Author's Note:

Hello. So this is my first story. Clearly. I've wanted to do a story like this for a while now. So I figured with Game of Thrones coming back in five months, I could try something out. Hopefully I don't disappoint. I'll admit right now, this chapter seems sort of familiar to another story, but I promise, this is gonna be a different story than the ones you've seen. If you're a big fan of Stannis the Mannis and the Starks, then this story will be for you, if not, well, this will be awkward. The first few chapters will somewhat follow canon, but by about chapter nine, I believe that's where things are gonna get crazy. So stay tuned for that. I'm not sure about my upload schedule, but I'll try to upload every week or two. Reviews are welcome, just try not to be dicks about it okay, I can take criticism. Anyway, that's it, so enjoy.

The Stag and the Wolf

How did it come to this? Stannis thought as Ned Stark walked his daughter down the sept. After Selyse died of an illness that struck Dragonstone, Stannis never even thought of remarrying. Because he was Lord of Dragonstone, he thought it would be enough for Shireen to be his heir. But when his youngest brother Renly died in a hunting accident, Robert told Stannis he was giving him back Storm's End. However, in exchange for this he had to remarry and produce a male heir.

I finally have what was mine by right. But at what cost? The cost was marrying Ned Stark's daughter, Sansa who is a twin to Stark's eldest son, Robb.

Robert wanted a reason for his old friend to come south and this was reason enough.

"You'll marry Ned's daughter and be done with it!" He's Ned to you. He's no friend of mine. Yet Stannis did respect Ned Stark, after all he did lift the siege of Storm's End saving Stannis and his remaining household. Stannis supposed that's why Robert wanted him to marry Sansa Stark. As a form of thanks.

As she came closer, he started to realize how frightened she was around him. Pity. I thought at least a wolf would be brave. Ned Stark gave Stannis a neutral look and a quick smile that was clearly forced before handing his daughter to him. When she stood next to him, Stannis realized how tall she was. She was almost as tall as him. Might be good. It'll help her in bearing children. That was another thing that Stannis worried about. The bedding. Stannis told Robert that he would have no bedding ceremony. Especially after what Robert did at his wedding to Selyse. But Robert said that it was happening.

"I'm the king! I get what I want!" If you got what you wanted, we'd still be fighting a damned rebellion. Stannis thought.

As he remembered how the vows go, he glanced around the room. All of the Starks were here, minus the bastard, Jon Snow and the Greyjoy lad as well. Robert was there with his wife Queen Cersei and her children. They're not really your children Robert. Jon Arryn and I will tell you one day. If you care to listen. He saw the other Stormlords as well, houses from Tarth, Dondarrion, Staedmon and his mother's house Estermont were all here. Renly was loved by all these men. Men whose allegiance rightly belonged to me. Now they were his. And he had to prove himself to them. Renly treated ruling like it was a game. I will not. These men will be ruled well.

Eventually the septon then looked to Stannis. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection."

The Stark girl then turned around and Stannis unclasped the Stark cloak of Grey and White and replaced it with the Baratheon Black and Gold.

"Let it be known that Sansa of the House Stark and Stannis of the House Baratheon are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say the words."

Stannis then turned to his wife and said, "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers and she is mine. From this day until the end of my days."

He said this as she said her own vows. Child, I am wed to a child. He then leant closer and pressed his lips to hers briefly. He could tell, she was a bit uncomfortable with it as much as he was.

After that, the room fell into a somewhat quiet applause. The only one who was loud was of course, Robert. They left the Sept and went to the Great Hall where the feast was to be held. There, Stannis tried to get a feel for who his wife was. She seemed kind, gentle and polite. Those traits will kill you in King's Landing. I hope you are a fast learner. Shireen wasn't there. She was in another chamber with the younger Stark children. She did however, congratulate both him and Sansa before she left. She was very kind to Sansa during the days before the wedding.

"Time for the Bedding ceremony!" Robert shouted.

Damn you Robert! Stannis thought as the women then came to him and started undressing him. He saw that Sansa was being lifted up and being undressed herself with her brother Robb slapping away the hands of any lustful men. He's very protective. Though he doesn't need to be anymore. It's my duty now.

Eventually both of them were tossed into their chambers. It was the Lord's chambers, now granted to him. Stannis was still in his breeches and Sansa was still in her shift. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Stannis saw that there was a pitcher filled with wine and two cups. He poured himself and Sansa a cup and handed one to her. She was hesitant to take it.

"It might be better for your nerves." Mine too. Stannis thought to himself. Sansa took the cup and had a small sip. She probably has never had that much wine before.

As if she read his mind she said, "My father only lets us have one cup at feasts."

"Well, it's alright to have one more." Sansa then took another large sip before setting the cup down. Stannis didn't even taste his yet and took one big gulp. He set the cup down and looked at her. At least she's not covering herself like I'm some old letch who will force himself on her.

"How old are you again?" he asked her.

"Six-and-ten. I'll be seven-and-ten next month." Damn you Robert. Stannis cursed again.

"Six-and-ten. Seven-and-ten in a month. Do you know how old I am?" Sansa shook her head.

"Forty. Twice your age and some more. And I'm also a year younger than your father. Does that disturb you?"

Sansa seemed to look like she was thinking of ten different responses for him. When Stannis at least came up with five responses Sansa answered finally, "Many lords have had younger brides before. My aunt Lysa married Jon Arryn and he was as old as my grandfather. This is no different. What's done is done."

Stannis was surprised at her answer but didn't show it. She gave an example and seemed to be as dutiful as her father. So, she is more a Stark than I thought.

"Would my lord rather have me speak with kind words and courtesies?"

Stannis was taken aback by that. Did I say that out loud? "No, I prefer you speak the truth."

He and Sansa stared at each other for another moment.

"Well then," Stannis said. "Shall we?"

He took Sansa's hand and led her to the bed.