It had been a week since that awful day in the throne room and so far, Sansa had been left alone for the most part. Sansa was sure that it was because Joffrey, as well as the rest of the court, was too preoccupied with Stannis' fleets impending arrival. Either that or the hulking shadow of Chella following her wherever she went.

Sansa had to admit that she walked with her head held higher than she had since her father was murdered ever since the woman had joined her. It gave her a sense of confidence to know that she was under someone's protection. Plus, the woman was surprisingly a pleasant companion. She had taken to speaking at length with Chella-asking her about her childhood, and her collection of ears, and most notably-her time with Lord Tyrion. Chella certainly respected him and spoke of him fondly. Sansa had been making a point to observe the little Lord and she had to admit-he was impressive. He neutralized Joffrey's most brutal tendencies in court, he bantered with opposing council members, and he showed kindness to all those who were otherwise ignored. She saw goodness in him and although she kept waiting for the veneer to crack, it never did. He wasn't perfect. He was sarcastic and daring and kept...interesting company, but in a court full of snakes, Sansa saw honor in him.

He had been understandably busy, as he seemed to be the only one taking the threat of Stannis seriously, so she had been unable to thank him properly for his efforts to protect her. She didn't think that her message would be properly received in a note, but told herself as soon as she could get him alone, she would express her gratitude.

She was walking towards the gardens when she was halted by the queen's retinue of guards. Cersei swept past in a flurry of crimson silk and golden hair before she hesitated, seeing her. Sansa's prayers went unanswered as the queen sauntered over to her, a simpering smile plastered on her lips.

"Little dove," she purred. "Come, walk with me. Alone." She glared towards Chella and Sansa gave her an imperceptible nod, sending her guard away. She knew no physical harm would come to her in the queen's presence-no matter how emotionally cruel she could be. She allowed the queen to wrap her cold fingers around her arm and pull her along.

"How are you, Sansa? I heard of the...difficulties that occurred the other day. Are you feeling well?"

"I am just fine, your grace. I thank you for your concern-"

"Good...good" Cersei interrupted, obviously not caring whether Sansa was in pain or not. "There is to be a ceremony tomorrow to send the Princess off. You will be expected to be there and look the part of the king's betrothed" she looked scathingly at the gown that Sansa was wearing before continuing. "And leave that...creature here" her green eyes narrowed in the direction that Chella had wandered off.

"Of course, your grace" Sansa answered obediently. She could go without Chella's protection for one afternoon. Especially if they were to go out into the city with a full accompaniment of guards.

"There's a good girl" Cersei's smile was slick as she strode away.

...

Sansa spent a few extra moments that next morning instructing her handmaids to style her hair in a way that while still holding the southern intricacies, had a distinctly northern look. Swathed in a new gown of pale pink silk, she headed towards the main courtyard to follow the procession to the docks. She was sad to see Myrcella leaving as she was one of the only pure people at court. And now little Tommen would be all alone.

She arrived to see most of the court already collected and made her way to the princess. Myrcella's eyes were swollen from tears shed and her fingers shook as she took Sansa's hand in hers.

"You've been a true friend, Lady Sansa," Myrcella said, embracing her. "I am sorry that I will miss your wedding."

"Perhaps I will make it to yours, Princess" Sansa gave the blonde a brilliant smile which was returned.

The girls chattered as the procession moved to the bay. Once they had arrived, Myrcella's tears returned. Sansa stepped back to allow her to say farewell to her family. Joffrey made some snide remark about her Dornish betrothed, making her sniffle more. Tommen clutched her tightly, crying himself as he said goodbye to his beloved sister. Cersei pushed the little boy back to his nurses with a disgusted look before embracing her daughter tightly, whispering something in her ear. Whatever the queen had said made Myrcella wipe her tears away and climb into the rowboat.

As she was taken out to the main galley out in the bay, Sansa smiled pityingly at little Tommen, who was struggling to control himself. Just as she was about to reach out to the little boy, Joffrey's snide voice rang out.

"Prince's don't cry" he snorted, looking at his little brother with disdain.

Sansa didn't know what she was thinking. Perhaps it was the confidence that she had reformed over the past few days. Perhaps it was Chella and Tyrion's influence. Whatever it was, Sansa allowed herself to slip.

"I saw you cry."

Joffrey looked at her incredulously and Sandor looked equally baffled behind him.

"Did you say something, My Lady?" Sansa used his question to alter her words.

Seamlessly she answered with a polite smile. "My little brother cried when I left Winterfell."

Joffrey sneered at her "So?"

"It seems he normal thing." She let a hint of annoyance enter her tone.

Joffrey just scoffed. "Was your brother a prince?"

"No"

He looked back at Sandor before back at her, shrugging like she was an idiot. "Not really relevant then, is it"

Sansa bit her lip before dipping into a slight curtsy as he passed her, calling his dog to follow. Sandor glared at her warningly as he passed.

Sansa allowed her eyes to narrow at him slightly, glad that she had been able to hold her tongue. The fact was, Tyrion and Chella could only protect her so much. She had to stay smart. And if that meant being sweet and stupid towards Joffrey, that was something that she must do. As she turned to follow the king and the rest of court back towards the keep she knocked into Lord Tyrion himself. Stepping back away from him, she apologized profusely for her clumsiness.

"Nothing to forgive, Lady Stark" he insisted. "I'm sure I snuck in under your radar. You seem to be growing ever taller. Soon I will seem like an ant under your feet. I'll have to wear bells around my neck to make sure I am not trampled!" he smiled up at her and she giggled slightly before he gestured for her to walk ahead. They walked together in silence for a moment before Sansa spoke.

"I find myself in your debt, My Lord. The Lady Chella has become quite invaluable to me. And I have you to thank for sending her to me."

Tyrion snorted. "Oh yes, the fair Lady Chella" he waved his hand formally at her given title, making Sansa smile again before lowering her voice slightly.

"And for your help that day. I don't know what would have happened had you not arrived when you did." At her words, Tyrion's face grew serious.

"Neither do I, Lady Sansa. I am sorry that you were treated in that way. It is a disgrace for a lady such as yourself to be disrespected in that manner. I will do my best to keep it from happening again, but it would be in your best interest to stay away from the king whenever you can. If he ever calls for you like that again, if you can send a message to me, do so. Chella will not be able to directly refuse an order from the king, but she can get me.

He looked up at her fiercely and she couldn't help the overwhelmed smile that crept onto her face. "Thank you, My Lord."

They walked together through the streets and Sansa could tell something was wrong. The tension in the crowd was palpable and the hair on the back of her neck rose. She could feel panic at the edge of her senses as the cries grew louder and more vulgar. It only grew when Tyrion turned and sent the little prince away quickly.

Suddenly, something flew from the crowd, striking the king in the face. Sansa watched in horror as the king, wiping shit off his face, screamed at the crowd, sending his guards in to find the thrower. As the crowd descended into complete chaos, Sansa felt a warm hand grab hers.