The wailing was unending and obscenely distracting. The first few hours of the first day was almost satisfying for Sansa. After all, Joffrey had tormented her for years and hearing him cry out in agony pressed on a cruel streak that he had beaten into her. But as the hours and then days ticked past, Sansa's heart had overcome whatever sense of justice she felt and now she just wanted his suffering to end. No one deserved the pain he was obviously enduring-not even Joffrey.
One good thing about Joffrey's incapacitation was that Sansa could freely walk about the Red Keep unafraid. The king was bedridden and the queen mother refused to leave her son's side-leaving the halls almost empty of threats. However, they were not empty of everything-Tywin had lifted the restrictions and all the visiting wedding guests were now left to their own will to mingle and walk to Keep. Once cleared of suspicion, most took the opportunity to flee back to the safety of their own homes. But the gossip-mongers and the opportunists stayed to see what would happen to the lions now that their king had fallen.
But Tywin was quicker than most to secure his position and that of his family. Even though Joffrey still clung to life, the old lion had taken Tommen under his wing. The little boy followed his grandfather everywhere and was at his side as every decision was made. He had also played his card with the Tyrells as well- the battle of wills between the great Lion of the West and the Queen of Thorns was one for the ages. But in the end, Sansa knew Tywin would claim victory. The man was formidable and while Olenna was unequaled in wit, Tywin was the better strategist.
Sansa was enjoying a leisurely stroll through the gardens, when a crimson liveried man approached, bowing slightly before her respectfully.
"Lady Lannister, our Lord Hand requests your presence in his solar." Sansa nodded and followed the man. As she walked, she bit down a slight smile. The last few times she had been fetched by any of the royal family, she had been ordered about and escorted under guard. How her position was rising now that Joffrey was fading from this world. As she passed courtiers, they bowed their heads respectfully and while there were whispered words, they were better hidden than the smirks when she was just a traitor's daughter.
As she was escorted into Lord Twyin's chambers, she noticed again how changed they were from when Tyrion took residence there. While Tyrion had always managed to make the lavishly decorated rooms homey and welcoming, in Tywin's possession, they were austere and cold. The man himself sat at his desk furiously writing and he barely registered her entrance. After a few moments of silence, he finally addressed her with clinical courtesy.
"Lady Sansa, please sit," she did so. He took his place opposite her and fixed her with his intense, green stare. It took every ounce of training her septa had given her as a child not to fidget under that gaze, but Mordane would have been proud of her today- sitting serenely like a lady waiting to be addressed. If Tywin was impressed with her stature, he did not show it. Though perhaps, for a woman, the absence of disdain and disappointment was equal to respect from a man like Tywin.
"I see that you are recovering quite well," his gaze rested on her cheek where the bruise was beginning to fade. "I have been reflecting on our conversation we had the morning of the wedding. I am disappointed that an heir has not yet been conceived. I trust my son is doing his duty? I hope that you are doing yours?" Sansa felt a wave of embarrassment overtake her, but she forced herself to stay still.
"We have," she confirmed quietly.
"You are still young and come from fertile, noble stock. Your handmaids confirm that your courses come regularly- is that correct?"
Forgive me, my lord. It seems that with the...excitement that has gripped the capital as of late, that I have not properly tracked my courses." Her cheeks flamed at discussing such a tender topic, but the old lion's eyes were unforgiving and demanding.
"I see," he clipped. He seemed to think for a moment before sighing slightly. "I had discussed with my son the importance of an outward show of unity within the Lannister family, but as our investigation drags on, I see that it would be most prudent for your trip to Casterly Rock to occur sooner rather than later. I would see the two of you settled and expect to hear of an heir imminently." While his words brought her nothing but joy, his harsh tone still had her almost trembling. But then he cut his icy glare and something softer flooded his features.
"You have been taught well, Lady Sansa. You will make a fine Lady of the Rock. You are not unlike my late lady wife, Johanna. She had your gentleness and kindness. I expect you to uphold the courtesies you were raised with and bring decorum to Casterly Rock. Decorum that my son has lacked. This is your duty to House Lannister. Do not forget the terms of our arrangement. I expect to hear news of an heir."
Sansa swallowed thickly and nodded her head in supplication. The old lion nodded quickly before picking up his quill again. Their audience was at an end.
"You and my son will leave for The Rock in three days."