Heart of Fire
"Aren't you pleased at my victory?" Joffrey gestured at the bloated corpses that clogged the riverfront, resting amongst the charred remains of the shacks the Imp had ordered destroyed. Sansa nodded, unable to fight the sickness that was rising in her belly at the stench that came from the river and the corpses. The wildfire had began to burn out and she could feel sullen glances from the crowd that had gathered behind the royal party. Cersei was being attended in her litter with some new friend but Sansa had decided to brave the fresh air. Joffrey had commanded that she ride beside him, a chance for him to gloat over the victory that belonged to other gallant knights. The rest of the day would be spent welcoming the lords that had surrendered and pledged fealty to House Lannister. Joffrey had also commanded Sansa to attend him during his council. She was not looking forward to the rest of the day and her muscles ached from being astride a horse again.
Finally Joffrey turned his horse towards the Red Keep, ignoring the sullen glances the crowd cast after him. Sansa was glad for the Lannister gaurds that surrounded her, she remembered well what had happened last time the crowd had been discontented. If the Hound had not returned to save her, she would have been killed. She searched the lines for the Hound's beast, a huge horse that he had named Stranger. He was guarding the Queen's litter and trading bawdy jokes with a member of the gold cloaks that Sansa vaguely recognized. She urged her horse into a trot and caught up with Joffrey.
Sansa stood in the gallery of the King's Great hall and watched as Loras Tyrell, the knight who had once given her a rose stepped forward to ask a favour for his help in the battle of the Blackwater. He requested a white cloak which Joffrey granted graciously and begged for Joffrey to take the hand of his sister in marriage. Sansa saw shock flicker across Joffrey's face and the Queen interjected quickly, giving her consent to the match. Sansa realised the Hound was watching her closely, gauging her reaction and she kept her face passive. She watched as Joffrey nodded his head and stood up to receive a flower from Margaery Tyrell. Sansa felt as though she were floating on air, Joffrey had set her aside in view of the whole court, there was nothing that could ruin her day.
"What shall become of Sansa Stark mother?" Joffrey asked loudly and Sansa felt herself jerked rudely back to earth. Joffrey's gaze pinned her to the gallery and she felt herself quiver as curious eyes turned towards her.
"We shall need to make her another match my darling." Queen Cersei answered, her gaze unwavering. Sansa felt as if she were a piece of meat on display.
"I have a match mother." Joffrey proclaimed and Sansa felt herself gasp as Joffrey pointed to a man. The Hound stepped forward, his face twisted in a grimace of confusion.
"Sansa shall marry the Hound."