Sandor awoke to a dry mouth and an aching bladder. He moved slowly, so as not to disturb the little bird, still asleep on his chest. She groaned as he moved her head, but she seemed not to wake as Sandor rose from the bed. He felt slightly dizzy as he crossed the room. I've certainly been worse.Sandor chuckled quietly as he made his way to the privy.
He began to remember the thoughts he'd had last night about his wife. My wife!Sometimes Sandor still had trouble believing his good fortune. He'd wanted the girl for so long, but he'd never imagined he'd have her. But Sandor's mood turned dark with that thought. I still haven't had her.Sandor pushed his anger down and relieved himself. If the Lannisters knew… Gods, if Cersei knew we had not consummated our marriage…Sandor covered himself and took a deep breath. Her maidenhead is broken, and the girl would not be so foolish as to tell anyone… I believe. Surely I do not need to tell her to keep silent. She has knowledge enough of the way the world works. A marriage is sealed with a cock and a cunt, not vows.
Sandor turned to head back to his chamber, calmed. He found himself hungry. I'll send for food once the girl is awake.There was no need to wake her yet. It was still very early, judging by the shadows lining the corridors.
A small voice called out from their chamber when he drew near. "Sandor? Is that you?" She sounded a little frightened, and Sandor felt a pang of guilt.
Sandor stepped quickly into the chamber. "Yes, little bird. It's only me." She was seated on the edge of the bed where Sandor had been sleeping. He was pleased to see not only relief in her eyes, but a bit of happiness as well.
Sansa smiled a small smile and looked down at her hands folded in her lap. "I was worried. You said you would be home last night, and I-"
"You do not remember me coming back? You really are a heavy sleeper, little bird." Sandor could not help but smile a bit, the unscarred half of his mouth curling upward. "I did mean to return earlier, but I- I was delayed."A small lie. She need not know I drank too much and forgot myself.
Sansa's smile disappeared and she exhaled sharply. "My lord husband may do as he pleases." He is lying. He said a Hound would never lie to you. Perhaps that was a lie as well. Sansa could feel her anger growing, but she dared not show it. She stood quickly and made her way over to the small desk in the corner of her room. There was a small hand mirror there. She held it up and examined herself in it. Her hair was disheveled from sleeping, and her face was flushed. Sansa made a point of ignoring her husband as he smoothed her hair down with her hands. If he is meeting with whores, I suppose he has no need of me.Sansa's anger and hurt grew in her chest until her breath was coming quicker and her heart was pounding.
Sandor watched his wife walk away from him. She knows I am lying.He spoke tremulously. "I was not with a whore. I see your anger. Do you think so little of me?" He was angry now, his voice gruff and deep. How can she be angry with me? I have never hurt her. I didn't even fuck her!
Sansa turned her head slowly to meet his angry gaze. She spoke politely, but her voice was devoid of affection or pity. "You owe me no explanation, husband. I will always await your return." She looked into his eyes for a few moments more before turning back to her mirror. I've been married off to a man beneath my birth, and now he won't even have me.Sansa picked up her hairpin and pulled half her hair back as best as she could. "If you would send for my girls, I would-"
"Stop it. I will send for no one." Sandor balled his hands into fists and took a few deep breaths before crossing the room and pulling Sansa to her feet. "I did not do this." He took both her hands in his. "Look at me." She is more stubborn than I thought. The little bird has claws. "Look at me!" Sansa raised her eyes slowly to meet his. He blue eyes were angry, but he could see the insult underneath. She is angry, but her pride is hurt more than anything. She thinks I do not want her."I did not meet with a whore. I was drinking. And… fighting a bit." Sandor chuckled at the memory of the man he had threatened. Fool.
Sansa furrowed her brows. "Why are you laughing?"
"Just remembering the man who thought it wise to mock me. He regretted his actions soon enough." Sandor let go of one of Sansa's hands and tucked a piece of her hair she'd missed behind her ear. "Sansa, I would not soil your honor by visiting a whore mere days after our wedding. I did not do this." Sandor searched her eyes. She seemed apprehensive, but certainly less angry. "I swear it. I will visit no whores, sire no bastards. I swearit."
Sansa tried to hide her relief, but she could not. Instead she pulled her eyes away from his and looked at the ground. Her lips parted in a large smile. "I believe you. Thank you. I am sorry I was angry with you. I'm sorry I suspected you." Sansa stepped forward, rested her head against his chest, and put her arms around him. "I should trust you," she murmured.
Sandor's relief coursed through him. "It's all right, little bird." He stroked her hair softly. "I cannot blame you. I do have a reputation…" It's not as if I've never visited a whore. The thought disturbed him. It was before they were married, but he still felt guilty about it somehow. I'm too tired for this, and I need some wine for my head."It's early. You should go back to sleep."
Sansa bit her bottom lip and looked up at him sheepishly. "Will you come with me?"