AUTHOR's NOTE: I wonder if any of you are still out there, waiting for this update. For those of you who are, thank you so much for your patience. This winter has been really hard for me and I'm still struggling to stay afloat and positive. I have abandoned my writing, but now I'm trying to hold onto that as well. I got a new job and it's okay for now. Pressure is riding on me to figure out my life. And I'm not sure why I'm ranting here since none of you actually know me, but many of you seem to care and that's enough for me. Thank you for supporting me. For supporting this story. I still have NO idea where it's going, but I'm letting the characters dictate their own fate. Enjoy! (Please review. I'd love to hear from you!)

DISCLAIMER: I don't even own a car. GRRM owns everything in this story.

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Many had not expected to see the Queen out in court in the days following the horrible announcement. The King hadn't even visited his wife though he had sent her numerous little trifles as if to make up for his lack of presence. But Sansa considered his absence the greatest gift he could ever give her. Aside from setting her aside to live out the rest of her pathetic existence in relative normalcy. As if that would ever happen.

But she surprised them all when she came out of her chambers after only two days of grieving. She was not even dressed in mourning nor her house colors, but in a dress a violent shade of crimson to honor her husband's family. She walked with her hands clutching her stomach protectively as she made her way to the throne room, eager to put a gossiping court at rest. They would see no tears, nor shadows of grief upon her pale face. They would only see the pride and joy she had of being the Queen, of baring the King's heir. Even though she knew it wasn't his, only one other person knew the truth. She wished she could shout from the rooftops that a King had been cuckolded again, fooled into believing his lady wife bore his own seed. But she had vowed to the Gods she would never allow his seed to quicken in her belly. And she would keep that promise until the day she died.

She had spent the last few days in Sandor's presence, silent but not alone. He hadn't pushed her to talk, hadn't pushed her to do anything but cry if she wanted to. And she had cried, horrible body shaking sobs while he held her tightly to him. She knew her grief wounded him in a way a sword never could so it was for his sake and her unborn child's that she mustered up the strength to appear in court during the King's duties.

As always, he followed close behind his Queen, his lady love, his little bird and she could feel his steady gaze upon the back of her head. Her hair was done up like Cersei so loved, another tribute to her new family, but only Sandor had heard the mocking tone she had muttered while her most loyal servant, the only one he was aware wasn't spying on her for the Lannisters', did up her hair.

"Your Grace!" A surprised voice rang down the long hallway. The servants stopped where they were and bowed their heads. As Sansa walked nearer, she saw the owner of the voice was her husband's uncle. The one who had broken the news as gently as possible. "We.. No one expected you to be… My lady, you are glowing!"

Sansa smiled wanly at him. This man had turned out to be a man who seemed as full of hatred for his own blood as she was. He would be useful if she ever decided to act on her hatred. "My lord, the babe and I were growing restless of being cooped up. I think he longed to see his father." The half-man quirked an eyebrow but said nothing, only nodded.

"May I have the honor of escorting you to the King then?" She nodded and glanced back to make sure Sandor was not too far behind. His face was a passive mask, one he wore around everyone but her.

Moments later, they strolled into the throne room where Joffrey was lolling on the chair. Sandor and Sansa wished he'd impale himself on one of the pointy swords. "Nephew! Look who I found wandering the halls!" Tyrion called out, bringing all attention to the threesome who just entered the large room. His voice echoed in the silent room as the crowd fell quiet.

Sansa swept forward, a little smile on her lips as she sunk to her knees at the foot of the stairs, lowering her eyes to the floor. "My King, please forgive my absence the past few days. I have… Come to terms with the betrayal that has occurred. My family has yet again proven to be traitors and I thank you wholeheartedly for not blaming me for their indiscretions. Only the Gods can judge them now." Her voice rose and fell with the words she had practiced numerous times to Sandor in the privacy of her bedchamber. He had scarcely touched her.

Joffrey leaned forward, a glint in his eyes, unsure whether to accept this 'apology' or bring more sorrow to her. He glanced over to his mother and saw her shake her head at him. Very well, the court would see a doting, loving husband. He stood up and walked quickly down the stairs, reaching out his hands to grasp Sansa's small ones. "My Queen, you look more beautiful each day that passes. I am not sure whether it is because I have not seen you in many hours or if I am just like a starving man before a feast, but, my love, look at you! And our child! Our heir! My son! Strong and hearty like his father." He smirked and placed a tender kiss on each hand. "Please, join me and we will celebrate your return to court." He lead her up the stairs basking under the appreciative hum of the court.

He would find some whore later to punish for his fake love for his miserable wife. Yes, she was beautiful, she nearly always was and he feared she always would be. She had all the virtue and kindness a Queen should have and had the love of his court despite her being blood of a traitor. He would do only harm to hurt her and this babe. He needed her on his side until she birthed his heir. Until then, he would play the doting husband. And she would play the meek wife. He'd make sure of it.

Sansa sunk to sit down next to the Queen, accepting the frigid kiss on the cheek her mother-in-law offered her with a graceful smile. Then, she folded her hands over her growing belly and stared out at the crowd, scanning each face until she met the eyes of the only true person here. She had to fight the smile that wanted to show on her lips.

In all things including grief and terror, he would be by her side. He had sworn to her that he would take her home. And one day, he would. And maybe, one day, she'd even be happy again.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hope you liked it. It's a little rough, but it'll do. Tell me what you think.