[ She allows a small curving upwards of her lips. He barely knows her, has no cause to flatter her, so she takes his words as they are offered; as a kindness.

It's her further thoughts, though, that cause her smile to fade. ]

It is not just my husband I fear for. My son has been left alone, as our enemies stand outside our gates — my son, whom the Sultan wished to take prisoner as a Janissary. I would have never left his side. But... [ ruefully, ] I suppose we have no control over that, none of us who've been brought here, that is.