Chapter 52

Final arrangements were settled. They would be leaving the next day. Sandor was still unsure about meeting The Dragon Queen. There was more at stake than just himself now, he grudgingly decided that he just has to trust Tyrion on this matter. There had been a visitor the prior evening, luckily he knew this man, Ser Addam Marbrand. He would be going to Meereen with them. He had listened to Jaime's tales of how well the Maid of Tarth could fight, he doubted it at the time but as he watched her spar with Ser Addam, he had to admit that she was a very capable fighter. He decided that he would have to see just how good she was, he always enjoyed a good sparring partner.

Sandor was searching for Shalene when he found her, Prince Oberyn, Jaime and Tyrion in the garden with the twins, Jaxsan, and Elezbeth. He watched Jaime holding his little daughter, Jaime seemed to be drawn to the child, surprisingly, Sandor wasn't upset about this, he had come to a peaceful truce with Jaime in recent weeks, Shalene had shown no further interest in Jaime, in fact, she was, if anything, wholly focused on their relationship. He didn't interrupt them, he just listened as the Prince spoke," I see that you Lannisters are fond of my grandchildren. It seems that K'Alenedor has captured your hearts as she does everyone. It's not surprising, really, considering who her grandfather was."

This comment drew everyone's attention, Tyrion was the one who asked, "Explain what you mean, My Prince. Who was her grandfather?"

"The eyes, are they not beautiful? It's not a common color, but is generally connected to a certain region." His eyes were alive with mirth. Sandor took this moment to come into the room. If this had to do with his children, he wanted to hear the complete story. He sat beside Shalene who kissed him tenderly and took his hand in hers.

" Ahh, my Son, I suppose it is time to tell you all about your little jewels. Kolenee was a beautiful woman, was she not? She had the same eyes. Shalene you know she came from Essos, but what you never knew was that she truly was a ward of my brother's , he was her guardian. She was entrusted to him by her father after she was born, her mother passed when she was quite young and her father felt he couldn't provide her the stability she deserved, although he loved her beyond words. He provided for her quite well. These beautiful children have their own wealth, left to them by their grandfather. She has captured your heart and soul, has she not, Ser Jaime? It's not surprising, they're your kin. Kolenee's father was your Uncle Gerion."

They were all shocked. Jaime could only look down at the children as his thoughts ran rampant, memories of his Uncle flood through his mind. His smile, how loving and patient he was. How kind he was to Tyrion.

He looked into K'Alenedor's eyes again, so knowing, eyes, so like his own and the babes were twins. Dexcian so like Sandor, this girl had his hair, but not his eyes. He looked at Sandor, fully expecting to see the anger and darkness that was frequently seen in his eyes but he saw only acceptance and then love as his gaze moved to his daughter. Jaime started to hand her to Sandor but he shook his head no, indicating for Jaime to keep holding her.

Tyrion was the first to speak," So you knew our Uncle? How is it that we were never told, she could have been raised as a Lannister. What happened to Uncle Gerion?"

"Well, yes, I knew him. He and my brother were in contact rather frequently. Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago, there is something he left for you." Meleko entered the garden then with a large package wrapped in crimson silk and stopped in front of Jaime. Sandor took his daughter and kissed her forehead, Tyrion still had Dexcian on his lap, the boy drooling happily all over Tyrion's short fingers as he chewed on them.

Jaime stood up and took the package and nearly sat back down when he extracted a startlingly beautiful great sword. His hand started shaking when he saw the perfectly crafted Valaryian steel, the huge cut ruby at the end of the hilt and the masterfully engraved lions along the blade. He had tears in his eyes when he looked at the Prince. "Ser Jaime, Lord Tyrion, I believe you know the name of this great sword."

Tyrion was astounded. " He found Brightroar! Is it really the true sword? Brother, you must show me how a true Lannister wields our family steel." Jaime was almost afraid he wouldn't be able to swing the sword, it was a great sword, requiring two hands, after all. But as he held it, it seemed to feel more natural to him than holding a sword ever had. It was perfect. He moved to the clearing and made a few swings, testing the balance and heft of the blade. As he moved in the familiar dance that every great warrior knows, he felt as if the sword knew him, his focus was only on the feel of his steel and the song it sang as it moved through
the air. This was his family's legacy. He looked back at his friends, Tyrion's gaze was full of pride and love, Jaime wasn't sure if it was for him of the sword, it didn't matter, as long as his little brother looked at him like that. Sandor gave a nod of approval, Shalene was just as surprised as he was.

Prince Oberyn said," I'm sorry you haven't known but Gerion made it clear that he didn't want Tywin to have it. Now, it is with the heirs to Casterly Rock. As far as the rest, Gerion didn't want his daughter raised and used by your father. She would not have been treated kindly, you know she was a bastard child but he adored her. He did what he thought was best, she was a sweet young girl and your friends here will just have to tell you what sort of young woman she was. She cared a great deal for our over large friend here. She gave the greatest gift, did she not? You Lannisters and twins, as if there are not enough of you in the kingdom as it is." He had a fatherly smile on his face.

Jaime had re-sheathed the sword, it had to be worn across his back as Sandor wore his, due to the length of the blade. Shalene helped him adjust the belt across his chest, as he had to wear it opposite of the way Sandor wore his due to the loss of his hand. She kissed his cheek. Jaime cast a quick look at Sandor and seeing him still calm, kissed her hand and bowed to her, " Thank you, Princess."

Tyrion looked at the children, laughing as Jaime went after Jaxsan, who had gotten bored and crawled
away. " So, Clegane, it seems that you just can't get rid of us Lannisters. We're family now!"

"Aye, it seems we are. Just don't get any ideas in your mind about my daughter being like any of your bloody family. You three male lions are more than enough for any man to be around."

Shalene left to tend to business with Edgar and sent the nurses after the children. The was an uncomfortable silence between the men, to everyone's surprise, Sandor is the one who spoke first," Lannister, this doesn't change anything. The twins are MY pups, but I will have you tell me now that, on your life, you will protect them and love them as your own if anything were ever to happen to me and that you won't allow anyone to
use them in any games. Do you swear?" Both Lannister men made the vow that day.

Sandor was walking to his rooms to change for the last meal before they were to leave the next morning, when he was grabbed by his tunic and pushed against the wall. He would have struck who grabbed him if he hadn't inhaled the scent that filled his nights, he knew it was Shalene. She held his arms against the wall, he could have easily moved but he let her have this dominance over him. He thought, again, while he looked down at her, how small she was compared to him. She pressed her body against his, rubbing her face against his chest. He heard her take a deep breath then he felt her bite his nipple, he didn't stop the deep, low growl that rumbled in his chest. She stroked his hardening cock and bit his other nipple, "I love you, Sandor," she turned and walked away, his deep chuckle following her down the hall.

Sandor was late to the meal, Genett had wanted him make finally approval on the steeds going to Meereen. When he entered the dining hall, he was very surprised to see it filled with people but not for a meal, he wasn't sure what was going on.

Jaime walked to him and patted his shoulder," I have been told to escort you to the front of the hall and make sure you stay if I don't, I would lose my balls. I rather like them where they are so please just come along." Sandor followed him to the end of the room where he found the Holy Man and the new Septon. His heart started beating fast, 'She's going to do it! Shalene has made up her mind!' He suddenly felt so nervous, he thought he might be sick. He looked around, everyone was smiling and happy. He had wanted this for so long, why was he nervous?

Jaime leaned in and said quietly," I myself, haven't had the joy of being married but I think you're supposed to look happy, not like you're meeting the Stranger."

Sandor felt sweat roll down his back as he looked at Jaime, who just smiled at him.

His attention was drawn to the doors as Shalene walked in on her father's arm. She was stunning. Never one for tradition, she was dressed in a deep green silk dress, made in the Dornish fashion. It fit her perfectly, flowing about her as she moved. Her hair was up, ringlets of curls loose around her neck. It sparkled with variously placed jeweled pins that twinkled as she moved. When she reached him, he was so lost in looking at her that Jaime had to elbow him in the ribs to bring his attention back to the ceremony.

She said," Sandor, would you still have me as your wife? I have been unfair to you many times, selfish
in my own way, running and just making excuses instead of facing my fears. I am deeply sorry. It won't change anything between us if you chose not to do this, I'll love you regardless."

Sandor cleared his throat, not trusting his voice yet. " Woman, I'm sorry for treating you like I owned you. I should have given you space like everyone told me. Yes, I want to have you as my wife, I would be honored to be your husband."

Their eyes were only for each other as the Septon performed his ceremony, Sandor repeated the words, they would be carved in his heart for all his days. Jaime had produced a cloak, from somewhere, that had Sandor's new sigil on it, Sandor placed it Around Shalene's shoulders. He kissed her neck before he moved back to her side.

The Holy man spoke words of union that were closer to Sandor, as they were natural and done without all the showiness of The Seven.

To his surprise, Sansa and the Arborist came forward, she had had Jon Snow send a Weirwood sapling to Emerald Bay after the man had assured her that it would flourish in the garden. Sandor was deeply moved
by this as he and Shalene knelt before the small tree and repeated the words Sansa spoke to them. There was a calm that settled over him as he spoke. It was as if the Old Gods had given their acceptance. He thought he heard words whispering around him but he didn't see anyone speak. He tilted his head a bit listening hard, a breeze blew through the hall and he heard a whispering," Yes, Man of Fire. Protect them all. We believe in you." It was so faint he felt it more than heard it. He felt a shiver crawl down his spine as he looked up at Sansa, her blue eyes so honest and clear," They honor you. You heard them didn't you?" She whispered. He swallowed, trying to fight down the lump in his throat," Aye ,Little Bird, I heard them."

When they stood, it was proclaimed that they were wed in the eyes of The Seven, by The Old Gods and from The Holy Man, in the Ways of all Gods. Zethro, the Holy Man then said, "I am very proud to finally present to you Princess Shalene Martell Clegane of Emerald Bay and Prince Sandor Clegane of Emerald Bay. Everyone roared in cheers for the couple.

Sandor was in shock, Prince? How the hell am I a Prince? He looked at Prince Oberyn who was thoroughly enjoying his confusion, the Prince said," Surely, my Son, you knew that when you marry a princess, then you become a prince."

Sandor looked back at Shalene, she shrugged," I forgot to mention that, My Prince."

Jaime laughed at him, saying," Who would have thought that the ragged boy who ran to Casterly Rock all those years ago would be a prince? Don't expect me to kneel to you now, I'm too old!"

Sandor growled," Fuck off, Lannister. Did you know about this?"

Jaime laughed again, "Yes, I did. I take it that you're not unhappy. That shocked look on your gruesome face is priceless. You'll be good husband. You already have been. She is in love with you, I hope one day I can earn your forgiveness, you didn't deserve my thoughtless actions. As usual, I thought of only what I wanted at the time. I most definitely don't deserve the tolerance and protection you've given me."

Sandor had never heard Jaime speak like that. He noticed so many changes in the man since he arrived at Emerald Bay. It came to him before he had given it thought, but as he said it, he knew it was right and true," You're family now. We have all been working towards the same goal, if Lady Sansa can forgive you for what has been done to her by your family then I can be no less honorable. It's in the past, let's leave it there, agreed?"

"Thank you, for everything, my Prince." Jaime just couldn't keep smirk off his face when he said that.

The tables were placed and everyone enjoyed the evening, food and wine were plenty and as the dancing began, Sandor found himself pulled to the floor by Shalene, he had never been a very good dancer but that didn't seem to matter, her laughter at his missed steps only made him laugh. Eyes were drawn to Tommen, the youngest Lannister was teaching Elezbeth to dance and she was a much quicker learner than Sandor. He couldn't think of a time when he had been happier.

His good father cut in and Sandor made his way to his seat, he sat beside Jaime, who now had Elezbeth on his knee. He almost choked on his swallow of wine when he heard her ask Jaime if she could marry him. Sandor wasn't about to help the old lion out and he watched as Jaime looked shocked and then searched for someone to help him out of this dilemma.

Jaime finally said," I am very honored, My Lady Elezbeth, that you would even think of having such an old man as myself as your husband but I feel that I must sadly decline. You are such a beautiful young girl and you should have a strong young man, one day, as your husband. I'm afraid that by the time you are old enough to have a husband, I will be old and gray. That wouldn't make for a good match, now would it?"

"Have you ever had a wife, Ser Jaime? You're very handsome and you're a Knight. Why do you not have a wife like Father and Uncle Tyrion?"

"Well, sweet child, I have not been blessed with having a woman love me like that. I suppose that one day it may happen, if not, well, maybe that's as it should be."

"You'll have a wife. I dreamed it. And you'll have lots more children. Trust me. Do you think I could marry Tommen some day? He's handsome like you. You're his father aren't you?"

Jaime looked at Sandor and saw him nod, almost undetectable, " Yes, My Lady, Tommen is my son. You are young now, you have many years to grow before you think of marriage. But, the day will come when it will be time for you to marry and it should be to someone you love, not someone you're given to. Your father and I would never allow you to marry anyone you didn't love."

"Well, I understand, but Tommen told me he wants to marry me one day. He said when I was older that he would ask father if he could court me. Lady Sansa said that when a man loves you he treats you kindly and protects you. He does all the things that your father would do He'd care for you, provide for you and make bad things stay away from you like Father, Bronn and Uncle Tyrion do for her. She said you did the same thing for Tommen. She says that Father protects lots of people and you did too. She said people say mean things about you because they don't know you or what you gave up to keep everyone safe. I don't know either but thank you for keeping me safe. If anyone else says mean things about you, tell me, I'll make them stop, I won't let them hurt you. I'm going to go now, I love you Ser Jaime." She pulled him down to her and kissed his cheek then jumped down and found Tommen, dragging him to the floor to dance. Jaime sat back, deeply touched by the young child. He turned to Sandor as Shalene walked up and sat on his lap.

Sandor wrapped his arm around his wife, " She's a feisty one, isn't she? She's too smart. She told me the same thing about my scars only she was going to use a stick to protect me. Sounds like the Little Bird is teaching her how to use words to fight battles. She dreamed about you. Funny thing about all these dreams we are all having. You tell your boy not to get any ideas anytime soon. She's only five."

Jaime smiled at the couple," I know, Sandor. You could have helped me out there, you know."

" I had more fun watching you wiggle out of that. Not too bad for an Old Lion. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a new wife to entertain." Sandor and Shalene quietly left everyone to their celebration.

The moon light fell perfectly across Sandor's sleeping body as Shalene knelt beside him. He was naked, long black hair surrounding him, arms resting over his head, he looked so peaceful. Shalene watched his chest rise and fall, she looked at the newest scars on his body as tears fell down her face. She had always been in control or so she thought, but as she let her fingers trace the healed reminders of her violence to her husband, HER HUSBAND! She couldn't hide the overwhelming shame and guilt that she felt over what she had done to him. She couldn't even justify why it had happened. Her own fears of what? Of belonging to someone? How stupid that thought was now because that's all she wanted to be. How could he still love her after the fool she has been? She leaned over him, taking his face gently in her hands and kissed his lips so softly, they barely brushed his, then she slipped off the bed and walked to the balcony, not wanting to wake him as she cried her tears of shame and regret.

Sandor felt her the moment she moved from his side but he didn't move, he almost opened his eyes when he felt her fingers tracing the scars of her anger, but he needed to see what she would do, would she be regretting tonight? Did she only do it out of guilt? It seemed like a dream, he was married to his woman, finally. Gods, don't let her be sorry that she has done this.

Her lips were so soft on his, he was disappointed when he felt her move from the bed. When he heard her walk away, he opened his eyes and watched her walk to the balcony. She was so beautiful, a dark image outlined in the moonlight, her curly black hair hanging down past her behind.

He watched her for a few moments then realized that she was crying, she's already sorry, he felt his heart fall, but he had to know. He quietly slid from the bed and silently moved to stand behind her, he was so
close to her but he couldn't bring himself to touch her. Looking down on her, he thought again of how small she really was. He didn't say a word as she turned to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and broke down him sobs. She had never cried in front of him before, he wanted to hold her, he wanted to know why, but he did nothing, just stood there with her and let her cry.

She didn't hear him move but she knew he was behind her. His presence surrounded her. She knew he wouldn't touch her, she didn't blame him. He didn't move when she turned and held him. She knew in her soul that she didn't deserve it and she was thankful that he wouldn't try to take the blame onto himself. She felt, also, that he was waiting on her to tell him she didn't regret marrying him.

She moved from him, taking his hand and leading him to one of the cushioned couches on their balcony, as he sat down, she knelt in front of him, fighting with her pride and shame. She looked up at him when her love won over the weaker emotions and said, "I'm so sorry for all these horrible things I've done to you. You never deserved any of my actions. I have acted like such a stupid, foolish child. I can't honestly, give you a reason anymore, of why I behaved like that. You are a good man, Sandor. You have never hurt me, you have tried so hard to accept every responsibility that has been given to you. Things you never truly wanted, but faced with honor and strength, regardless. I'm too ashamed of my behavior to even ask your forgiveness. I don't deserve it. I have always been given what I wanted, I was never told no. I ran from anything that "threatened" my freedom, never realizing that my precious freedom was not in question. The first time I saw
you, it was a game, trying to see if I could seduce you, of course it was easy, you're a man. What I never thought was that you were a different kind of man. I fell in love with you, there are so many parts of you to love. I don't mean physically. It seems that everyday, you grow more and there is another aspect of you revealed. I have watched you care about people you don't even know, protect those that need you and allow people into your life that could have torn it apart. You faced it all and only responded as a man like you should. I can't even pretend to tell you why I've betrayed you. I don't deserve your love. I'm a stupid, foolish, impulsive, willful person. I am so thankful that you didn't turn away from me, as any other man would have. Thank you for tonight. Thank you for becoming my husband, my Prince. I swear to you, I will not betray you again. I will be everything you deserve. Sandor, I'm so sorry."

He watched her as tears rolled down her face, he listened as she finally opened up and poured her heart out to him. As long as he'd been with her, he'd never seen her so vulnerable, showing him such raw emotion and shame. He knew she was being honest and he also knew that she wouldn't betray him again. She wasn't sorry for marrying him, this beautiful woman, his wife, was feeling unworthy of him, an old stubborn man. He had forgiven her long ago,but finally knowing that she trusted him enough to open her heart, finally, was as if some invisible weight was lifted from him. Shalene was truly his, only his now. He stood up, taking her in his arms and carried her back to bed, his only words to her was his whispered," I forgive you." The dawn found them breathless, sweating and lost in a private world that only true, honest love can create.