Chapter2
Tywin
His cupbearer's face turned white and he saw blood on her lip, he new. Poor thing almost collapsed and dropped the wine pitcher she was about to serve.
Tywin got up abruptly, "The council is dismissed for an hour, leave me" When the last lord left the room, a girl asked "do you need me my lord?" Her voice was trembling, like she was about to burst into tears, but she was fighting it with all her might. He took the pitcher from her and put it on the table, with his hands on her shoulder sat her down on the chair. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket, touched it to her bleeding lip, gave it to her. "I am sorry for your loss, Aria Stark. Aria Stark, is it not? "
He did not know how to comfort her more. He was not compassionate, did not care about most of the people, except the close family. After Joanna died, something broke inside him. This smart and sharp cupbearer girl touched something inside him and it felt strange and uncomfortable.
When this girl was confronted she just slightly nodded, her eyes full of hatred and hurt. She would perhaps kill him if she could, the little sister of a young Wolf.
He new, most people of the realm hated him and feared him.
Surprisingly her hatred upset him greatly.
…..
It took almost two years for him to make her to warm up to him. He never was a liberal father as he was a liberal guardian to Arya. But the things changed between them only after her trip to the Wall. It was the hardest decision he ever made. He new, Lord Commander Snow had his wildlings on hand. He would do everything for his sister. It was total madness to let her go, he was risking a new war. But Arya gave him her word of Stark to return and said coldly, " If you think I want to cause the Lannister armies to burn, pillage and kill again, you mistake me for someone else". She had returned from the Wall more happy and radiant than ever. He spent a month in Casterly Rock with her, unusually long for him to be away from his duties of the king's Hand. It was the happiest time for him in many years. Arya was friendly as never before. She was an excellent riding and hunting companion always smart in conversations. She developed a love for the books and history lately. Her sharp japes, reminding him of Tyrion somehow. But with her it was a challenge not offensive.
She started to develop elegance that he never saw in her before. Slim, petite, with long brown hair and huge gray eyes, she was stunning in her boy's intricate riding outfits as well as in the lady's gowns. A little more time, and she would turn into a beautiful woman. He delayed his departure to King's Landing more and more. He realized he couldn't bear a thought to give her away to anyone else. He couldn't find it in himself to talk openly to her. Seven hells; she was of the age of his grandchildren; she was one of a few who could laugh openly at his face. This he rarely tolerated.
So, he approach the matter formally,
" Arya, the peace between our families should be sealed with a marriage. I can promise, as a married woman you will have more opportunities than now as a ward. So, please trust me." Arya just replied sharply:" We both know that it is not in my position to fight your decisions, my lord, so please spare me from your explanations. Just know, if I am averse to the husband of you choice, no force will make me consent." She had such defiance in her eyes that Tywin did not dare to continue.
…
He did not dare to propose to her properly, he just put her on the spot. He spent a fortune to restore Winrerfell to assure her obedience. If she would protest in spite of it, he wouldn't insist, he would wed her to some young Lannister to keep her in the fold for political reasons.
...
They stood together in the Sept by the marriage altar.
Her face was unreadable; her smile rather sardonic, her eyes were a cold fire. She was as fierce as a direwolf embroidered upon her maiden's cloak, a tough girl from the north who probably wished to slit his throat.
But she calmly said her vows and returned his kiss. She sampled the food and wine at the feast. They led gracefully the dance; she was indifferent, but polite to the guests.
She did not flinch when men lifted and carried her for the bedding. When they were bundled naked in bed and left alone, she suddenly threw herself into his arms.
Her lips were hungry for his kisses. She was not hesitant to explore his body as he explored hers, with hands, lips, and tongue. She scratched his back violently the moment he took her maidenhead, but she did not wand him to stop...
…..
She was his now, wild wolf girl. But he new very well, it was not her submission.
He was greatly surprised with her passion, but he could feel her defiance in it.
Her body was young and strong, but not ready yet for childbearing. He wanted an heir, but he couldn't bear the thought of losing her in childbirth.
He trusted her, but she was too young and wild. If another man would lay a hand on her he would tear him apart limb by limb.
…..
She was standing by the little table. Her slim body shimmered like a precious pearl in the candlelight. She was his treasure now, the more valuable for him that all his gold of Casterly Rock.
Arya lifted the pitcher with vintage dornishen wine, gift of Myrcella, and filled both goblets." Remember, I was your cupbearer one time, my dear lord." She looked straight in his eyes and handled him his gold lion goblet with a sly smile.
