For some strange and hidden reason, Sansa felt now more serene than she had been blessed to in a very long time, ever since her life had taken a dreadful path of sorrow, despair and constant abuse. She was walking side by side with Margery, whose encounter in the blossomed garden made her morning even better than before.

'Sansa, my dear friend. But you`re looking exquisitely good today. I`m so glad to see you without your brow creased and eyes unseeing. It fits you much better, you know.' Margery smiled, sincerely glad that her little 'protégée' was taking a walk of her own free will, without being cajoled or practically shoved out the door of her safe chambers.

'Oh Margery, you`re flattering me. Surely, you have something more interesting to do rather than lift my spirits all the time, don`t you?'

'Actually, being by your side is one of the most amusing things out here. But it doesn`t escape my notice that today your spirits are high enough. And the reason is…'

'I don`t know. It`s such a beautiful day. I thought I should put my feet to work while admiring this blissful sun, while waiting for Tyrion to return.'

'Ah, Tyrion. Yes, I have almost forgotten how your husband is going to keep you away from me from now on, isn`t it so?'

'I… I don`t thinks so. He seems to care a lot about what I wish. He suggested we spend more time together today, but he mindfully waited for my opinion. I`m certainly surprised by this… by him.'

Margery got a little closer to Sansa, giggled girlishly, then asked. 'So, tell me, sweet girl, how is he?'

Sansa hesitated, suddenly acutely aware of a particular spot on the ground.

'You can tell me, Sansa. Anything.'

'Well, he is very different from Queen Cersei or… Joeffrey.' She couldn`t help the chill that ran down her spine at the mention of their names. 'He is indeed a noble and kind person, who chose not to overlook me.'

She is so innocent thought Margery. She knew Sansa had misunderstood the intent of her question and even so she was glad that her lovely friend was beginning to feel more at ease in her husband`s presence.

'It`s music to my ears to hear you talking so, after such a long time. But I`m afraid you failed to answer my questions. How was…last night?'

Sansa blushed the deepest shade of scarlet possible for a young maiden.

'Well? Don`t be afraid. There`s nothing you can`t tell me. I just want to help you, Sansa…'

'I… he…us…'

Margery burst into laughing. 'Forgive me. You are adorable. Carry on, please.'

'It didn`t happen!' Sansa was studying with great care a far-flung branch, trying to control her embarrassment.

'What? Why? So he passed out? Without…'

'No. He really wasn`t that drunk. I was nervous, uncomfortable and scared, just as you would no doubt expect from me. And he understood. He gave me more than a choice. He made a promise not to hurt me and never to force me to do something that serious without my consent.'

Margery had definitely not expected such an answer.

'But that`s unheard of! How noble and caring! My dear, he is the perfect husband for you. It`s just like in those songs of yours - the honorable knight protecting the young and naïve lady. You are so lucky!'

'I know.' Sansa knew it had been a difficult decision for him to make, especially after how coldly she had been treating him. He had no obligation towards her, any intrinsic reason to respect her. He could have done with her as he pleased, given that she was the traitor`s daughter, another pawn in their games. But he had glanced beyond that, had put aside the plots and machinations and had given her a proof of his respect and care for her. 'You are, indeed, right. I don`t think I could have survived being married to… someone else.' She had wanted to mention the king, but she had learned the hard way not to completely trust even her closest friends.

'You could have made it through, my brave dear. You`re stronger than you think you are. But, indeed, someone else as your husband would have changed you too much, would have tainted you and would have turned you into someone bitter and vengeful, just like Cersei.' Margery hesitated. 'Or someone overly ambitious. Just like me.'

Sansa wanted to protest. 'But there`s nothing wrong with you, you are…'

'Let`s not talk about this anymore, shall we? Let`s stroll forward and admire this beautiful garden, dearest Sansa.'

A few hours later, after a pleasant and neutral talk with Margery, Sansa finally reentered her chambers, content and somewhat nervous for her next meeting with Tyrion. What if, after he spends some more time with me, he decides I`m worthless and shallow ? It hurt her even to think of such a possibility, but not for the reason one would expect. She was not afraid he`ll treat her awfully, just as Joeffrey had done. She knew Tyrion could be courteous and polite, but she hoped he could see more in her than just an exiled whinny girl who was repulsed by him. Because, truth be told, she wasn`t – not anymore. It had surprised even her, but she knew she had grown tired of pretty faces hiding the ugliness and deviousness underneath.

She chose one of her favorite dresses – a bluish one with floral print, perfect for the lovely weather outside the castle. She could have called for Shae and ask her to elaborately braid her hair, but she wanted to be just like herself, natural and young. So she just let it flow, cascading down her shoulders.

She didn`t have to wait long for Tyrion to make his appearance. She appreciated that he wasn`t late, for she had waited all her life for one thing or another and she had been disappointed time and again.

He had his hands behind his back and a small smile on his face. She could tell it was genuine and this made her feel a little bit more confident around him.

'Good morning, well, afternoon, my lady. I trust you spent the morning agreeably?'

'Good morning, my lord. I spent a couple of relaxing hours in the garden, talking to Margery.'

'I`m certainly pleased to hear this. Now, I hope this will not offend you. It reminded me so much of you that I had to present it to you.' Somehow shyly, he offered her a white rose, pristine as the snows of Winterfell, not yet blossomed, delicate and frail. Perfect for Sansa.

She marveled at its beauty, pondering how long it had been since she had truly appreciated a gift someone had given her. She felt happy and amazed at being treated with so much compassion and interest. Without thinking, she kneeled in front of him and gently kissed his kissed. He looked at her in wonder, trying to decipher her actions, as a lovely blush crept up her cheeks. His smile was now full- full of hope, happiness and disbelief.

He gently took her hand and guided her towards the door. She gave him a questioning look, only met by a larger smile. The largest she had ever seen.

'I have another surprise for you, my dear Sansa.'

I hope you are pleased with this chapter, and its ending. What could it be?

Sorry for the long wait. I have to prepare for my exams but I`m not going to abandon this story. Tyrion and Sansa are too dear to me.

Hope I`ll manage to update soon.

Until next time!