The ladder of Chaos
PART ONE:
Sansa felt the chill of the wintery northern air. She was home, but not really. The Boltons had claimed the north as their own and transformed everything into a strange unrecognizable land. Sansa shivered, and looked out her chamber window. She felt tired but at the same time fully awake, her thoughts drifting to the idea of marrying Ramsey Bolton. She didn't know anything about this man and it made here anxiously paranoid. Even more so now that she learned that Lord Baelish would be leaving for King's Landing. He would leave her alone after everything. Lord Baelish was not a trustworthy man and yet he was the only man Sansa could come even close to trusting in the trials she has gone through.
Sansa walked swiftly to the door. She needed to speak with him at least one last time before he left. She needed to be comforted by someone she was familiar with.
Walking down the corridor, Sansa dare not go near Lord Baelish's chambers. Instead she searched the keep for him in various other places. Soon she found him reading by a large window in one of the halls.
"Lord Baelish…" She spoke softly. He didn't look up right away. He turned a page and then set the book down next to him. Still not looking at Sansa.
"It's a bit late now isn't it Sansa?" He said in his deep but smooth, calm voice. "You should be in bed soon."
"I suppose, but I just…"
"You just what?" Petyr said abruptly. He was still not looking at her. This made Sansa feel the distance between them.
"I- "
"Sansa." Petyr growled finally looking at her. His gray-green eyes deep with annoyance. Sansa felt a pinch of hurt in her chest. She couldn't understand his frustration with her. She had barely said anything at all to him. Her eyes became hot as she held back tears. She swiftly turned around and began to dart towards the door when she felt a hand touch her waist. "Forgive me."
"I don't know what you mean." Sansa replied, her pride speaking for her.
"I'm afraid." He whispered, moving closer behind her. "I planned on staying here for a while. I wanted to look after you for as long as I could, but if I don't go our plans could go up in flames. You must understand."
"I know. I will do as you say." Sansa said.
"You are truly something, Sansa." She could feel his breath on the nape of her neck. It sent chills down her spine. "So strong."
Tears fell down her pink cheeks unintentionally. She covered her mouth so he wouldn't hear her whimper. She was alone in this world but at times she truly felt safe next to him. With him leaving she would once again feel solitude, yet at the same time she felt terrified. She was afraid to lean too much on him. Was he really trustworthy enough to rely on? She had watched this man push her aunt out the Moon Door. Aunt Lysa was foolish to lean on Lord Baelish. He had used Lysa's weakness and gained power for himself with it. Who knows if he was doing this with Sansa? She might be just a pawn in his game.
Trying to conceal her distraught she kept her hand over her mouth. She felt his warm arms wrap around her waist from behind and embrace her; his chest was against her back.
"You can cry. I know how you hold it in. You hide your true thoughts behind your mask of pride." He low velvety voice in her ear.
She calmed herself and whipped her tears away. She couldn't let him in. She would trust no one. Pulling away from his embrace she turned to face him, her eyes fierce.
"I just came to wish a good night. Good night Lord Baelish."
"Petyr."
"Petyr. Good night."