"Why don't you mind your own business Imp?" Hardyng said snidely as he turned his head to address Tyrion.

"I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Lady Sansa. I ask again, are you alright my Lady?" Sansa could hear the concern in Tyrion's voice as he addressed her.

Tyrion, of course, it was him to find her like this, helpless, vulnerable. Her dashing knight at last, that she had dreamt of for so long, but now she no longer wanted to be the damsel in distress. The fairy tales never talked of after...after the knight rescues the maiden now what? A lifetime of subjugation or being treated like a hothouse flower who could wilt at the slightest thing? The woman she had become didn't want the fairy tale and she didn't want to be the helpless maiden awaiting rescue. But most of all she wanted this bastard to stop touching her!

"She is quite alright I assure you Lannister." Hardyng said with scorn. "We're just catching up after the fun we had together in the Vale where I showed her what it's like to be with a real man," He turned to face Tyrion more clearly, loosening his grip on Sansa in the process "not a half of one."

It was the opportunity Sansa had been looking for, that she had learned the fundamentals of from Arya years ago and more recently had made a flustered Podrick drill with her until she was satisfied. With a backwards thrust, she elbowed him in the gut causing him to let out a startled grunt while he moved far enough away for her to twirl around to face him, her stiletto knife piercing the fabric of his breeches a hair's width from his manhood.

"I assure you my Lord" she seethed, "I had no fun with you when I visited the Vale, and a real man, like Lord Tyrion, does not force himself upon a woman when they tell them "NO." She gave him a ruefull smile "How stupid are you really? Do you think the rumors of what I did to my last husband an exaggeration? I promise you they were not."

"You truly are as much of a frigid Northern bitch as they say you are." he growled but she could see the glimmer of fear in his eyes. "It's no wonder Bolton had to break you in rough or his cock would have frozen off."

Humiliated and incensed by his words, Sansa lost focus for a split second and Harrold seized upon the opportunity crushing her wrist in his strong grip until the knife clattered to the stone. Panic filled her and she looked desperately for Tyrion, unable to see him past the large brute.

"I suggest you unhand Lady Sansa immediately Ser or" Tyrion spoke warningly.

"Or what dwarf?"

Just then a disembodied golden hand being wielded like a club smashed into the side of Harrold's head. "Or his good-sister is going to lay you out flat." came the voice of a triumphant and furious sounding Lady Brienne as Ser Hardyng crumpled to the ground in a heap.

Brienne was the portrait of a warrior goddess in her flowing gown as she stared down in disgust at the man at her feet. Behind Brienne stood Ser Jaime, who rather than looking sheepish that his wife had brandished his false hand as a weapon, stared at her with unabashed lust and adoration. Brienne kicked Hardyng and satisfied that he was out cold, handed her impromptu weapon back to her husband.

"Always happy to lend my wife a hand." Jaime quipped, causing looks of exasperation and annoyance from both Tyrion and Brienne. "Perhaps it's best if I just go fetch King Jon and some of the Kingsguard." he said pointing towards the door with his right hand clutched in his left before making a hasty exit.

Sansa, on the other hand, started giggling somewhat hysterically at Jaime's comment and frankly the whole scene. Brienne rushed forward to gather her in her arms and pulled her to a bench where Sansa's knees finally gave out. Her giggles quickly turned into shallow breathing as she started to hyperventilate and couldn't catch her breath causing the panic to escalate. She could vaguely hear Brienne talking to her over the pounding of the blood rushing through her ears but it was Tyrion's voice that finally breached the fear.

"Sansa" he said firmly, his voice strong and rich, "breathe slowly- sloooowwwly, in... and out, in and out." he grabbed her hand and she clutched onto it as if to a lifeline. She had closed her eyes as the dread overwhelmed her and opened them to see his beautiful green eyes so full of concern for her staring back at her own. Gods, was he always this handsome?

"It's ok Sansa, it's ok. Keep breathing slowly." He squeezed her hand and she marveled at how good and kind and clever this wonder of a man was. He had known something was wrong when he saw her. How did he know her so well and why oh why had she yelled at him so terribly the night before? It was stupid, it was all so stupid, and she was still the stupid girl with her same stupid girlish dreams who never should have left Winterfelll for the South again.

Tyrion dropped her hand, leaving Sansa feeling bereft, as Jon and two of his Kingsguard came flying out onto the balcony followed by Jaime. Jon rushed to Sansa's side grasping her face in his hands his eyes searching her for any injury. "Are you hurt?" he said, his voice low and fearful and his eyes full of love for her. Nodding an affirmative, she thought that if anybody had told her ten years ago, that the sibling she would be closest to would be Jon, she would have laughed in their face. For all the horror she had endured these last few years, this was one of the priceless gifts she had received. Jon was the living embodiment of Ned Stark, his father no matter what anybody said, more than any of the children of his body and she was damn lucky to have him as her brother and her King.

The Kingsguard hauled the so-called Knight of the Vale to his feet and he groaned as Jon listened to Sansa's story as well as Tyrion's and Brienne's. Retrieving Sansa's blade he returned it to her a smile quirking his lips. "Arya?" he said.

"Who else? Although I made poor Pod practice with me after this one" indicating the increasingly awake Hardyng "tried this before a few moons ago when I was visiting the Vale. I had him Jon, I did but he said" Sansa's face fell as she thought of the horrific words he had said (frigid bitch, broke you in rough) "cruel things to break my concentration. I wasn't prepared for that." She said feeling ashamed for her moment of weakness.

"It's a dirty tactic that most fighters learn to tune out with time." He pulled her in a hug. "You did well Sansa, very well and I'm proud of you." He handed her the knife. "Now what are you going to do with this man?" he asked.

"What am I going to do?" she queried. "You're King not I."

"Father always said the man, or in this case woman, who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Well, here's your sword" pointing at the gleaming blade "now what's the sentence?" Jon asked with a firmness in his voice.

Sansa felt emboldened by the hard steel in her hand and walked purposely to Hardyng staring him straight in the eye. She had been in this position twice before, first with Ramsey and then with Littlefinger. Both of whom had committed far worse sins against herself and her family and both of whom had underestimated her as Tyrion had once said. Sansa felt pleasure at the memory of those words so full of respect and with a queer hint of pride in her former husband's voice and wondered how that could be the same man that treated her like a child just last night. Dismissing the thought to focus on the task at hand and with Jon a step behind her bolstering her resolve, she addressed the pathetic excuse for a man in front of her who was suddenly wide awake as the Kingsguard gripped his golden locks and pulled his head up harshly to look at her.

"Ser Harrold" (what fool had knighted this ass she thought) "Twice you have tried to force yourself upon me, and twice you have failed although only narrowly. You have not only disgraced yourself, but the Knights of the Vale and the Seven Kingdoms, and my cousin Lord Arryn as well being his heir. I doubt with every fiber of my being that I am the only woman that you have tried to overpower but I am probably one of the few in a position to fight back. So for the safety and security of all the women of Westeros, I am offering you a choice." she paused before continuing, "castration" she flicked her wrist and her knife rested on his manhood as he winced "or banishment from the Seven Kingdoms here and now with naught but the clothes on your back. Please keep in mind that between my all- seeing-brother and Varys's birds we will always know where you are and what you are up to in case you don't seek to reform your ways."

"You ignorant cock tease. We could have ruled both the North and the Vale." he spat in anger at her.

"Oh and how would that be my dear friend?" a young, angry, masculine voice answered and Sansa turned to see that they had garnered a larger audience, including her cousin Robin who had spoken, as well as her Aunt, Uncle, an angry looking Podrick, and a stone faced Reyna who gave Sansa a nod of encouragement. "It is a good thing my cousin is passing the sentence as I do believe threatening the life of your liege Lord is punishable by death." Robin told Harrold.

"So which will it be?" Sansa asked.

"FUCKING CUNT!" he yelled at her lunging against the Kingsguards holding him back. He was promptly knocked unconscious again by a sharp uppercut from a furious Jon who had shouldered Sansa out of the way.

"Take him to the deepest part of the black cells until he is aware enough of his predicament to make his decision." Jon said to his men shaking his hand in pain. He turned to Sansa "I am certain he will choose banishment and I will discuss with Varys and Davos where he could do the least harm and what ship will deliver him there."

As Hardyng was dragged away, Jon slipped her arm through his and she sagged imperceptibly against his shorter but solid form. Solid-yes, that was what Jon was above all else and she grasped onto it like an anchor.

Surprisingly of the crowd it was Podrick that stepped forward, his anger dissipating noting that she was unharmed. "My Lady, Lord Tyrion told me what happened. Lady Arya would be proud of you."

"I'm afraid I'll never be a glimmer of my sister with a blade sadly. If it wasn't for Lord Tyrion distracting him, I'm not sure I would have been able to get my weapon out."

"Thank you my Lord." she dipped her head at Tyrion longing to but not wanting to meet his eyes as her emotions warred inside of her. Half of her wanted to throw herself in his arms seeking comfort and half of her wanted to push him away to show that she wasn't a weakling. She then turned to Podrick, "And thank you for practicing some of the moves Arya taught with me. I just wish I knew more and had been prepared for different scenarios."

Reyna spoke "You were better prepared than most Westerosi women I dare say. I wish more of us were taught some basic self defense moves like yourself. Not all of us are your sister or my cousin. Even a few basic moves can be enough to escape or call attention to an attack." She looked at Brienne, "Perhaps this would be something the Westerosi Women's Council could explore further with your help."

"I doubt my style of fighting would be the best to teach other women as most have a much slighter build than I do, but I do have an idea." Brienne replied. She turned to her husband. "Do you think Ser Addam might be interested in expanding his lessons beyond his daughters and nieces?"

"Ser Addam Marbrand, the Commander of the Gold Cloaks?" Jon asked.

"He's a childhood friend of mine and when we visited him earlier this week he was working with his eldest daughter and her cousins demonstrating some basic defense moves. He's simply seen too much in his position and wants to assure their safety anyway he can. I can arrange a meeting if you like." Jaime told Reyna. Her eyes lit up and she nodded her head in agreement.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea and I'm sure Danny will be thrilled about it but if you'll excuse us, I think it would be best if Sansa and I retire. It's been a trying night and I'd like to fill my wife in on all the details before the servants do." he smiled ruefully.

"Would you like us to escort you back to your room my Lady?" asked Brienne and Sansa was touched by the worry in her large blue eyes.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but please all of you enjoy the ball. I'll go with Jon to see Daenerys and he or his men can escort me back to the Tower." she said. She didn't particularly want to see the Queen and relive what just happened but she wasn't ready to be alone just yet. It was only when they finally reached Jon's solar, after finding Daenerys fast asleep for once, that she remembered Jon's promise that they would be having a long overdue talk tonight about what's been bothering her and she thoroughly regretted not taking Brienne up on her offer.

"Stop it." Jon said handing her a glass of the sweetened wine she enjoyed.

"Stop what?" Sansa asked guardedly taking the glass and a sip of the wine hoping to soothe her frazzled nerves.

"Acting like your preparing for hostile diplomatic negotiations with the more difficult Lords and Ladies here at the Summit. I've seen that look on your face on and off all week and I'd appreciate it if you'd drop it please. Can you do that for me Sansa?" Jon pleaded.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Sansa lied in reply.

"I'm your brother and I'm just concerned about you. This is not an interrogation." he said and she could hear the tinge of exasperation in his voice.

"Are you sure about that?" Sansa said defensively. The subtle movements of Jon's face made her realize that she was unintentionally hurting him when he was trying to be helpful. Letting her guard down, finally dropping her armor of courtesy, she sighed and gave him a lopsided smile of apology. "Sorry, you're right. I know you're just concerned about me but truly I'm fine Jon."

"I know that's not true. I wish you would trust me Sansa. I wish you would have told me about what happened at the Vale. This whole scene could have been avoided." Jon reproached her with a gentle tone.

Sansa sighed studying the fire before she admitted the truth "I was ashamed. Ashamed yet another man had tried to victimize me. I've tried to become as cold, unforgiving, and imposing as the Wall itself so no man would dare use and abuse me as Joffrey, Ramsey, or even Littlefinger did. And yet, there I was a helpless again. How can I be Wardeness of the North and protect our people when I need you, Arya, or even Tyrion to protect me?"

Jon narrowed his eyes. "First of all, in the end it was you that saved everyone when we retook Winterfell from the Boltons. I was the fool there for not listening to you and it's a mistake I'll never make again. Secondly, both you and Arya took down Littlefinger as a team but you were the one that finally realized the depth of his deception and manipulation. She was just the one to wield the weapon. As for Tyrion, you were a child hostage caught in the middle of a war and he is too good of a man to sit by and watch that happen."

Sansa shifted uncomfortably in her chair as Jon talked about Tyrion, breaking eye contact with him as well. Unfortunately, this didn't go unnoticed and like Ghost tracking a scent he started to close in on what had been bothering her. "I thought coming in here tonight, after the revelations on the balcony, I finally knew what was bothering you but this has little to do with Hardyng does it?"

Sansa didn't answer, which was in itself all the conformation Jon needed.

"Is it my wife's well meaning but foolish attempt to find Tyrion a bride? I told her she should have never roped you into it. I know you two are friends and all, but isn't it a bit odd to help find a former husband a new wife?" Jon said with a lilt of humor in his voice, but then it turned serious. "Is that what the quarrel between you was about?'

"No." Sansa said "But I did tell him that I was no longer going to help him find another wife." Dropping her voice, "I also told him I didn't think we should be friends anymore."

Confusion crossed Jon's boyishly handsome features. "Why? Because of a song? Why are you letting it bother you so much? Gods have you heard some of the ones about me and Daenerys? Or the new Lannister version of the Bear and the Maiden Fair?"

"The one where Jaime's the fair maiden?" Sansa couldn't help but laugh. "Brienne almost seems to enjoy that one."

Turning serious once more she answered, "It's not about the song, it's about how he sees me. I thought he saw me as an equal, someone who he could respect. Yet he hid this from me like I was still that girl that needed his protection. It changed the way I see him, the way I see and feel about our relationship."

"Sansa, I know he respects you and doesn't think of you as a child no more than he thinks of me as the bastard boy he left at the Wall. When I saw him for the first time in years, you were one of the first things he asked about. If you were alive and well, if you missed him terribly," Jon smiled and she could hear Tyrion's self-deprecating voice "And then after assuring me that your marriage was a sham he informed me that you were much smarter than you let on."

"He did?" Sansa couldn't hide her surprise. "And what was your response dear brother?"

"I said you were starting to let on." he said wryly and Sansa remembered how at odds they could be in those days.

"So you think he respects me because he said I'm not as dumb as I acted?" Sansa said.

"No. Because his response to me saying you were starting to let on how smart you were was an emphatic 'Good' from him. One of the things that man is good at seeing is potential, the potential of others. He saw it in me, Daenerys, Podrick, Bronn, and you."

Sansa couldn't help but agree with Jon. He had even recommended Reyna for her new position and by all reports she was thriving and the Council was bound to be a success. But there was something that still niggled at her. "But why would he shield me from something like that if he did respect me as he does others. And don't tell me it's because I'm a woman because we both know he would have told Daenerys or his friend Lady Loreyna." She hadn't meant to say her name with any bitterness but a trace came out all the same and Sansa felt ashamed for it. She had come to care for and respect Reyna but there was still an underlying level of jealousy that she hadn't managed to eradicate yet. And damned if Jon didn't pick up on it.

"Do you not like her? Danny adores her and I've heard nothing but the good she's doing."

"She's lovely. I actually quite like her." Sansa said avoiding Jon's piercing eyes by staring at the fire.

"I sense a but."

"No but." Jon was getting a little too close to the heart of the matter and Sansa tried to avoid the subject. "She'll make an excellent wife for Tyrion once she moves past her grief for her first husband."

"That's where you think their relationship is heading?"

"It's only logical. From what rumors I hear, Lord Selwyn will marry Lady Melessa Tarley within the year freeing up Loreyna to stay here in King's Landing in her new position with the Council." She shot a surprised Jon a sharp look. "Don't you dare tell Sam yet if he doesn't know. Anyway, they would both be here at King's Landing able to support each other in their career paths and understand the pressures they are under. It just makes sense to marry a friend, especially when children are not a consideration." Jon looked at her suspiciously and in a panic trying and failing not to sound shrill she added. "That was a thought that crossed my mind before Theon died. He was a friend that understood me in ways others didn't and we could have supported each other and then perhaps I wouldn't have had to deal with the likes of men like Hardyng if I was married, no matter what the circumstances of my marriage was."

Jon leaned back in his chair in disbelief, "You would have married Theon." He said flatly.

"Why not?"

"He was like a brother to you. He was like a brother to all of us. And no matter what he did in the end, how we forgave him, he still betrayed Robb and the North and none of your bannerman would have accepted him as the Lord of Winterfell." Jon said gently. "He also could have never given you children." he said his eyes full of sorrow.

Sansa was quiet for a minute regretting the ill thought words. She had never thought of how the rest of the North saw Theon. She had only remembered how he had come to Winterfell for her, for the North. She wondered for a flicker if he had felt more for her than sisterly affection. She had loved him in a brotherly way but mostly thought of the safety she would find with him, a man that she cared for and trusted, but not with her heart. A man that could offer the security of marriage, but who could not, would not, make demands of her in the marriage bed. Her heart stumbled a beat as she realized what it would have been, yet another sham marriage. Is that truly what she really wanted? Maybe at one time, maybe before the spark she felt for Tyrion had started to turn into a flame.

As if picking up on her thoughts he said "If you wanted a sham marriage to ward off suitors you might as well have just stayed married to Tyrion." He said it jokingly, but recognized by her crumbling face that he had finally nailed the crux of the matter.

"Is that why you're so upset? Because you want Tyrion to stop looking at other women so he'll marry you to keep you safe?" He grabbed her hand. "Don't you worry. I'll send a whole army of my most trusted men to Winterfell. Daenerys and I promised you that you would never have to marry again and I meant it. Marriage isn't something you need to do."

"Oh Jon." she sighed as the tears started to fall. "That isn't why I don't want him to marry." She raised her head and finally admitted the truth of the matter in the face of her brothers concerned gaze. "I don't want him to marry another woman because I'm in love with him!"