Chapter 21.
Captain Sand reacted quickly. He grabbed Sansa's wrist and stared at her furiously.
"Nobody hits me", he hissed, pulled her closer with steely grip and kissed her greedily.
Despite the tense situation his lips were surprisingly soft - he was obviously a good kisser and his arms were strong around her. Someone would probably have enjoyed the feeling, but all Sansa was able to think about was Tyrion and the pained look in his eyes when he caught her with Littlefinger. He would have hated to see this, Sansa thought desperately.
She didn't want this, so she struggled, but the man who was kissing her was a lot stronger. Sansa couldn't do anything, so finally she started to cry helplessly.
Captain Sand let go of his grip, took a step back and stared at her surprised. His anger was suddenly gone.
"This is the first time ever a woman starts to cry when I kiss her", he noted - welcoming his defeat surprisingly calmly.
"You don't understand. I love my husband, I really do. I'd really like to be with him now", Sansa sputtered.
"Are you serious? You were forced to marry a dwarf. His family slaughtered your family... and you think you're in love with him?" captain Sand asked slowly as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"Yes. Like I said, he's different from all the other Lannisters. He is a kind, wise, good-hearted man... and the father of my child. One of your men told me that they all respect you because you're never unnecessarily cruel. So I'm telling you - keeping a husband and a wife apart is a cruel thing to do", Sansa explained with tears in her eyes.
For the first time captain Sand seemed awkward now. Like most men, this cunning pirate hated to see women in tears.
"Alright, alright. Stop crying, hear me! Let's get your precious husband here. But only for a while, remember", he said, stepped to the door and gave an order to the guard outside. After that he turned to look at Sansa.
"Don't get any ideas, My lady. You both are still my prisoners. And like I said, I'm the only law on this ship", he reminded her of the facts harshly.
"I understand that. Thank you… My lord captain", Sansa said politely and wiped her tears away.
I'm becoming softy, captain Sand reproached himself.
She has such a powerful affect on me, he realized stunned.
He couldn't understand why.
xxx
A moment later Tyrion stepped into the cabin with two guards. He was pale and obviously tired.
"Leave us", captain Sand commanded his men.
When Sansa and Tyrion saw each other they forgot everything else around them. Sansa stepped to him and bent down. They kissed passionately.
"Are you alright, Tyrion?" she said in a whisper.
He nodded and looked at her searchingly.
"I think so, yes. What about you, My lady? And the baby?"
"We are both fine, thank you. He… they didn't hurt us", Sansa replied and Tyrion looked relieved.
"Do you happen to know… what do these funny dudes want from us?" Tyrion asked.
Sansa nodded with pained eyes.
"Littlefinger is a mastermind behind all this I'm afraid. He hired… captain Sand and his men to hijack us - and he's waiting for us in the Vale. He is married to my aunt now. We will be there in a few days", Sansa explained numbly.
Tyrion cursed and turned to look at captain Sand.
"No matter what Littlefinger pays you, I'll double it if you let us go. You know who I am and you know what they say I'm sure - a Lannister always pays his debts", he said firmly.
Captain Sand stared at him surprised. This was the first time he met this notorious man face to face. He was small in stature, yes, but the pirate was amazed by his obvious mental strength and charisma.
"I'm well aware of that saying, Imp. But I have an agreement with Littlefinger and he is a loyal client", he replied briefly.
It was at that moment when Sansa - this noble and proud woman - did something unexpected.
She walked over to captain Sand and knelt on the floor in front of him.
The captain moved uneasily when Sansa looked at him straight in the eyes.
"Please, captain, lord… ser. We are at your mercy. I'm asking you with all my heart. Let us go."