Chapter Two – A little persuasion
(Sansa)
I stood before the ornate wooden doors that led to the throne room, a carpet of the richest royal blue lay at my feet. I was terrified. This was apparently evident to anyone who lay eyes upon me at this moment in time, as I stood there shaking. I didn't not have a clue what to expect beyond those doors. How many people would there be? Did Tyrion want this? Or was he as nervous as I was at this very moment?
I looked across at my Shae and I felt the memory of the conversation I had earlier with my handmaiden come to the forefront of my mind.
"Tyrion will be your salvation" Shae smiled.
Shae sighed; she must have seen my perplexed look. "Sansa, think. I know that you are not just a pretty face. Use your head. Yes, he is a Lannister, but he is the kindest Lannister. He is rich, he will protect you, and you will be Joffery's Aunt. Tywin will not allow him to abuse and degraded someone who bears his name even through marriage. You are young. Use Tyrion, gain his trust, and open yourself up to him. Make him promise you the north and in return give him an heir. You are the key to the north, to Winterfell; use that fact before others try to. Yes, through you the Lannisters will gain the north, but your child will be heir, your child will rule. Teach him the ways of the North, teach him your families traditions, teach him to ways of the wolf and in the end you will win".
With that thought held at the front of my mind, I motioned to Jamie Lannister that I was ready, and he opened the doors. I began to walk the length of the room and I could see that Tyrion was waiting for me at the other end. I expected to see him there; however, I did not expect to see a smile to adorn his face when he saw me walking towards him. For some reason, I could not help but realise that his smile made him look remarkably handsome, in a strange sort of way. With that realisation I felt a peculiar sensation tighten my stomach and I couldn't help myself I smiled back at him and felt it reach my eyes.
(Tyrion)
I was now sure of it; I had died and gone to heaven. The Gods had blessed me, had rewarded me for my efforts on the battle field, and throughout my life. Sansa Stark, beautiful, heroic Sansa Stark, was smiling at me and it warmed my long stilled heart, and I felt it beat again.
The wedding ceremony went by in a flash and without much embracement for either me or my bride.
Since the little shit that was my nephew and the King, had removed my stool, Lady Sansa gracefully bowed her back to me so that I could place my robe around her smooth milky shoulders. I was spared the horror of having to jump to reach her.
However, it was what happened at the end of the ceremony which really made me feel as though I was in heaven. Somehow, Sansa found the courage to turn towards and kneel before me. Before placing her long delicate hands on either side of my face and kiss me. Then she stood, turned towards our guests and smiled the most radiant smile. Then she allowed me to lead her down the steps, away from the alter and from the hateful stares of my family. The most curious thing I noticed though, as I looked around the room as my wife and I left, was not the abnormal amount of guests, but the fact that my brother was stood behind the rest of our family and was actually smiling a genuine smile and looked happy for me.