Chapter 1: Thank You

Sansa sat in a trance as her handmaidens tended to her fresh injuries and now tangled hair, the blood clinging to her soft pink gown and underclothes as she stripped down for a much needed bath. Sinking down into the warm water, she dismissed her handmaidens, stressing the idea of wanting to be alone to her thoughts. "But my Lady-" Sansa held up a finger and glared at the four women until one-by-one they dispersed. She hadn't meant to be so cruel, but she wasn't in the mood to be waited on by any of Cersei's spies any longer, her patience wearing thin with all her emotions running rampant.

The heat of the water had finally soothed Sansa enough where she could think back on what had happened in the city, just that morning. Submerging herself into the lavender scented water, memory of the riot overcame her thoughts. She could even place the look in the eyes of her attackers, now. Hate. Those men hated me and they didn't even know me. The memory of being held down, the smell and hatred of those men threatened to consume her whole being before she emerged from the water, shaking her thoughts back to the present. Sansa quickly finished bathing and turned her attention to the man who had saved her from the horrors of the riot. The Hound… She hadn't even thanked him after he saved her, she had been in shock and neglected the one person who had come back for her and truly kept her alive. He's kept me safe since father died, not just this morning, and I haven't said one word of gratitude! Berating herself, Sansa decided that she would find him and thank him as soon as she had the ability.

Sansa called for her handmaiden, Shae, to come help her dress before that evening's feast, giving her enough time to set out in search of her true savior.

After what seemed like hours, Shae finally burst through the door in a frenzy. "My lady, Sansa! Is something wrong?" A look of terror strung across Shae's face, causing Sansa to laugh.

"Shae, everything is fine. I own the Hound my thanks for that," she mused. "I owe him not just for today, either." She trailed off, her gaze falling on her soiled gown. It had been the one she was wearing the day her father had been killed, the same day the Hound had saved her from tossing Joffery off the battlements when he made her stare at her father's severed head. He had saved her from herself, yes Joffrey would have died, but she would have died, too. Her mind flashed back to the present and she sighed. "Shae, I need to look presentable for the feast tonight, and," she motioned toward her old, torn gown. "I never want to see that again." Distraught, Shae grabbed Sansa's hands, lovingly. Tears welled in Sansa's eyes as she stared at the gown. "Every time I wear it, something bad happens. I'll take it as a sign from the gods, old and new. Maybe things will get better."

Shae nodded solemnly, tossing the heap of fabric into the fire and sitting Sansa down in front of it to watch her bad luck burn, as Shae readied Sansa for another night with lions and her confrontation with the Hound.


"DOG!" Joffrey's never ending need to condescend the Hound irked him. What the fuck could he possibly need, now!? The Hound grunted in response, giving the bastard king the go ahead. "I have a new job for you, mother though it would be best." A sly smile spread over Joffrey's face, making the Hound's urge to smash the boy's face against the wall harder to resist, than usual. "You know the Stark girl?"

"Aye." Of course it's something to do with her, you sick fuck. Can't you leave the poor girl alone? You've put her through enough as it is. It took all of his might to keep a straight face any time Joffrey brought up Sansa and this time was no different.

"Ah, well, given what happened with those ungrateful peasants this morning, I've decided to reassign your abilities to Sansa as her new guard. I like her pretty I'm sure you're the one who can make sure she stays that way. I'll be announcing it tonight at the feast." Joffrey's evil grin grew even wider and the Hound nodded his reply. "I have plans for her and I trust you. This may even benefit you. Now, be a good dog and fetch my lady, wolf for dinner," he waved his dismissal to the Hound who turned his attention immediately to reaching Sansa's chamber. New guard!? Fucking cunt. The Hound shook his head as thoughts of his little bird flashed in his mind. What have I gotten myself into this time? What did I do to deserve this torture of having to watch him beat her into submission with the help of those knights Sansa loved so much? The Hound wasn't even half way to Sansa's chamber when he spotted her at the end of the corridor, walking with a purpose, straight toward him.


Gods she looks beautiful. The Hound froze at the sight of Sansa in a deep emerald gown that complemented her fiery hair and ivory skin, giving her a womanly glow. Remember what you're doing, dog! The Hound shook his head and let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding as he continued down the corridor as if he hadn't seen her at all. You're a dog. Act as such. He grimaced in an attempt to maintain his charade around his little bird. "Girl," he sneered to the best of his ability. "Shouldn't you be in your chamber? Your betrothed wouldn't like it if you went missing right before dining." To his surprise, Sansa rolled her eyes, frowning at the mention of Joffrey, obviously disappointed with the way their conversation had all ready taken a turn.

"Yes, because my well-being was on his mind earlier today as he sat, leaving me to those men." She had regretted her sarcasm the moment it had escaped her lips, bracing for a strike either to her face or torso, as had been the usual punishment every time she spoke out of turn.

"Calm the fuck down, girl. Im not one of your precious knights. I won't hurt you, like that." Ever, Little Bird. I would never strike you like Ser Meryn. "Now, tell me why you're wandering around." Sansa had sparked his interest and he relished the fact that she had been bold enough to be so open around him. She trusts you. That's a bad thing, dog. She can't be allowed to trust anyone. He looked down at her with pity as he realized she still believed in her fairy-tale knights and princes.

"I-I had been looking for you." Sansa was wringing her hands together, losing all the confidence she may have previously possessed. "I wanted to thank you for saving me today and will, every day since my father dies. You've been so brave," she trailed off, staring into his eyes, their soft grey color reminding her of home, enough to force her to look away in an attempt to regain her composure. The Hound could hear her mumbling "focus" to herself as she took a few deep breaths.

"Brave?" His laugh was half a snarl. "A dog doesn't need courage to chase off rats." The Hound hated having to be so harsh but he had to make her understand how foolish her courtesies were in this place.

Sansa hated the way he spoke, hate just rolling off his tongue whenever he opened his mouth to speak. "Does it give you joy to scare people?" Before she knew it, the Hound had her pinned against the wall his breath smelling of sour wine.

"No, it gives me joy to kill people." Sansa turned to pull away but the Hound just put more pressure against her. "Wrinkle up your face all you like, but spare me your false piety." The air suddenly felt cold as Sansa glared at him, their eyes locking. Look what you've done, now, dog.

"Why are you always so hateful?" She was hurt at his words. She had meant it when she thanked him. "Why do you have to hurt me, so?" Tears welled in her eyes as she stared up at him. "I was trying to thank you…" She saw his eyes soften even though his face remained in its usual grimace. She's right, but she still doesn't understand…

"As if I were one of those true knights you love so well, yes." The Hound leaned closer to her the scent of lavender radiating off of her as she fearlessly stared into his soul with her Tully eyes. "There are no true knights, girl, remember that when I'm all that's left to stand between you and your beloved king," he spat out, tears rolling down Sansa's cheeks. STOP! STOP! What the fuck are you doing, she's going to hate you, dog.

"You're awful." Sansa couldn't bear to look at him any longer and pulled her gaze away from his, her reaction causing the Hound to release her from his grasp before looking down the corridor to make sure no one had seen them.

"No, Little Bird," he sighed. "I'm honest. It's the world that's awful." He looked down at her, his grimace all but gone, a loving look threatening his facial features. "Come, it's almost time for the feast, you don't want to be late." He offered his arm to Sansa and watched her as they walked in silence to the dining hall.