The King's Choice.
Chapter One
Sansa.
Sansa felt a sudden excitement within her as her measurements were taken, a new dress to be made, from the queen herself.
Cersei was not one for being kind, in fact, quite the opposite, Sansa half believed every act towards her was one of spite.
But, perhaps she had a change of heart?
No longer was she the betrothed to the wretched Joffrey, Every time she thought of her new found freedom her heart seemed to beat quicker.
But of course she wasn't free, was she?
The Hound always reminded her that it was a lie, not to trust everyone.
The whole world is full of liars, every one better than you.
The night Sandor Clegane was waiting in her chambers, the thought seemed to fill her with emotion, which emotion she didn't know – It was still quite a shock.
He waited. He cried.
She expected to him to leave, to never see him again, he deserted the battlefield, he wanted to take her with him.
His little bird.
But he stayed, apparently when drunk enough he seemed to be able to brave the green flames once again, his nightmare.
Joffery had forgiven him, something she wasn't sure he was capable of, how can such a creature of hate forgive? But he did, Joffery relied on the hound more than seen in the public eye, he was more than a loyal dog, he was a father figure which Joffery longed for.
The hound avoided her, well, that's how it seemed.
She would politely enquire about his day and he would grunt and walk off, or make a comment on how the little bird does nothing but chirp away.
Maybe he doesn't remember?
Why does she care?
Sansa felt different towards him, the thought of him made her pulse race, her heart skip a beat, even.
His face held no fear for her any more, in fact if anything, it was a reminder of the gentle soul within him to her, that side which he locked away but opened to her.
"Your dress shall be divine, the queen ordered for no expense to be spared, you are very lucky child."
If only they knew, not that it would phase them.
"I'm sure this dress will be beautiful, tell the queen I am most grateful for it, that her kindness is next to none." Sansa droned out her usual courtesy, no longer did she take pride in her immaculate manners. If anything, her own polite habits seemed to annoy her.
Chirp, chirp chirp.
Sandor
"Come here, dog, I need you." Joffery waved his hand, expecting his dog to come forth and kneel.
Little bastard, should've let the little bird push you.As Sandor obediently went forth to his 'master', the thoughts of the little shits brains across the cobbled floor made his lip twitch.
Since the night Stannis Baratheon took on the Lannisters, the thought of the bastard dying seemed to be the only thing that brought him joy. What about your pretty little bird?
It was as if his own brain wanted to piss him off, seven hells, the girl would be the death of him,
And yet, he couldn't stop thinking of her, her eyes wide and illuminated in the green glow of the fire, the mothers hymn, the gentle caress of her hand upon his wretched face.
He stayed for her, he knew if he left her on her own there would be no chance for her, a lone wolf amongst a pride of lions.
"Dog" Joffery spat in his usual self assured sneer "Go get Sansa, I know how much she likes you." His sarcastic words cut more than his stupid statements usually did, Joffery took a sick pleasure in watching Sansa hurt or distressed, when she flinched away from his burns Joffery seemed to smile.
Her torment was like the finest wine to him. Bastard.
A part of him despised having to stand with her, to see her.
It reminded him every second how she would never be his, even with the Kings new betrothal to that Margery bitch he still had no chance, she was a lady and he was a dog.
And that's all you're good for, taking orders. His self tormenting was over as the little bird stepped from her room, her Tully blue eyes captivating him, her smile making him almost weak.
His weakness almost as strong as fire, her eyes.
"The king demands your presence." He spoke in a harsh rasp, he never intended to sound so brutal, but he saw his effect when her gentle smile evaporated, replaced with a disappointed grimace and a short sigh.
"Thank you, se-.." Her gaze rested upon him, registering her own mistake.
"The little bird is learning." Sandor rasped in his usual harsh tone. Sansa simply nodded, turning away from him as they made their way to the throne room.
Whenever they got close, she seemed to edge away, it irked him – he had the urge to grab her, pull her close and make her look at him, make her be close to him once again.
She chose to touch you once, Sandor's lip twitched once again at the memory of her soft hand, so small, so gentle. His little bird.
As they approached the throne room, the look upon Joffery's face seemed to aggravate him. What is the little shit up to?
"Ah, Sansa, I have a wonderful announcement." Joffery stood, gathering the attention of all in attendance in the court. "My sweet Sansa, although our betrothal has ended, a new one shall begin, I shall see you wed to one of my own kings guard." Joffery's malicious grin spreading.
Sandor felt increasingly uneasy.
"Y-..You honour me your grace, who is it I am to marry" Fear being the obvious tone in his little birds chirping.
"Ah, Sweet Sansa, You shall marry the hound, fitting isn't it? A wolf bitch marrying a dog..."
Sandor could only stand in shock as Joffery laughed and Sansa paled. Seven Hells.