Sansa

She is practically catching her breath for hurrying her steps when she made her way back to the proper of the Red Keep after her trip to the Godswood where she was visited by her friend, Margaery. She caught her praying to the old gods, and they had the usual pleasant conversation they've been having the last few weeks. The times she shared with the Rose of the Highgarden are one of the plenty occasions she actually relishes in her stay in King's Landing. Not that she had taken a liking of her experiences in the Capital.

Having someone like Margaery reminded her that she is still a lady, a young woman. Out of all that she had suffered the past few years and the tragedy that was bestowed upon her family, having a friend really helps her once in awhile. She then misses her friends back in Winterfell, Jeyne and Beth. She can't but wonder how are they doing at these times. Are they safe? Are they dead? The prospect of them being cold on the ground compared to the last time they shared giggles and banter saddens her.

Am I lucky being alive and well after all

Talking about nonchalant and light- handed matters is a huge breather in the chaos that is in the realm, especially when her mother and brothers' life are at risk every single passing day she is surrounded by finer things in Red Keep. Not to mention she is also given her fair share of misery in the court and at the hands of Joffrey and the Queen. For her own comfort, she always thought it's her fault, and she deserved it for giving her father his early execution.

She buried the thought in her mind to try not to dwell on it for she had suffered and still suffering its consequences. Sansa must think about the present, for which looking back last year, she won't think about being in this position.

Her life in the capital, despite being kept here and away from her family, is much more desirable and bearable as she's surrounded by people who are there for her and willing to help her. Ironically, she is struggling to choose whether who among them will she fully commit herself into.

Lord Baelish? Who offered her a chance to escape King's Landing and said that he would smuggle her back to her family, particularly to her mother. Margaery? Who is her friend and also offered her a way out from the clutches of the Queen by being the future Lady of the Highgarden and marrying Ser Loras.

But Sansa, after going through all of the things she never thought she would encounter or experience, is skeptical of all their plans for her. She doubts that either of them will be successful because the Queen has eyes all over the place, not to mention the guards that are assigned to watch her everywhere she would go. Only the times that they won't be around if Margaery wishes them to leave ever speaking under Joffrey's name or whenever Tyus is around.

Tyus

The name of her another friend crossed Sansa's mind. How could she forget the man who makes her day as bright as she could hope for. After his initial visit in her chambers, there won't be a day or two that she will not get at least a glimpse of him. But what makes her heart flutter is that whenever she set her eyes on him, those gorgeous mismatched eyes are already looking at her. She could swear to the Old

Gods and the New that Tyus' eyes are the most beautiful she'd ever seen or ever will. Full of care and pure. Sansa also found herself thankful that those eyes she even dreamt at night are also set to her.

The very man she is thinking right now is also a major reason that she is now thinking twice to agree at either plans to get her out of the Red Keep. Tyus had proven to be different compared to his royal relatives and had taken much from his father, Lord Tyrion, who is nothing but kind to her. Whenever she is with the young Lannister, Sansa felt the safest she could ever be for the entire duration of her stay in King's Landing after her father's demise. Aside from driving away her guards, the queen and Joffrey hadn't come to threaten her yet ever since the aftermath of the battle and because of the preparation of Margaery's wedding, but he made sure that he "got her" whenever she is worried about them.

Tyus too made her laugh as careless as she can for his jokes, but also lent a shoulder to lean on whenever she remembers her misfortunes and an ear to listen to her stories and tales. Thinking about being in his company alone made her feel reluctant to leave King's Landing, even if she had to be in the same place as Joffrey and the Queen.

She could hear the notion that she is foolish in the back of her head for such thought, although she has to acknowledge that she is somehow acting to it, Sansa can't help but believe that her lion would keep her safer than her trip to the Riverlands at the heart of the war, not adding that she is with Littlefinger or Margaery's plan to marry her off to her brother. Not that Ser Loras isn't a likeable person, she thought the otherwise as she deeply admired the Knight of Flowers before. From the past few weeks and due to fact that Tyus happened, Sansa doesn't feel anything from him anymore every time she sees him. Also, the wonder about how the Tyrells will pull her escape off.

As a dearest friend to Margaery, an offer of betrothal cannot be simply dismissed, especially when it gives her an opportunity to be the Lady of the Highgarden, the heart of the South and chivalry that she'd grown to love ever since she was a child. But for all she knows, her dreams are now shattered, and her notion of the South had been soiled.

Her mind is currently a mess right now, trying to think about what to do. She found herself rushing to the presence she has grown familiar with. For just a small talk? Or to seek counsel? "Whenever you're troubled, Sansa, I am here. And don't you forget that." His words loomed in her head. How could she? If every time they parted, he never misses a chance to say that. She had not doubt that she can trust Tyus, and he will give her the advise that she needed, as Sansa had in her mind that he wishes her all but her best.

Am I getting too far?

Sansa shook her head and preferred not to ponder about the nature of her friendship with Lord Tyrion's son, for she wouldn't like to have another hope of her be ruined. She won't admit it until she thinks it is the right time. If there will ever be a good time. All the signs are already there, the warm feeling in her stomach anytime he implies that he cares for her and their hands and arms accidentally brushed each other, the fact that there won't be a day that he won't cross her mind, and lastly, the silly thought that Tyus would be the one who was asked to be betrothed to her and not Ser Loras. Every now and then, she can't help but to have the wishful thinking that Tyus also felt the same for her, or he just pities you. The voice in the back of her head said to her.

Yes, she has this need to talk to Tyus. But the problem is that she doesn't have any idea where will Sansa find him at this moment. Lord Tyrion might know, she thought.

It is probably a few hours before dusk after a not so lengthy stroll in the grounds of the Red Keep. It is a bit tiring, not to mention the noise from her guards' armour that all she had heard during her search for the little Lord. She smiled while breathing hard when she saw who she's looking for just walking not so far at the other side with his sworn shield and squire.

Before they finally pass her, she called him out and approached him. "Lord Tyrion!"

The little Lord and all of his companions stopped and turned to face her. Tyrion widen his eyes when he saw who called his name. "Lady Sansa, what did I do to acquire your attention." He announced gallantly but ever with the hint of sarcasm. His eyes passed her and noticed the guards wearing his house colors slowly settled a few steps away from them.

Sansa noticed his scowl. "Lord Tyrion, I just came to ask you a question." She tried not to sound breathless.

"Uh- hmm. And what is it?"

She hesitated and quickly glanced at Tyrion's companions. The little Lord noticed it and looked behind at them. They somehow understood the silent gesture and took a few steps away from them to give the discretion. When they are finally out of the earshot, she shyly stated, "Do you know where can I find Tyus?"

Tyrion barely kept his smile when he replied, "Oh, my lady I'm sorry, but I have no idea where is my son at this very moment." He noticed that her frown and added, "but if you're lucky enough, you can find him in the small library on the left wing or in his chambers." He smiled as he finished.

That lighten Sansa's spirits, and she politely thanked Lord Tyrion and bid her leave. It made her somehow uncomfortable or shy to go to Tyus' chambers and decided to search for him at the small library instead. When she approached the hall where the library is at, a familiar figure is on the other side and looked like he is about to open the door.

She called him before he fully opened the door. "Tyus!" Her call is a bit high pitched than she originally intended to.

The young lion looked up to where the voice came from and smiled when he saw her. "Sansa."

"I am looking for you." She sounded like she's a worrying lady waiting for her husband to come back from a hunt. In the inside, Sansa put a palm on her face.

Tyus gently laughed at that. "Well, that must be hard." He walked past her and went to her guards. He silently talked to them, and they settled on the either side of the door. The young lion then approached her to give his arm, and she gladly took it. They entered the small library, and they walked to a table at the left side of the room, the opposite of the window that's closed. Tyus pulled a seat for her, and she took it not hiding the genuine smile on her face.

Being seated, Sansa looked around and noticed that the small library is indeed small. It has the size of a chamber not including the privy. The single window in the room is closed. Hence it is dim. She then noticed that her surroundings are illuminated as the large candles are lit by Tyus himself. The glow of the candles around made her feel that their current setting is a little bit intimate than she's used to. And it's just only the two of you, a voice in her whispered at her. She cowered at that and busied herself in seeing everything around her since the light also gave her a better view. The bookshelves are leaning on the walls, and there are only six small tables with four to two chairs at the each. Some still even have books on it.

"And what do I owe my lady a pleasure?" Hearing this, Sansa steeled her face to prevent herself from blushing at his tone. Maybe it's because of the candles?

A Tyus carrying old but clean books appeared and seated at her left. Because of the short absence of her answer, he looked at her and noticed that she is staring at the books. "The Old Valyria." He tapped at its cover, "been reading it for days now."

"You can read in this state?" She eyed their surroundings "it's pretty dark."

He raised both of his eyebrows, and he smiled. "Oh, I forgot." Tyus stood up to get a candle for his own and put it on their table as he sat back beside her. "Better now?" He said in a mocking tone.

Sansa narrowed her eyes at him. Tyus just quietly laughed her off "Okay, my lady. Thank you." She smiled at his exaggeration.

"So we're back to my lady now?" She playfully challenged him.

What Sansa didn't expect is the intensity of his gaze when he turned to her. "Of course not, Sansa. You can have me calling you anything you like." She immediately looked away for she saw the eyes that she's been dreaming of lately. She took a deep breath and prayed that Tyus didn't notice it.

She responded to him using her confidence every time she is with Tyus, only him."Really? Even if it's 'my Queen'?"

The room became suddenly hot when he mischievously smiled at her dare. "Of course, my Queen." He stated as silent as he could that it came out as a whisper that only she could hear given their proximity.

By the Gods

She held her breath when she heard that. She cursed herself for even daring him to do so. But in the end, she liked it.

The candles are to blame

"So why did you seek me out? Is there a problem?" His casual tone broke her musings much to her gratitude.

"Nothing, I just want a talk with you."

It's now Tyus' turn to narrow his eyes at her. "Are you sure?" Sansa sighed. "Because I'm not."

She looked at him with worry in her eyes, "I am to be betrothed."

The look on Tyus' face gave nothing but he shifted in his seat to be closer to her. "Who is this... lucky man?"

She found herself disappointed with his response. But what are you expecting?

Sansa felt an arm resting at the backrest of her chair. She mustered all of her control to lean wholly on it. "Ser Loras." She silently replied.

She could see Tyus' lips a ghost of a smile, although his eyes remain expressionless. "Well, congratulations, Sansa. Am I the first one who's informed of this arrangement of yours?"

What?

This is not what she had expected his reaction would be. She thought that he would be restless and even plead to her not to take the offer. You thought wrong, again. She muttered to himself. She tried hard not to show a sad expression on him.

"I wanted to know, what do you think of him." In her mind, she doesn't know exactly why she wanted to know his say about this matter. But she thought he just needed to know. The way she said it, it is more of a statement rather than an expression. She anxiously waited for his reply.

Tyus' stare became intense again. "You're asking me what do I think of your betrothed?" He slowly said those words as his right hand placed her hair at the back, hence, baring the sight of her neck at him, where she caught him staring at.

Once his cold stare looked right in her eyes, she replied, "Yes."

She did not expect even in her wildest dreams what had happened next when Tyus cupped her cheek using his right hand and wrapped his other arm around her shoulders. He leaned to her and captured her lips with his. He kissed her. But what surprised Sansa more is that she found herself responding to him. Their lips battled for awhile, and suddenly he is kissing his way down to her neck that he is just looking awhile ago. She just had her eyes closed, relishing the way his lips trail on her neck. Sansa cannot hold anymore, and she sighed at his actions.

When he reached the hollow between her neck and collarbone, he paused. She, in return, slowly opened her eyes. "Do you love him?"

She doesn't know why she felt a tug in her heart when she heard him say that. Is it both the pain and softness in his voice? Or the finger that gently draws a line from her cheek down to her neck? Or the fact that they just kissed? But either way, she knew what she would answer. "No."

He stayed still, but she didn't felt any weight on her. "Then why did you agree?" It is the same voice she had heard from him earlier. The pain. "on marrying him." He pressed his question further, thinking that she didn't perceive it correctly earlier.

Sansa stirred in his question. Why did I agree on marrying him? No. She didn't even give Margaery a firm answer none other than an uncertain "I'll think about it". He finally lifted his head from her when she stirred and thought the otherwise. "I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Tyus smiled at her sadly with an apologetic look conveyed through his eyes.

It wounded her. She immediately wanted to remove that look on his face. "Wha- no. No! I haven't agreed with it yet." Sansa stated it all too quickly, and she just hoped that he understood it so that she won't repeat to explain anymore.

Tyus had an incredulous expression on his face, and then he laughed. Manically. She recalled if she said anything to make him like this, then a concerned look marred her face. "Is there anything funny?"

Moments later, his laughter died, and he answered her. "Oh, Sansa. You'll be the death of me." He turned serious when he continued, "there, you have my answer, my Queen."

She did what she has been doing with him for once in a while, she tried to contain her blush, but the smile got away. "So I am your Queen now?"

He reached for her hand, and she allowed him to. He gently kissed her the back of her hand without taking his eyes off her. Tyus put it down but had her hand intertwined with his "if her Grace deemed so".

She had to thank Tyus someday for giving her boldness that she never thought she had before. But Sansa wished that she could show this version of herself to other people aside from the very man with her. Someday, she thought. "Then I command you to tell me what was that all about." She said in her false courtly manner.

His smile faltered, and he sighed. "And what if I don't want to?" He finished with a smirk.

Tyus, what am I going to do with you

She giggled but decided better not to press him about it. Time will tell, she thought. "You just stole your Queen's first kiss." She dreamily stated.

What? Did she just say that?

She immediately opened her mouth to take back what she had said, but Tyus bested her. "No need to worry, Sansa. I know what I did, and I am most honoured to take whatever responsibility that comes from it." He said it with a teasing smile.

She bit her bottom lip for that. Sansa cast her eyes on her lap and remained quiet. She mentally scolded herself. Tyus is even the one who reminded her what they just did was improper. Her better self was screaming not to kiss him back for this is not what her Septa or her Lady Mother would approve of, but she found herself not caring about it anymore. It felt right anyway, and it is wonderful. He is wonderful.

Tyus then interrupted her from her dreamy musings "So, will you still agree with their proposal?" She looked up and saw his expectant features.

Sansa has always known the answer, but now she is sure of it.