Chapter 9

As Sansa awoke the next morning, she almost forgot where she was. Almost. Until the heavy scent of pine filled her senses and she was reminded exactly of where she was. It was far from an unpleasant scent though, and she breathed deeply as she stretched her body. It reminded her of home, of the woods. Which left her heart feeling bruised. She tucked her feet into herself, wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her head down under the furs. She did not feel like leaving the warmth of her covers. Did not even want to leave her room, really. But that was not a practical idea. She would need to eat of course, and bathe, eventually. Not to mention it would be rather rude to her host.

Sansa's thoughts were depressing her. The same questions have been clamoring around in her head all night. How could father have done this? Do I truly mean so little to him? Why couldn't it just have been me that died instead of mother? Save everyone all the pain. How can the gods be so cruel? Her eyes began to burn, threatening to spill over. She squeezed them shut. Trying to will the tears away. I do not wish to cry anymore! Her eyes were already swollen and her head hurt from crying herself to sleep.

Sansa felt awful and guilty. She was not usually one to wallow in self pity. She knew that so many people were out there starving, dying, suffering fates far worse than hers. The awareness of it only added to her misery. Yet, here she sat, crying. All because she had been turned from her home, forced to marry a man (monster!) she barely knew. Still… Sandor has not treated me badly, in fact, he has treated me better in just one day than any of her family had in her entire life. Sansa had grown up knowing her lot in life, and had endured it. She would endure this as well.

Wait. No. A steely determination surfaced inside of her and like a drowning woman would, she snatched at it, and held on. No. I will do more than just survive, I will make the best of this. It could always be worse of course… Sandor, as a man at least, did not seem as menacing. He was certainly fierce and huge. His scars were terrible to look upon, he could undoubtedly break her bones with ease, or rip her apart at any moment, if he felt so inclined. But, as bizarre as it was, she had trusted him when he had told her that he would not harm her. He could not mean to… eat me, could he? After all of this? He went to such lengths to get me here, has provided me with shelter, clothes, and food. It would not make much sense otherwise. He could have just eaten me that first night if that were his wish.

Sansa had a feeling there was something else to it. She wondered. He hadn't acted as though he had fallen in love with her at first sight or anything. Not that she was sure that were possible any way. He seemed rather indifferent to her really, well, besides the hungry way he had looked at her during their meal. She was afraid she had an idea of what that really meant, she gulped and tried not to think about the stories her Nan had told her as a child, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood, The Others. Children were always being eaten in those stories.

As she was lying there, growing warm under her covers and puzzling over this strange turn of events in her life, there came a rap upon her door. Sansa sprang up and called. "Just a moment please!" She threw back her covers and hurried from the bed to throw on the dress she had arrived in, it was a much quicker process than dealing with all of the ties of the fine one she had worn last night. She hurried to her door, unbarred it and attempted the arduous task of pushing it open. Finally, after some effort, there stood Boros in her doorway, much to Sansa's displeasure.

"Good afternoon M'lady." Boros wheezed out, clearly fatigued by the trek to her room. "Afternoon?" Sansa gasped, unable to control her surprise. Boros laughed a queer, tight laugh. "Why yes, M'Lady and M'Lord have both slept the morning away. Late night was it then, hmm?" Boros smiled cruelly, his meaning was not lost on Sansa and she inwardly cringed but chose to ignore the slight. "My goodness." Was all she managed to choke out, trying to hide her distaste. After a slight pause, long enough for Boros to realize she would say no more, he stated why he was here. "Well, the master has invited you to break your fast, er mid day meal as it were, with him, in the dining hall."

Sansa nodded, "Let me just change please, one moment. Would you help me with the door please?" She retreated back into her room, Sansa pulled, and Boros pushed, until finally, it was shut. This door is absolutely ridiculous! Her blood was pumping with the effort as she took off her plain blue dress and went to the wardrobe, the pink one she had worn last night was hanging back inside, and there were two others, an elaborate yellow one that looked far, far too grand for a simple meal. It looks more like a wedding gown. She shoved down the feelings that arose when she thought of what that meant, and focused on the other dress, a rich green one, which she grasped.

After she was dressed and had done her hair in her usual braid, she stood before her door, took a deep breath and began to shove the troublesome thing open once again. Boros was waiting, and they walked in silence as she followed him to the dining hall. Just like last night, he flung open the doors and gestured for her to enter. Sandor Clegane was once again seated at the far end of the table, and as the doors closed behind her, just as before, he stood.