In two days, he is back into the King's regular cycle. He would be fencing, riding, or hunting in the morning; then dying of boredom for the rest of the day. Small Council meetings were only useful for about the first five minutes when true issues were truly discussed; the rest of the time was his Mother insisting on being informed of affairs she had no hope in contributing to. One had to care about people to be helpful, after all. He also suffered through hearing the opinions of his court, most of whom were either loose 'ladies' who should have been born with their mouths sealed shut or men who were only of use on their horses or their swords. But these must have been the pains a king had to endure and endure them he would. He had to admit that even these mundane tasks were better fillers of his days than moping about in his room. He's heard nothing of his lovely...of Sansa. Damn. He had not seen her around the Keep and he must have missed her when she was at court. No one was giving him any information about her and he was too stubborn to ask for it. I did tell her she was free to do as she wished. She is most probably planning her journey to Winterfell already. His heart clenches. Winterfell was so far. At least when she marries, she will be far away from you. Oh hell. That was not a helpful thought at all. Stop! Stop thinking about her, you idiot. You wont last a day if you do.

Ser Loras was definitely an attentive suitor. Much more considerate than the few she had to meet. Really, if she had her own way, she would not be meeting with any suitors. She would be spending all her time planning for her journey back to Winterfell. Oh finally, she would home at last. Yet, she knew it was her responsibility to meet with suitors. It was what she was taught to do. To be gracious to all who asked for her hand. No one had told her, though, that it would be so tiresome. She had thought she would have one or two perfect handsome knights who were to be lords. Instead she got foul knights, stumbling second sons, and arrogant first sons. Their laughter too loud, their jokes too crude, their logic obviously misplaced and their patience nonexistent. Ser Loras, though, was different. He listened to her stories of home, her dreams for the future, he told her of himself as well. Not to brag, like many others did, but sincerely for her to know him. Why could Joffrey not do this for me? She catches herself thinking once in a while. Stop it, you foolish girl. Stop. He is the king; his choices are above you and none of your concern. Even if those choices do make your heart ache.

"Where were you, my dear?" She hears Ser Loras ask.

"Whatever do you mean, Ser?" She knows she has been caught again.

"I've asked you the same question twice now."

"Oh, please do forgive me. I'm afraid my thoughts have occupied me. What was your question?"

"I was asking if you'd like to see this letter. From Winterfell. It is addressed to you."

Oh finally. My family.

"Oh, yes please."

She takes the heavy parchment from him and sits down. "Do you mind if I read it now? I have not heard for them in so long…."

"Of course not. Please go ahead. I will leave you to it, I shall be out in the halls if you need me."

The letter went like this.

Sansa,

My love, your father requires that you stay in King's Landing. He also insists upon your being kept in the dark as to why this must be. I am so sorry, My Darling. You must feel terrible after the end of your betrothal. I pray for you to the gods, old and new, everyday. We all love you so very much. Please, please, keep safe. You are a smart girl. Know who to trust, but more importantly, also know whom not to trust. We are doing all we can to make you and your siblings safe and happy.

Your Mother, Lady Stark of Winterfell.

Stay? In King's Landing? Why would her father ask such a hardness of her? She was in tears once more when Ser Loras came back to her.

"My Lady, I believe this garden is not the best place for you. You are always in tears when I find you here." He says this in a jesting tone but she can see the true concern in his eyes.

"Oh please do forgive me. I've been behaving in such an unladylike manner with you. If you would excuse me, I believe I need to be alone."

"Shall I escort you to your chambers?" He asks with a kind smile.

"I would very much appreciate it."

He smiles wider and offers her his arm. She smiles in return and takes it.

"You know you are much too kind to me. Women of the court are boiling with envy."

He turns to her. "You noticed that?"

"How could I not? It was as if they were trying to set me on fire with just their eyes."

He laughs loudly at that.

"They probably were."

She smiles. Ser Loras definitely made staying seem more attractive than it had moments ago. Oh, the powers of a handsome boy. Could he take the place of Joffrey?

Ser Loras was so considerate and sweet. He was all she had ever wanted. Truly, he was. Her days with him were filled with laughter despite the pain in her heart. Yet, somewhere deep inside of her, she knew he was not the one. No matter how terribly she wished him to be. No matter how terribly she wished to be safe. To be far away from the heartache she had known the past few days and to just be happy. Happiness was truly something to treasure, but it was not passion. True passion. That was only to be found in a boy with golden hair.

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