Hello everyone. So after taking a brief hiatus from writing I have decided to re-enter the world of fanfiction with the next installment of Tarynn's escapades in the Seven Kingdoms. I hope you enjoy this one, and updates shall be more regular as I am on a break now from work commitments and the like. Not to be annoying and needy but reviews do help me to determine how my readers feel about my writing and sometimes you give me helpful tips to improve or lovely compliments that make me strive to write better. I hope that this opening chapter is something you can sink your teeth into!

Obviously Sandor isn't strictly how he is in the book or the series, but if you look at how he is with Arya in the T.V series, I feel that he would be properly thrilled to be a father since they have formed a sort of father-daughter bond so that representation of him sort of works in my favour. Anyway...

So here goes, Wolves and Hounds: Part Two!

Just to reiterate: I own absolutely nothing to do with the Game of Thrones Franchise or A Song Of Ice, Wind and Fire books series. However Tarynn is of my own imagination so I guess I have rights over her.

Thanks for your continued support!

Slightlynerdy.

Wolves and Hounds: Part Two

Chapter 1.

The skies were a bright blue, birds flew across them, soft white clouds occupied the space. The guards manning the keep stood hunched over, the hot weather affecting them also. Standing at the window Tarynn breathed heavily in, the smell of the sea filling her senses, one hand was on the wall the other gently caressing her slowly expanding stomach. Today was the day that she would make the announcement. For the past month she had done well hiding the fact of her pregnancy. Whenever she was taken with illness she would say that it was the heat, when weariness took its hold she was able to excuse herself on the account that she was still mourning the death of her father, the only one who made it hard for her to keep the act up was Sandor.

He was ecstatic with the prospect of having a child and she still did not have the heart to tell him that he would never be allowed to help her raise their child, in fact he wouldn't even be allowed near their son or daughter, perhaps they would not even know that Sandor was their real father. It was safer for them if everyone believed the child to be Renly's. Less questions, less problems, and she wouldn't be classed as a whore and paraded around the streets which she wouldn't put past Joffrey if her child's true sire was revealed. And so here she was, steeling herself for the announcement, not even Renly knew that she was with child yet and he was supposed to be her husband.

She sighed, her mind racing with thoughts about her predicament. In the past few months herself and Sansa had been forced to denounce their family as traitors, now they were Lannister pets, good for nothing but harping on about how their father deserved to have his head severed from his neck and how Robb should be punished for inciting a rebellion in the north and naming himself King. Renly had done so too, partly because he was claiming heritage and partly because they had her captive. There was another, Stannis Baratheon, who in all fairness did have more claim over the throne then anyone else but she wasn't about to air her thoughts about that matter. Her eyes flickered to the door in a few moments guards would come to escort her to the throne room.

She sighed as her mind raced, Let the games begin.

They walked slowly through the halls, servants pressed themselves against the walls in order to allow them to pass, she tried smiling at a couple of them but they shrank away from her. Upon reaching the Throne Room it was mostly empty, only a few remained, standing on the balconies, the dregs of those who had come to see Joffrey address the problems that his citizens may have.

"Aunt Tarynn. When mother told me that you would be coming to have an audience with me I must admit my curiosity was piqued." He leant forward in the Iron Throne, his hands clasped together, his green eyes glowing with spitefulness. "This will be much more interesting than the requests that those peasants have. So, if you would…" He waved his hand forward, signalling for her to speak.

She took a deep breath, clearing her throat, her eyes settling on Sandor who stood stoic in his silver armour and white cloak, his helm under his arm. He didn't even look at her, he just continued staring straight ahead. Her eyes moved to Sansa who was standing on the balcony, her blue eyes wide, and her face gaunt.

"I have no request my king. I only wish to share something with this court. Something that cannot be kept hidden any longer."

Joffrey narrowed his eyes and smiled slyly, "Have you come with information about your brother's intentions. Or perhaps do you have evidence to convict so that I can arrest your husband should he come within throwing distance of King's Landing."

Her voice was curt, "Nothing of that sort so you shall be sorely disappointed."

"How about you get on with it then." Cersei's voice sounded kind but Tarynn knew that beneath the façade was pure maliciousness.

Tarynn did not hesitate, "I am with child." Her voice was clear and she stood as straight as she could.

Joffrey stood, about to say something but he thought better of it and turned to his mother for guidance.

"Does your husband know?"

"Not yet but he will do soon."

"And that will give him more reason to war against me…" Joffrey's face contorted with anger. "You bitch. Hound. Cut that child out of her." Her hands went to her stomach and looked to Sandor. He hadn't moved. "I gave you an or…"

"No," Cersei stood. "You do not want to give Renly Baratheon more cause to war against you which he will do if you murder both Tarynn and her unborn child. His unborn child."

Joffrey pointed at her, "She is a threat. As is that child inside her. What if, when it grows up, it decides to follow its father's footsteps? After all it's born to be a traitor what with having a traitorous father and a traitorous grandfather."

"My Lord." Sansa stepped forward, she had grown in the past few months, now she was the same height as Tarynn, "My sister would never turn against the crown like my traitorous father has and I can vouch for her child too."

"Listen to your future wife Joffrey. No one will be stealing babies from their mothers stomachs today. Court dismissed."

Joffrey's face was a mixture of anger and suspicion, he glared at Tarynn, before gesturing for Sandor to follow him. The father of her child gave her a small nod before falling into step with his charge. Cersei floated down the stairs, her face stern, her green eyes glinting. She stopped just in front of the sisters. "How long have you known."

"I'm sorry?"

Cersei narrowed her eyes, "That wasn't the answer I was looking for." Her gaze fell to Tarynn's stomach, "You are months pregnant… Why did you not tell anyone?"

"I didn't realise that I had to tell anyone. This is my child and I decide what is right for it. Just like you decided what was right for yours." Tarynn crossed her arms, smug with her response.

The queen regent glared at her, "Fine. But I want Pycelle to look over you. Don't want any complications with the child now do we?" She turned to walk away, calling back over her shoulder, "If I were you don't eat or drink anything Joffrey offers you."

She sauntered away, her guards falling into step with her. Tarynn watched her departure, a chill creeping into her heart, she wasn't safe here in this city. Not whilst she was with child. That much she knew.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Tarynn turned to her sister whose large blue eyes looked morose, the tall, slender girl looked like she hadn't slept in weeks, perhaps even months. "I didn't want to tell anyone until I passed my first term, until I knew that I wasn't going to lose the child."

But why didn't you tell me before you told the queen regent and Joffery. Why did I have to find out alongside everyone else?" She gestured to the departing people, Tarynn followed the movement and spied Littlefinger standing beside the door chatting with the Spider, he caught her eye and winked. "I am going to be an aunty." Sansa gripped Tarynn's arm. "I am going to be an aunty!" Sansa dropped to her knees and started talking to Tarynn's bump. "I am going to tell you all the wonderful stories that Nan used to tell me, and I will always sneak you Lemon cakes when you are sad just like your mother did for me... I will make sure no harm ever befalls you... You are going to be the most loved baby in the Seven Kingdoms."

Tarynn laughed, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you Sansa, but from now on, since you are a woman now, you can come with me whenever I have my examinations on the baby's progress. Would you like that?"

"Well since it's only me and you left in this city I guess we had better stick together."

"Me, you and the baby."

Sansa, smiled sadly, "After all the trauma and trouble… A baby… A new addition to the Stark family."

"Baratheon."

"You don't really want the child to have any association with the crown, with Joffrey. And Renly isn't here."

The lie came quickly to her lips, "Renly is the father, and the child will take his surname when he or she is born, just like I had to take his surname when I married him."

"It seems like the Gods deal us cruel hands. Soon I will have to marry a Baratheon… I detest that name."

Tarynn reached up and gripped her sister's shoulder assuredly, "I will try my hardest to get you out of this match…" She laughed, "When did you get so grown up."

Sansa's voice dropped to a sad whisper, "When my father's head was cut from his body."

"Yes well… Joffrey will have his turn soon."

They both looked at the Iron Throne, Sansa voice small, "I pray to the Gods every day that that may be the case."

Sansa bid her farewell, she was to sit with Joffrey in his usual perch overlooking the sea, asking if they could dine together tonight which Tarynn promptly agreed to.

Tarynn herself had her own matters to attend to, whilst Sansa was preoccupied with being Joffrey's pet, Tarynn would write her letters and continue with her translations. The book that she had gotten from the market so long ago was still divulging its secrets though the further on she got the more she realised that there were pages missing. Still the repetive exercise of translating the old Valyrian text soothed her mind and also reminded her of simpler times being taught by Maester Luwin in his study at Winterfell.

She turned, ignoring the two Lannister guards that had been appointed to her, she couldn't see their faces because of the fact that they had helms on, she had no idea who they were only that they were both relatively tall and spoke in gruff tones. Heading towards the stairs and the balcony in order to escape the throne room she was stopped by the sound of her name, she pivoted to face the person who had called to her.

"Baelish."

Littlefinger had his hands clasped together, he inclined his head before gesturing for her to walk with him, "I just wanted to congratulate you on your wonderful news. A child, truly the Gods gift."

"Thank you. Your words are most kind."

Petyr cleared his throat as they walked out into the fresh air, the waves crashed in the sea, birds squawking high above in the blue sky, "Are you aware of who has been appointed to take over your father's position." They stopped on one of the walkways, Littlefinger leant over the sandstone balustrade, and from where they were standing she could see the heads of the members of her father's guard. One of them had been Max's and she cursed herself for enabling him to get a position with her father's most trustworthy swordsmen because look where he ended up. The one, pride and place above the portcullis gate, was her father's. She looked away from it.

"No, they rarely tell me anything, I am simply their glorified prisoner." She gestured to her chaperons, emphasising her point.

"Tyrion Lannister."

"The Imp?"

"Yes. He is set to be arriving in King's Landing today, tomorrow at the latest."

"An odd choice," She looked up at Petyr Baelish, "Don't you think?"

"If he does the fated job properly then who are we to contradict? After all no one wants to take the position since the last two Hand's of the King died during their tenure."

"Why are you telling me this? Surely you could just let me be surprised that Tyrion is in King's Landing like the rest?"

"I thought I should give you a heads up… Since I know how much time he spent around your mother perhaps there is still some animosity he holds against Starks." He smiled, "I must take my leave. In case someone comes along thinking that we are involved in any way, shape, or form and we wouldn't want that now. Would we?" His words were insinuating as he bowed and walked swiftly away. Leaving Tarynn to her thoughts.

What a strange, sly, little man. This news about Tyrion Lannister is interesting however. Why would they appoint him as Hand of the King? I remember him, he had been very charming, and very knowledgeable. Perhaps he is what this city needs.

She sighed, her gaze drifting to the waves that crashed against the shore, this heat was almost unbearable especially since she was still wearing mourning black. Sansa had been forced to ditch her mourning clothes a week or two after their father's beheading but Tarynn had been persistent. She would return to her normal clothes soon but she felt that she had still not grieved her father properly yet.

"Gentlemen you are dismissed."

"Dismissed? We have orders to accompany you wherever you may go."

"This weather is sweltering, and I have no doubt you are cooking within your armor, go to the kitchens and refresh yourselves. If anyone questions it tell them that I sent you."

"I… Thank you my Lady, you are most kind."

She breathed out, hardly believing her luck that that had worked in getting them to go away, she had thought that Lannister guards would have been more stubborn and persistent in following their orders. She contemplated going back to her chambers, of actually finishing the letter that she had been penning Renly but felt that with her new found freedom she should make the most of it.

Slowly making her way down the sandstone steps that snaked their way around to the gardens, she felt her muscles relax, now that everyone knew she was with child she didn't have to hide it anymore. She touched her stomach lovingly. Over a year ago, when she had first come to King's Landing, she had been completely against the idea of marriage and having children and yet here she was. About to become a mother. She walked through the gardens, speaking aloud the names of the plants and trees to her unborn baby, she hoped that he or she would take after her in intelligence and its father in brawn and strength.

She sat down on one of the marble benches, contemplating, the situation was difficult. Sandor was the father of her child, it was his seed that created the baby, and yet it would be Renly who would be considered as the father of the child. A sense of injustice washed over her. Sandor would not be allowed to see his son or daughter, she wouldn't be able to arrange time that he could spend getting to know his child without someone finding out or people being suspicious. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Part of her wanted to announce to the world that Sandor had fathered her child and yet she knew that it was in the baby's best interest to pretend that it was Renly. A bastard child would never amount to great things. Would never be seen to be equal with his contemporaries. She must keep Sandor at a distance so that their child can have a fulfilled life as a member of a noble family, not as the member of a lowly sworn house.

Petals drifted down about her, she held out her hand to catch one on her palm, admiring the shiny white surface.

"Lady Stark."

Her head snapped up, her mind confused, "No one has called me that in months."

"I… No. I guess I should call you Lady Baratheon now. Congratulations on both your marriage and your pregnancy." Tyrion the Imp seemed taller then she had first perceived him to be. He was wearing a gleaming set of armour, his blonde hair tousled gently by the wind. His strange eyes held deep sympathy. "I am also sorry for your lost." He reached for her hand, "Your father was a noble man, a great man, one to aspire to."

She swallowed, blinking back the tears as she turned from Tyrion's odd gaze, "My father was a traitor, as is my brother, I am loyal only to House Baratheon of which our gracious king Joffrey is a part of. Long may he live." She hated having to say those words but Tyrion had someone with him, someone who she didn't know and so she had to keep up appearances.

"Bronn, would you leave us, go admire the beautiful flowers we have here in King's Landing."

The tall man scoffed, "As you say."

Tyrion gestured to the space next to her, "Mind if I…"

"No, by all means, please."

He sat down, his legs dangling as he took her hand again in his, "Your sister said much the same to me when I arrived to greet my nephew. You can entrust your true feelings to me. No one will hear of them, not from me, what they did to Lord Eddard Stark was a terrible crime."

"I know. A crime that Joffrey and Cersei will pay for."

Tyrion patted her hand, "I hope you are not planning on doing anything brash my Lady. You have a child on the way, a child that you must put first… It is Renly's I presume."

"He is my husband, why would you assume otherwise?" She took her hand away from his grasp, "I can assure you that the baby inside me is Renly's."

"I just thought…"

"That his tastes lie with other interests that I cannot provide?"

"I have heard rumours about what Renly prefers. In fact, I didn't think he would marry at all." Tyrion's flecked eyes moved rapidly, taking in their surroundings.

"I have heard the same rumours but I can assure you that I have indeed lain with Renly."

There was a brief pause between them, "I have been in close company with your mother, Lady Catelyn Stark, a strong willed woman I dare to say."

"I hope she did not treat you too poorly… But she was, is, convinced that you tried to assassinate my brother Bran."

"Ah yes Brandon Stark… An unfortunate accident and incident but I can assure you that I had no part to play in the plot against your brother's life. I heard word that he has awoken from his slumber."

"He has, but he is not like he used to be, the Maester of Winterfell wrote to me explaining that Bran had no use of his body from the waist down… I wish I was with him, to comfort him, I know he must be frustrated with his predicament."

"You are a good woman Tarynn Baratheon, you remind me of your half-brother Jon Snow, resilient, and always looking to help others should the need arise. You are wasted on this city."

"How is Jon?"

"Fine. Well as fine as one may expect a crow on the Wall to be."

Tarynn nodded, her hands resting idly on her stomach as she sat in the warmth, Tyrion inspecting the light marble beside her. "Why did you come to me Tyrion?"

"I remember our first meeting. When I asked for directions to the Maester's rooms. You were the only one who did not flinch away from me, who did not immediately question my short stature. And then when you wrote to me numerous times whilst I was at the Wall. Informing of the situation here in King's Landing. Did you read the book I gave you?"

"I did, it was an interesting read."

"I thought you would like it. You have intellect and wit on your side that is for certain Lady Tarynn."

"So tell me Tyrion, why is it that you have taken up the mantle of the Hand of the King, it is a wretched title."

Tyrion tapped the marble bench before looking up at her, "I like a challenge and it was my father's idea in the first place. I am here to ensure that Joffrey's actions can be justified and that he doesn't go to extremes."

"Executing my father without cause was an extreme act. They promised that they would allow him to live out the rest of his years on the Wall, still a harsh punishment for I am certain that my father only had the best intentions when he was the Hand of the King, but at least he would still have his life," Breathing out she tried to hold in the tears that were threatening to spill. Her father's death was still raw in her heart. She stood up, "If you would excuse me. It was lovely seeing you again Tyrion, but I have matters to attend to."

She offered her hand to him and he took it, bringing it to his lips. "You as well Lady Tarynn, again congratulations on both your marriage and your pregnancy… And condolences on your loss… I would very much like to dine with you, I fear we have only discussed a fraction of what there is to discuss."

"Of course. After all I am not in a position to refuse the Hand of the King."

She left Tyrion, Part of her was grateful for the support that she was certain he would provide. Out of the Lannister siblings, although he was not without his flaws, she felt that he was the lesser of the three evils. He was knowledgeable and shared a great number of similar interests with her. As she walked through the gardens, her intention was to return to her chambers and finish her letter writing, she pondered whether or not she could convince Tyrion to allow her to return to her husband. She didn't want to leave Sansa to brave the corruption of King's Landing but she knew that her child would be safe from harm if she was in Renly's camp instead of the enemy's. She had to be selfish for her unborn child's sake.

Once she had reached her chambers she went immediately to her desk, she scanned the contents of the last letter that Renly had sent her.

My darling,

I am preparing for war, it's no secret, so if someone breaks the seal on this letter before you then they will be sorely disappointed to find that I am not keeping no secrets nor hidden plans. Joffrey, the illegitimate, will have a lot to answer for if he lays a hand on you when I reach King's Landing and claim it for my own.

As I pen this I am angry for being separated from you, angry for your loss and the needless slaughter of your father and his guard, and the way that they have captured you in a cage. I have been in negotiations with the Tyrells... They have offered us their support on the grounds that our first child, boy or girl, be betrothed to one of the Tyrell children. A fair proposal in exchange for their services do you not think? Of course I wanted to hear your opinion on the matter since this will determine the future of our child who hopefully, should everything go to plan, become King or Queen of the Seven Kingdoms one day.

I yearn for your response. It was a cruel hand that the fates dealt to us, love you always my love.

Renly.

She placed it down on the table gently, breathing deeply before sitting down and reaching for her ink, quill and parchment.

Renly,

I have news. Important news.

I am expecting, I am carrying your child, you are going to be a father. I am so ecstatically happy and in some way it helps my situation of being away from you for I have a piece of you within me in the form of our unborn child. I am a few months gone, four to be specific, but I didn't want to tell anyone in case I lost the child. I did not wish to make you excited only to drag that away from you should the worse come to pass.

As for the betrothal of our unborn child… I do not like this idea of forcing marriage upon someone, I have had this happen to me and although I have grown use to the prospect of sharing my life with you now I did not like being forced into marriage when I wasn't ready. I feel that our daughter or son should have their own choice when it comes to marriage. But if it is to help with your cause and might be the difference between life and death then I will greatly consider and come up with a suitable arrangement.

Do not worry about me Renly, I am healthy and the baby is fine, I am well looked after here and I should be safe for the time being.

With love,

Tarynn.

She waited for the ink to dry before folding the letter in half and slipping into the envelope. Heating up the wax over a candle, she poured a small amount before firmly pressing the Baratheon seal into it. She swiftly wrote the whereabouts of Renly on the front before setting it aside and breathing out slowly, her hands resting delicately on her stomach.

The clouds were slowly beginning to gather, graying at the edges, the scent of rain was in the air. She tapped the table idly as she watched the clouds when there was a knock at her door. She stood, her chair scraping back over the wooden floor, moving to the door she opened it a tiny crack to see who it was on the other side.

"Let me in." His voice was husky, his eyes betraying nothing.

She opened the door wider and he pushed through into her rooms, his movements were erratic. He was stood in the middle of her chambers only for a split second when the smell hit her. "You're drunk."

"I'm always drunk Tarynn. It's just sometimes I'm more drunk than usual. My mind is still sharp."

"Why are you here? At any moment someone could walk in and find you standing there, reeking of wine, and with no feasible excuse to explain your prescence."

"I wanted to see how the mother of my child was. Now that you have announced it…"

"Did you expect me to keep a secret forever Sandor?" She laughed, "They would find out sooner or later, pregnancies are hard to hide."

"I didn't mean it, I… I just wished that… That we could have done it together."

"That would have been impossible… Sandor, for the sake of our child, no one can know that it's yours."

"You can't keep me from seeing my own child Tarynn." He took a step forward, "You wouldn't do that to me. I know you."

"You're not listening to me, it's for the best."

He gripped her arm tightly, "No, you're not listening to me." He stared intently into her eyes, "You can't take my child away from me, you and the baby, it's all I have."

"Sandor… I have to do what's…"

"No. Don't say it." His grip grew impossibly tight.

"Please. You're hurting me." Tears began to well up in her eyes. "Let me go."

He released her before embracing her, his chin resting on top of her brown curls, "I can't let you go Tarynn. Not now. Not ever."

"I have to return to Renly."

He ignored her comment. "We will run away together. Make a new life. Like we used to say before you got married, before you fell pregnant. We will raise our son or daughter together and we will be happy."

She withdrew from his embrace, "You know that I cannot go." She delicately touched his stubbled chin, her fingers tracing his burns, "I love you, is that not enough?"

"No. Not when I know that the child inside you is mine and that you are planning from keeping me out of their life…" He breathed out, "I came here just to spend time with you, not to argue."

"A risky move."

"I had to see you. After what Joffrey attempted to order me to do I had to make sure that you were alright. You know that I would never have harmed you or the baby…"

"I know… I have written to Renly. Informing him of my pregnancy." She went and sat on the edge of her bed, Sandor joined him.

"He'll think it's his." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"It's for the best."

Sandor did his best to change the subject, stretching out his long legs he took her hand in his, "What about names."

"Names?"

"For the baby."

"Oh… You know I hadn't even thought of any."

"Maybe we should think of some? The child can't be nameless."

Her mind ran through possibilities. She had pondered naming them Eddard if they were a boy, after her father, but she wasn't sure how well that would go down with Renly… He would want a say as well, as will Sandor, she rested her hand on her stomach but her baby gave her no sign of life, no movement to signal that he or she was there.

Sandor placed his hand over hers, "We don't have to decide right now but maybe…"

She smiled softly, "When the time comes for giving our little bundle of joy a name I will ask for your opinions."

He kissed her before standing, his armour clanking with the movement, his long white cloak flowing down behind him. It brushed against the floor. Lingering by the door Sandor turned to her, "You have given me something that I never thought I would have, not in a million years, the chance to look at something that I have done that is not the product of violence or death. I love you."

She didn't say the words back to him. They got caught in her throat.