837The Tourney would be finishing this day. There were still several competitors yet only a few mattered to her. She was especially pleased that Brienne was still going strong. Jaime also claimed victory after victory. Renly Baratheon was still in the running as well as Ser Preston from the kingsguard, Ser Rondar Royce and a few lords of the Riverlands and Vale. Sansa was truly curious now as to who would win. If Brienne won, would she crown a Queen of Love and Beauty? Sansa tried not to smile at this thought. The shock of a woman beating all of the men would be glorious and Brienne would finally be recognised as a true contender and fierce warrior.
The Blackfish was with his brother this day as well as her Uncle Edmure and mother. It seemed as if Hoster Tully was on his last few breaths. Sansa wondered if she should be present but then thought she never truly knew the man and did not want to intrude on his last dying moments.
Therefore, she was seated beside her father in the royal box. Ned Stark sat at the Kings left side. The Queen and her children were seated on the opposite side of the King. Sansa was relieved there was some sort of buffer between her and the blond Prince that kept shooting looks her way. Sansa herself was tucked away at her father's side and extremely happy for that fact; She would not be expected to prattle idly with anyone. The king was already drunk and shouting his praise and criticisms at the field so she had her father's full attention.
"I sent a missive this morning, dismissing Lord Baelish from the Small Council and warning him to never return to Kings Landing" Her father murmured beside her as they watched Ser Preston being thrown from his horse by Renly Baratheon. The crowd thundered their applause.
Sansa was more interested in what her father was saying, "That is excellent news father" She sent him a little pleased smile.
Ned did not smile back at his daughter but did nod, "The king approved of your choice as Master of Coin also Sansa, I sent out the message this morning with the Kings seal on it"
A spark of excitement and satisfaction shot down her spine. Sansa grinned widely but thankfully her moment of joy was not misplaced as Renly Baratheon was now bowing at the adoring crowd and many people were fawning over him.
Her father continued to update her, "I sent a message to Stannis with a betrothal request. If he accepts I intend to take Jon's son to Dragonstone myself on the way to Kings Landing. I also heard that you recommended Ser Brynden as Acting Master of Ships. Have you spoken with your great uncle yet?" He asked, with a knowing look at her. Sansa bit her lip and dipped her head bashfully. She had not but he would not refuse... would he? Perhaps she was being too presumptuous.
Her father shook his head and sighed, "It is an excellent idea Sansa but you need to consult people before you make plans for them. Your ability to bend others to your will is a gift but also very dangerous. Be careful of the plans you make for others. Do not forget yourself or think yourself better than others. That is a deadly path that many do not see their way back from" He stated quietly but powerfully. It was a warning and one that she took very seriously. He was absolutely right. She was being very controlling and manipulative. Where does one draw the line between necessary and overstepping their bounds? Sansa sighed.
"Of course father" She mumbled equally as serious. Her father turned to give her a tired smile to show her he was not wroth with her. The girl smiled back at her father in relief.
They both turned back to the field when they heard cheering. Ser Jaime Lannister had thrown his competitor from their horse and was grinning proudly to the crowd. His hair and armour glistened in the light and she tried not to smile as she thought of him again as a little piece of sunshine.
The next round was the semi-finals and the victor would go against the Lion of Casterly Rock himself. Sansa struggled to keep her composure as she tried not to lean forward in her seat in excitement. Brienne would be competing in the semi finals against Renly Baratheon. If her sworn shield won this round she would have a very real chance at being the winner. Sansa held her breath and watched Brienne race down the field with her lace strongly by her side.
To her shock and dismay, Brienne fell from her horse and she watched as everyone around her yelled and cheered for the youngest brother of the king. Sansa frowned as she watched Renly Baratheon prance around the field in his steed and pompously bask in the adoration of the onlookers. The red headed lady's gaze drifted back to Brienne as she picked herself up from the dust, it was with slight appeasement that Sansa saw Renly dismount and help her sworn shield from the ground kindly. Brienne was going so strong, it was such a shame for her to lose now.
Sansa watched as the field cleared again and everyone screamed for the final round. The stands were overflowing with nobles. Smallfolk stood out with the seating area and huddled close together. Hundreds of people were gathered and singers were already playing their harps and making listless tunes. It was a chaos of noise.
Sansa was curious at this point. Just who would be the victor? She hoped for Jaime though his ego needing no inflating. Neither did Renly Baratheon's either to be fair.
It was with mild interest that she watched the two go at it repeatedly. Horses sprinting and lances clashing. This went on for a while as both men were quite skilled. The roaring of the crowd was distracting and irritating her by this point as it seemed to get louder the longer the men parried.
Eventually, someone fell from their horse.
It was obvious whom had been defeated. The victor of the tournament sat tall on his horse glittering like a beacon in his golden armour, his white cloak billowing in the breeze. Sansa clapped politely and in satisfaction. Jaime Lannister looked regal and powerful in that moment. The kingsguard member often boasted how he would be the victor in their letters and he did, indeed, win. Sansa was proud of him.
Her father frowned to her right, the only individual displeased by the result. The crowd then surged forward onto the field, cheering by the masses. Robert Baratheon was grinning and cheering with the rest of them. Prince Joffrey looked arrogant and was smirking in satisfaction as if he himself had won. Myrcella was clapping politely, Tommen was smiling happily and the Queen looked imperious and superior at her twins victory. Everyone but her father was smiling.
Sansa nudged the Hand of the king gently and smiled at him, "relieved this is over father?" She asked loudly to be heard over the screams of the public. Her father sighed and looked years older when he nodded back tiredly.
After a while, the cheers calmed down a little and the King rose from his chair to proclaim Ser Jaime Lannister the champion. Everyone in the royal box stood forward to be present when he was declared. Sansa stood directly at the railing and was trying not to smile down at the knight. Her father stood quietly behind her with a stony face and held her shoulders.
The golden man kneeled before his king. When he was declared victor the crowd went even wilder than before, if such a feat was possible. Sansa was a little confused, did people not disdain the Kingslayer? The cheers of devotion and joy said otherwise. The Stark girl was still stood against the railing with her fathers hand on her shoulders to steady her. Ned Stark clearly wanted to leave as the tourney had descended into disorder. Smallfolk and nobles alike had crowded on the field again as Jaime Lannister trot around them, people trailing behind him like a magnetic pull, a true sun with his own gravitational pull.
Sansa was busy watching the boisterous crowd with a frown. This event turned out to be much larger than she had expected. Jaime Lannister retrieved the crown of flowers and was now to crown the Queen of Love and Beauty. Sansa watched as he trot back over to the King's box, eyes locked with his twin. It was no surprise whom he would be crowning. The King was smiling and the crowd seemed to hush – only a little – as he approached the stand.
Jaime Lannister stopped his horse before his twin sister.
Cersei Lannister seemed to stand taller, filled with pride and arrogance. She stood with an air of expectation and haughtiness. She knew that she would be crowned. Sansa ignored to urge to roll her eyes and instead let out a small smile and shook her head. The woman had no notion of gratitude or humility. She expected everything from life because she was simply 'better' than others. Cersei never had to work for her intelligence, a good match, love or power. She had been gifted with it all. A path Sansa herself had taken before tragedy struck in her previous life.
Sansa watched as Ser Jaime sat atop his horse and smiled beautifully at his twin. Sansa saw the crown of flowers in the Kingslayers hand from the corner of her eye but she continued watching Cersei. The Stark girl was curious about the current Queens queen's reaction and if any trace of love or affection would appear on her face. Her arrogance and smirk faded slightly and emerald eyes fluttered in confusion for a moment as the sound of hooves against the ground immediately started up again.
Whispers ran rampant but the knight did not move far, in fact, he raced by on his horse as something flew through the air towards the royal box. A beautiful wreath of blue, yellow and red flowers smacked against Sansa's stomach. Her hands reached out and she grabbed it instinctively in surprise. She blinked and looked down, her mind not yet registering what had occurred. Ned Starks hand tightened on her shoulders. Her heart beat in her ears. She looked up slowly to see Ser Jaime Lannister grinning directly at her and bowed his body chivalrously.
To her, it felt like the world had been frozen in ice, like the long winter slowly approaching had suddenly appeared.
She gazed listlessly around the field and yet everyone was screaming in joy. They were chanting, singing, yelling their praise and hysteria was sweeping through the crowd like wildfire. She blinked slowly as she turned to see the Queen had already stormed off with her children, hastily making their way through the stands. Joffrey kept looking back to sneak looks at her. Myrcella was grinning and waved as she moved hurriedly with her mothers hand clutched to her wrist. Sansa turned to look at the King and saw Robert smile a little at her and nod to the crown still in her hands expectantly. What should she do? What could she do? The expectation on Robert Baratheon's face was a slap to hers. What had happened?
Sansa slowly reached up and placed it atop her head.
The crowd roared, reminding her of the House words of the man prancing up and down the field in glee. Hear me roar. Well, everyone has certainly heard the Kingslayer. Her fathers stony silence from behind her was oppressive and to her surprise, it was King Robert that approached with a smile and placed his arm around her shoulders amicably. Subtly removing her fathers tight grip from her.
"Lords and Ladies of the Seven Kingdoms..." The entire field swiftly quieted down, "I give you, your Queen of Love and Beauty; Sansa Stark" He bellowed, Robert Baratheon's powerful voice larger than life.
The screams echoed again in her ears like the drums of war. Smallfolk and nobles alike blended together and were grinning and cheering side by side. Almost every inch of the field was covered in flowers and Jaime stood tall in his golden armour grinning like a man who had just conquered the world.
What has he done?
Ned scowled as he made his way swiftly through the castle. At last, the final night of this murmurs farce. It had not been the break from duties and spending time with his family as he'd hoped. No, it was becoming more entrenched in politics and southern nonsense. Things had changed and so had his family. His little Sansa had all grown up in body as well as mind. And now of all men, the Kingslayer had his eyes on her.
He entered the busy hall and made his way directly towards his oldest friend. His oldest friend that was interfering and causing issues with his family. He sat down quietly, barely noticed as everyone around him had already started eating.
The King beside him rolled his eyes, "Still not calmed down eh Ned? You need to give Ser Jaime more credit. He crowned your daughter Queen of Love and Beauty, he wasn't caught with his hand up her skirts" He rolled his eyes and took a deep drink from his goblet. At the thought, rage rushed through him. How dare the Kingslayer publicly announce his sights on his daughter.
Ned grit his teeth as he replied, "I give him all the credit he is due" he answered back as best as he could. His eyes searched around the hall for the disgraced knight. He was not present. Robert's eldest son was on his other side and giving quick looks and eager faces towards his disinterested father.
"Gods Ned, it's been years, let it go. So he killed a King. A mad Targaryen king that deserved to die. I pardoned him from his crimes so let it go" He sighed and muttered, "Stubborn Stark alright"
The Hand of the King had the strong urge to resign on the spot but said back calmly with forced patience, "You should not have rewarded him a white cloak for his crimes" Ned repeated something he had said many times before, feeling his anger rise at the Lannister.
Robert simply laughed him off, "Reward him? If I wanted to reward him I would honourably discharge him from the Kingsguard, let him go marry a pretty maiden and inherent the West. That would be a fitting reward for slaying the mad king" He laughed loudly then. Heads inclined towards the pair and the noise in the hall toned down noticeably. Robert had drawn attention with his last statement.
Ned closed his eyes and felt his hand twitch for Ice longingly. How he wished he could let out his anger with Robert in a spar like the old days.
"Besides" Robert continued in between bites of his potatoes, "He honoured your daughter by crowning her. Don't let your hatred for the knight blind you. She will fondly remember the day she was crowned Ned. It doesn't mean anything and she did deserve it" He paused for a moment to fill his mouth with more food.
Robert's son – Joffrey - then cut in to say, "You are absolutely right father, only a fool would not have crowned the Lady Sansa. She was by far the most beautiful maiden present. She would be an excellent Queen" The young man simpered at his fathers side. Ned felt almost pity for the young man as he knew Robert detests such a son. He wanted a strong, unyielding and powerful heir and not one that begged for approval.
The King snorted and then laughed through his wine, "You think you can handle a Stark woman? I don't think so Joff. Aye, she would make an excellent Queen but will never be your Queen. Jaime would make a better husband than you" His words were a little slurred and he laughed as if he had told a great joke.
Ned's frown deepened as he saw Joffrey redden as he rose him the table to storm away, the Hound slipping away behind him. The Lord of Winterfell had never felt so ashamed of his friend in his life. Not only had he made more insinuations of his Sansa with the Kingslayer but also publicly humiliated his own son.
The Lord of Winterfell stood up and walked away from the discredited product of his former friend. Some days he wondered if the Robert he knew was in there at all.
Sansa sat with her head down staring at her lap inside her Grandfather Tully's chambers with a pounding headache. She was ushered away by her father immediately after she was crowned. From there, her Tully family – aside from Lysa – had converged to discuss the issue at hand.
There was shouting, accusations and lots of rage. For a moment, Sansa feared the war between the Stark's and Lannister's would come about again. The solution, apparently, was to immediately set up a betrothal for her. It would dispell any rumors of her and the Kingslayer once and for all. No one could question her honour then.
Sansa wiped tears from her face discreetly as the discussion on who to pair her with continued. She ignored the conversation in favour of listening to her grandfathers wheezing breaths. Any could be his last and yet they were all more concerned with who to imprison her to in matrimony.
"I shall discuss the options with Ned when he returns" Her mother's voice broke through her haze. She ignored it. Sansa wiped her face again.
The Blackfish said, "Perhaps we should give you a moment alone. We shall wait outside, just shout if there is any change with Hoster" His voice was tinged with sorrow and pity. She wanted none of it.
Sansa listened as her uncle and grand-uncle left the room and closed the door softly behind them.
Hot tears continued to stream from her eyes. What would she do without Tyrion? He was her rock. Memories of their marriage and love had kept her strong these last few years. It helped her to deal with the pain and trauma of her previous life. They had been apart more years than they were married though their time together was the most meaningful and fulfilling of her life. What about their babe? Her future with Dany. Perhaps she could flee to the free cities. Brienne would follow her and Dany would welcome them. But such a betrayal to her kin. Could she truly do such a thing? No. She could not.
Sansa watched as her mother approached only to kneel on the floor at her feet. She gently lifted Sansa's head so she could look her mother in the eye. Catelyn Stark's eyes were drowning in sympathy, "Oh Sansa" She sighed, her voice full of affection, "I am so sorry" Her mother whispered and then wiped her cheeks. Catelyn Stark did truly look heartbroken as she looked at her daughter. Her blue eyes were swimming also as she cradled her eldest daughters face.
Sansa let out a shaky breath, "You are not or else you would not be doing this to me" Her voice was small and childlike as she replied. How could her mother do this to her? Resign her to a loveless life?
"Sansa" She sighed again, "I know this is unfair but it must be done. You have been so smart these last few years, you know this is the best thing for you. I wish we had time for you to be courted and take a liking to knights and lords and with our approval, pick your own husband but I'm afraid that can't happen" Her mother's voice was soothing and kind and it only broke Sansa's heart more.
"Why can we not? I could find someone within the next two moons. I swear it" She pleaded with desperation creeping into her tone. Her mother's hands slipped from her face and into her hands.
Catelyn Stark simply studied her face for a few moments, "Who is it?" She murmured with love on her face warring with the sorrow.
Sansa bit her lip a little and looked down before staring back at her mother. "Pardon?" She whispered. Sansa's heart pounded and palms sweated. She tried to remain impassive and she was not sure she succeeded.
Catelyn Stark gave her a small but beautiful smile and rose to her feet only to sit on the edge of the Lord Tully's bed, directly across from her and still regarding her closely.
"This man that has stolen your heart" Lady Stark explained gently. Sansa looked down with a blush. Could she confess such a thing to her mother? She dreamed of Tyrion and her father talking politics over a glass of wine, dinners at Winterfell with Tyrion making jokes and bewitching her family like he did her.
She remained silent.
"Sansa" Her mother sighed her name, "I only want what is best for you. I cannot swear to make it better or make a match for you. But Sansa, I am your mother, I will never judge you for the wishes of your heart or make this more difficult than it has to be. Please lighten your burden by sharing it with me" Catelyn Stark held womanly strength. It quiet strength that was unyielding and impenetrable. It was the kind of strength that was inner and not outer. It got you through the tough times and endured the pain to enjoy the best. She wished she was more like her mother.
Sansa sighed and looked up hesitantly, still uncertain whether or not to share her heart with her mother.
Catelyn watched her curiously with a furrowed brow, "Is it Theon Greyjoy?" She questioned with only a hint of disapproval in her tone.
Sansa let out a laugh and shook her head, "Gods no mother" She giggled and gave her mother an amused look. Catelyn smiled a tiny bit in relief. She then sat back, appearing more at ease. Hoster Tully continued to wheeze in the background. The sun was beginning to fall through the windows, creating shadows of light.
"...The bastard blacksmith?" Her eyebrows were raised and her displeasure was hidden behind a mask of indifference but it was there. Sansa tried not to frown and give her mother a disappointed look. She had never been fond of Gendry. Sansa shook her head.
Sansa shook her head no, afraid if she spoke then it would cause a quarrel.
Catelyn's blue eyes continued to study her and looked deep in thought, "Just to be certain... it is not Jaime Lannister, is it?" Her mother looked uncertain and worried. Sansa had to laugh again while shaking her head. Her mother was so close yet so far away.
Catelyn Stark looked a little frustrated but was also smiling, "I see. I apologise, I just wanted to make certain. I am most confused Sansa, whom else have you spoken to? You are most adamant it is not the Prince. Who could it be? Is it King Robert's younger brother Renly?" Lady Stark pursed her lips and watched her daughter intently.
Sansa's eyed widened in surely not a ladylike way, "Of course not mother! Renly Baratheon, how ridiculous" She again shook her head and imaged a life as Renly's wife. No children and he would always be better dressed than her. How horrific.
Sansa saw the frustration on her mothers face as well as confusion and decided to help, "Mother, I... I don't know what to say" She sighed heavily in a resigned fashion, "He is... smart" She stated quietly, looking up into her mothers face, feeling great relief to explain why she loved her Tyrion, "So very smart" She smiled, "His sheer knowledge and wisdom astounds me... sometimes it is so uncomprehending but he is also so patient in explaining yet never looks down on others. He is also so witty and funny, mother. He makes me smile and laugh" Sansa felt her face stretch into an easy grin and her heart flutter at the thought of her husband. No one could ever replace him. The young girl's eyes stared directly into her mothers and it felt like she was beaming from the inside.
Sansa continued, "He is just so different and makes me feel valued. He makes me feel so safe and light. Every time I speak to him it's like seeing the world in a whole new way... I just- I don't think I could ever marry anyone that... wasn't him" Sansa finished in a desperate whisper.
"Oh Sansa" Her mother sighed. The girl looked up to her mother to see pain and determination warring on her face. Catelyn Tully stood with a jerky movement, far from her usual grace and walked towards the high windows to stare across the grounds.
Sansa felt a little embarrassed and raw from pouring her heart and love out to her mother. Her marriage had never been something she'd shared with any of her kin before. Aside from the grand-uncle Brynden that only seemed to tolerate it so long as she was content.
Eventually, her mother turned around slowly, the determination and fierceness of her features immediately making Sansa take note. Her mother walked slowly towards her with closed lips and bright blue eyes, face deeply concentrated. Catelyn Stark moved with a certain predatory stance that shows she was truly a fit to bear the Stark name.
Her mother sat on the chair beside of her, making Sansa angle her body. Her mother stared straight into her eyes then and took her hands.
She began slowly, "Sansa, as your mother it is both my duty and privilege to raise you, protect you and ensure that when I am gone you will have a safe and fulfilling life" Catelyn then closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. A feeling of dread was spreading throughout her body like an all-consuming fog. The Stark girl knew what would happen next.
Her mother's blues met hers again, "And as such, I must be certain that in your naivety and youth that you do not make any grievous mistakes" Her voice had gone soft and gentle. Sansa closed her eyes in defeat, unable to look at her mother.
The older woman continued, "That being said, this journey to my old home and your own uncanny knowledge has made me rethink my beliefs"
Sansa's eyes shot open to look more closely at her mothers face. Catelyn Stark looked calm but determined as she continued, "I do not wish to make the same mistake as my father. I can see what it has done to my sister and I cannot bear if it were to happen to you. Yes, I must ensure your future but I must also ensure your happiness. I love you Sansa and I cannot be the one to throw your happiness away. You are so much more than I ever was at your age. We as woman cannot rule in this man's world and we must grab onto whatever joy we may find"
Her mothers voice very matter of fact though her face was awash with love and compassion. Lady Stark's eyes watered. Sansa had never loved her mother more than she did at that moment then.
Sansa gasped, sobbed and grabbed her mother in an unyielding embrace. Her face was crumpled in sorrow filled joy and she felt positively light in jubilation.
Lady Stark was smiling softly as she pulled her daughter back, wiping her tears with a tissue and hushing her. She then took a deep breath,
"If I am to aid you in this matter, Sansa, I must be certain of a few things" Her voice was very serious and Sansa swallowed and nodded in acceptance.
"Is he of high birth enough and station?" Her mother inquired with furrowed brows and searching eyes.
Sansa almost laughed, "Yes mother, he is. A powerful and wealthy House, I swear it" The conviction and Stark Steel to her voice made her mother raise her brows but smile nonetheless.
"I see. He is still currently unattached and has not made any prior betrothal agreements?" Again, her mother searched her face closely. It was almost amusing. The questions her mother was asking certainly did matter, however, they were not ones that would reveal his identity or reasons Catelyn would not want her to wed him. Yes, on paper Tyrion was an excellent match.
Sansa shook her head with a wry smile this time. How fortunate was she that most of the realm was disgusted with her wonderfully unique Tyrion, "Of course not mother, I swear it"
The Stark girl did not smile but the happiness and relief on her face must be extremely obvious, even for her mother to see.
Catelyn Stark then nodded again with a tiny relieved smile, "I see. I cannot go directly against your father, you must understand. If you are certain of your decision then I will stall any betrothal choices by two moons. Which should be enough time for you to attempt courting and find if your affections will be returned. If you can manage to bewitch this man with all the charm and beauty I know you to possess and he sends us a betrothal agreement then I will do my best to convince your father. That is if he is suitable enough"
Sansa thought her heart may stop for a moment. She jumped from her seat in glee and shock. This was her only hope. Her chance. Much like her mother before, determination filled her as many plots filled her head and heart.
Looking directly back at her mother she spoke in a quiet but unyielding voice, "It shall be done" She promised.
Catelyn Stark smiled back at her daughter before standing and taking her into another deep embrace, "I have faith in you" She whispered.
Mother and daughter hugged for a long time as both felt the love and bittersweet sorrow of the moment. Sansa would no longer be her baby anymore and would become a woman due to be wed and married soon. Then have babes of her own.
A hesitant knock on the door broke them from their moment as Ser Brynden Tully poked his head in hesitantly, "Is everything alright? You two have been in here a while" He was quiet and looked concerned. The elderly knight's eyes drifted towards his dying brother.
The reality of the situation hit Sansa as she realised what was important here. She daintily cleared her throat and fixed the creases on her gown nervously, "Yes we are quite fine. I shall leave you all to say your goodbyes" Her voice was quiet and respectful.
Sansa walked over to the grandfather she had never really known and kissed him on the forehead in farewell and whispered a prayer for him. The young girl gave her mother one last hug and nodded respectfully to her grand uncle as she left the room.
It had been a long and tiresome day and the celebrations were still going on. Her head ached and she wished nothing more to huddle under her furs like she did as a child but knew she would only be plagued with dreadful thoughts and nightmares.
Sansa decided to take Lady on a small walk to clear her head and rebelliously ignored her instructions from her father to have a constant escort. It was perhaps childish but she felt a certain betrayal from her father. Why did he not believe that there was nothing between her and Jaime Lannister? Why was he forcing her into a loveless echo of a marriage? It was not fair.
The girl managed to exit the castle unseen as she heard shouts and drunken jubilation coming from the Great Hall. Lady walked obediently by her side and brushed her large head against her several times, canine eyes drifting towards her as if she knew something was wrong.
Sansa allowed her hand to drift leisurely through her companions soft fur.
The night's air was chilly and she could see her breath though it did not concern her. She was a child of the north and could withstand much worse. The pair walked aimlessly through the empty and darkened lands surrounding Riverrunn castle. The breeze brought with it a foul stench of something rotten. Sansa scrunched her nose up delicately and walked in the opposite direction of the faint but putrid smell. Lady did her business and began to wander curiously by following her nose around. Sansa watched with fondness as her wolf scoped the area.
"Ah, if it isn't my Queen of Love and Beauty" A slightly slurred voice called out teasingly.
Turning around sharply, pure frustration and icy detachment filling her heart. Sansa could very easily make out the champion of the Tourney. His bright and ridiculous gold armour shined in the dark night. Ser Jaime Lannister approached her with an easy and pleased smile upon his handsome face. Perhaps if Sansa's heart had not already been captured and this knight was not the most frustrating individual to have ever lived; she might have become besotted with him.
"Ser" The Stark girl spoke tightly, Steel and ice making her tone as frigid as the north. The kingsguard member raised his eyebrows as he stopped before her. His green eyes were friendly and light and it made her all the more frustrated. What right did this man have to approach her after condemning her?
"Someone is in a bit of a mood. Feast not to your liking?" He asked in an amused fashion. How dare he mock her.
Sansa's spine felt fashioned by Gendry's hammer, "Pardon me, Ser, I do not think it is appropriate for me to entertain you without an escort. If you will excuse me, I shall retire to my chambers" She spoke in a dignified manner with a straight back and voice steady. Sansa was a Stark and a true lady. Jaime Lannister was nothing more than a self-involved fool that has caused her endless complications. How could he be so foolish?
Lady Sansa Stark dignified the disgraced knight with only a quick look before turning sharply and whistling to draw the attention of her wolf. Immediately, she heard the shuffling noises of Lady approaching from the dark.
The Stark girl made to walk away when a gloved hand touched her gently on her upper arm. She jerked around and glared at the knight, "Unhand me, Ser" She hissed, blue eyes flashing. Lady - now by her side - bared her teeth and let out a low warning growl. He dropped his hand.
Jaime Lannister's face had lost its smirk. He was still smiling in a cheeky way though his green eyes told the story of confusion and slight unease, "Calm yourself, my lady" He replied good naturedly. The Lannister's eyes flickered down to her large wolf for a moment, "I meant no harm. I was simply delighted to see my Queen of love and beauty. Will you not thank me for crowning you as I said I would?" His voice was filled with amusement and slight mocking but Sansa heard the underlying honesty. Dear gods, what would she do this man?
The Stark girl sighed heavily and shook her head. It had been a long day indeed, "I believed you to be jesting. I did not think you foolish enough to actually crown me Ser" She muttered and rubbed her face in an agitated manner. Sansa should really have known he was being truthful.
Looking up, she saw confusion and frustration painted clearly across the Lannisters face, "Foolish? I honour you and you call me a fool? Are you ashamed to be crowned by such a dishonourable knight, my lady?" He questioned, mocking smirk tight on his face.
Sansa closed her eyes for a moment before looking directly into Jaime's eyes, "Ser, do you not realise what you have done? Rumours of our secret love have been following me around this entire tourney. I understand it may all be amusing to you but to me, it is a question of my honour" She explained. Jaime frowned and eyed her speculatively as she continued, "After your display today, not only have I made a lifelong enemy with your sister, my family is rushing me towards an unwanted betrothal before anyone can question my honour or try to wed us together" She hissed and took another look around the empty courtyard. Thank the maiden no one was about.
Jaime Lannister looked shocked. His handsome face was filled with realisation as the consequences of his childish actions finally dawned on him. He opened his mouth but no words came out.
Sansa turned her back to him again, "You have yet to realise that your actions have consequences, not just to yourself but to everyone around you. I pray that I can resolve this issue before it's too late. Please... just leave me alone Ser Jaime. You have done enough" She said quietly.
The eldest Stark girl then walked away slowly with her direwolf lurking at her side. Sansa knew it wasn't Jaime's fault. Not really. He had told her it was his intention to crown her Queen of Love and Beauty. It was a gesture of friendship and affection. However, Cersei would now be out for her blood, quite literally. She might still be forced to wed some knight or lord. Her very honour is at stake. Ser Jaime is highborn. He must have known this. The last time a Stark woman was crowned Queen of Love and Beauty, an entire dynasty fell. She knew she was being unfair but couldn't find it in her heart to care.
It was with these morose thoughts that she wandered back towards the castle, hoping to collapse onto her bed for the night. The same vile stench from before reached her nose and she quickened her steps.
Suddenly, Lady beside her paused in her steps and let out a small growl. Sansa only spared her wolf a passing glance to see her companions fur stood on its end and tail flicking in an agitated manner. Sansa stopped and frowned at her wolf.
Lady crouched onto her haunches and lept with speed and grace in Sansa's direction. The lady jerked out of the way clumsily as her wolf pounced with deadly precision. Heart racing and eyes wide Sansa noted her wolf had landed on something dark and snarling. Another wolf? No a hound or dog. The Stark girl took several steps back in fear when she heard a growl from behind her. Spinning around, she stared wide eyed at an ugly brown hound. It growled furiously at her with wild eyes and drool spilling from its sharp teeth. Sansa froze in terror.
A snarl to her left and a rush of grey fur darting in front of her, showed that Lady had come to her rescue. Her loyal wolf ripped and lunged at the hound, several other dogs join the fray, snarling and biting viciously.
Sansa shook as she unsheathed her small dragon glass dagger. This was much different from sparring sessions with Brienne and Arya. Everything was happening so quickly. She had to help Lady. The canines moved in a blur, Lady's form larger than the others, light grey and stained with red compared to the dark fur of the smaller hounds. How many were they? At least five.
Her breaths were coming in pants by now. Sansa shuffled towards the animals when the stink from before almost assaulted her senses. She turned around suddenly, only to duck at the large sword swinging in her direction. She screamed in fright and stumbled backward. A filthy and utterly appalling smelling man stood in front of her. He smelled so awful, she lifted her left hand to cover her nose. The man was adorned in rags, smiling a slimly little grin, showing his broken and rotted teeth. He approached her slowly, small breaths of excited laughter escaping his mouth.
Sansa stumbled backward and held a trembling hand out to try and stop the attack. A longsword that had seen better days was held carelessly by the man, more like a butcher than a swordsman.
The Stark stumbled into someone behind her. She screamed again and her arms were gripped harshly in a restraining manner as a man laughed in her ear. Sansa struggled as a blade was placed almost gently at her throat. The bite of the blade was colder than beyond the wall.
The disgusting man in front of her laughed a little as he staggered closer, lifting his large sword up clumsily. A snarl and a blur of gray crashed into her attacker. Sansa sighed in relief in seeing her wonderful wolf alive. Blood coated her entire head and smeared across her body. Sansa couldn't see any visible wounds on her friend.
The knife at her throat drew closer and pinched her skin.
Sansa Stark and the man behind her watched with a sense of dull detachment as Lady first bit and almost tore the man's hand off, the one holding the sword. It dropped softly on the grass. The man screamed and flailed around now, his own blood staining everything around him crimson as he held his hands up in a meager attempt to defend himself.
The man screamed and screamed, his wailing drifting off into the darkness. Lady sunk her teeth into his jugular and pulled. The wolf did not quite severe his head but almost succeeded in doing so. When her attacker's body flopped to the ground, his head rolled away only to be stopped by a small patch of skin at the back of his scalp that was still attached to the neck. The knife at her throat trembled.
Sansa heard a whimpering coming from behind her and not from the man with the blade to her throat, "Ee's dead" Another man's voice whispered. How many men were there? He sounded sounding lowborn, "Dead. It killed all them hounds... I-it's a bloody monster" His voice trembled and Sansa watched with satisfaction as Lady now crouched on the ground, eyes locked onto the man behind her. Her muzzle was pulled back and dripping with blood. Lady's fur was now more red streaked with grey. She was focused, alert, predatory... but most of all ready.
A loud thump behind her broke the silence and strange stalemate they were in. The man behind her quivered as he tried to turn his head, "...Skinner?" He asked fearfully, jerking her around as he looked back to see his friend.
"Not quite" An arrogant voice drawled out. Relief washed over her in waves. Ser Jaime.
"Who're-" The man managed to get out before Jaime lunged forward and gripped the man by the wrist, forcefully pulling the blade away from her throat. She gasped and reeled backward to watch Jaime fight the man with a crude sword he must have found. Where was the knight's sword?
Yet another man crept up behind the sparring pair. Jaime had the sword held high - ready to deliver the final blow - when the cowardly man behind him lifted his on blade behind Jaime's back...
"Jaime-behind-you" She screamed out in a rush of words. Immediately the kingsguard knight twisted his head back for a second and hurled his body to the right, out of the oncoming sword as fast as he could.
...unfortunately, it is not fast enough. The blade hit Jaime on his arm. The Knight fell to the ground, the sword falling at his feet. The two men prepared to attack when Sansa screamed in complete panic, "Lady, help-" She begins only for her loyal wolf to dart forward.
The two men try to swing their swords at the oncoming beast but are too slow. Her wolf mechanically tears their throats out. Two gasping and blood sodden corpses flop carelessly to the ground.
Jaime Lannister was crouched on the ground groaning and panting. She hurried forward and dropped to her knee's, tears filling her eyes, "J-Jaime, are you okay? Will you live-" She breathed out and moved her hands out to try and shift him from the curled up position he was in to assess the damage. He can't die. No he can't. Not defending her. No.
Something between a sob and hysterical laugh escaped his lips.
"What's going on out here?" A strong authoritative voice calls from the distance. Sansa bolts upwards and see's the flicker of a torch approaching and almost cries in relief.
"Over here! We need help! Ser Jaime has been injured-there was men-alert the maester quickly!" She yelled, her composure completely shattered. Her trembles were now violent and tears finally fell from her eyes, warming her frozen cheeks.
Lady padded towards her and pressed her bloody but warm fur against her side in comfort, rubbing her head against her stomach. Sansa can see two guards that were most likely on patrol were the ones that had spotted them. One guard returned to the castle while the other ran forward, bringing a torch of light and revealing the savaged remains of the hounds - it is still impossible to tell how many there were - and the dead bodies of the unknown men.
The guard paused as he takes in the scene but then as he identifies her, he quickly rushes over and sweeps off his cloak, placing it gently on her frame, "Lady Sansa? What happened?" He asked, surprise and strength coming through in his voice.
She continued to tremble and watch Ser Jaime's still hunched over form on the ground, "M-men came and-and there was hounds-Lady g-got-and-S-S-Ser Jaime. Ser Jaime. He-he's" Sansa choked out and continued staring at his form. Will Jaime be okay? What happened? Was the wound fatal? Where was he hit again?
The guard stepped away from her and crouched down to assess the Kingsguard member.
Sansa stands and watches the two men silently. Lady was still pressed obediently to her side and her blue gaze was locked on the form of Jaime Lannister. He wasn't supposed to die. He couldn't die.
Voice's approached, shouting men and guards barking orders. She heard someone shout to fetch the King. Others shouted the alert Lord Stark. None of the guards moved to speak with her however. A maester came eventually, robes billowing in different directions as dropped to his feet.
Torches, so many torches illuminated the area. The harsh flicker of the flames, creating more shadows and showed that almost every surface of the ground was splayed with lifeblood. Sansa's eyes drifted away from Jaime when she heard the maester tell the knight he would be ok.
Sansa felt no relief.
Her eyes drifted around the clearing. A hounds head... a tail... the bowels of a man or hound... the semi-detached head of her first attacker. A guard nudged the appendage with his foot with a horrified expression. It was a massacre. The flesh was torn violently from bodies. The least gruesome sight was the man laying almost peacefully on the grass. If it wasn't for the deep slice in his jugular he would almost be sleeping. That must have been the man that thumped to the ground...
"Sansa! Sansa" She heard her father's voice bellow. The Stark girl closed her eyes, feeling safer already with her father approaching. This was almost like a bad dream. Warm tears continued to fall from her closed eyes.
Whimpers escaped her lips. She opened her eyes again when she heard Ser Jaime grunt. The Lannister's arm was around a guards shoulder and was being helped up. Jaime Lannister wobbled uncertainly, face pale. She swallowed and approached to see if the knight needed any extra aid.
Jaime Lannister's eyes were fixated on a single point on the ground. His green gaze and almost burning into one single spot. Sansa followed his sight... only to see a sword lying carelessly in the dust... and beside it... a severed hand.
"Sansa! Are you alright?" Ned Stark breathed as he reached his daughter, immediately pulling her into a hug.
Lady Stark slouched in an unladylike manner at her father's bedside. Her face felt raw and bones weary. She stared at the empty and lifeless eyes of her father. A sob escaped her mouth. She closed her fist around her mouth in an attempt to prevent more from escaping.
A warm hand closed around her shoulder. She looked up to see her Uncle Bryden looking down at her, his face sunk in grief and sorrow. She clasped his hand in support.
The maester moved silently and gently lifted the sheet to cover the Lord of the Riverlands dead body. Cat looked up to see Edmure staring as if in a daze at the body of his dead father. It was as if he hadn't realized Hoster was gone, despite him passing away in front of him.
Catelyn Stark cleared her throat and let her tears fall freely. Tonight she would mourn his passing. Tomorrow she would be strong. But not tonight.
A bang at the door startled the Tully's inside. Cat looked back to see a guard rudely barge his way into the room with wide eyes and panting. She stood up, fully intent on berating the man within an inch of his life,
"Sorry-Maester-we need you. There's been an attack. Jaime Lannister-Lady Sansa" The guard breathed out, eyes darting around the room. He was a young guard. Barely a man. Clearly in shock and unable to handle to situation.
The maester stood swiftly for a man his age and followed the guard out without a second thought.
Cat's heart felt like it had stopped for a moment. Sansa... dear gods no...