off my eyepatch, I don't need to disguise myself anymore, what a relief.
                          
Doreah unbuttons my vest, it feels like she is doing it excruciatingly slow. She takes off my shirt and I lift up my arms as she lifts it off. I'm blushing even harder before. I really wish I could undress myself. This is her job I suppose.
                          
She examines the wrapping around my chest. "That looks painful."
                          
I nod slightly. "It is, especially at first, but I've been wearing it for weeks now... it's not so bad."
                          
She starts to gently unwrap my chest bindings.
                          
"I can do it..."
                          
She chuckles. "It's alright. Nothing I haven't seen."
                          
I sigh, gods, I'm feeling hot. But it does feel good to finally be free of these clothes I've been travelling in for so long.
                          
She throws the binding on the ground. "No need to pretend to be a boy anymore my lady. Must be nice." She starts to massage my neck and back, I let out a low moan, my muscles scream in relief.
                          
I smile, despite myself. "Yes. Finally. Everyone has called me Nyles for so long, it will be strange to be called Lady Nyla again."
                          
Her fingers trace down my spine and a tingling sensation runs through my body. Her hands find their way to my stomach and I shiver.
                          
My mind is going crazy. What is she doing? This is more than a massage.
                          
"It must have been hard." She whispers into my ear as her one hand wanders lower toward my pants and the other moves up toward my breast. Another moan escapes my mouth.