The gown was beautiful, there was no denying it. The cloth of gold reflected the light, giving her an angelic glow and it was cut to show off her body. As Sansa stood in front of the mirror, surrounded by an army of handmaiden's and an ever-watching lioness, she looked like a woman grown. Although the gown was lovely, Sansa wished she could throw it in the fire. She would have happily watched the fine silk go up in flames. But as always, she had to smile and play the part of the nervous, but excited bride. She had hoped to wear her hair around her shoulders, as a northern maid should on her wedding day, but Cersei was quick to veto her decision. So her hair was brushed until it shined brightly and then pulled and pinned until it was up in an elaborate, southron style. Looking at her reflection, she didn't see anything of her home. She was surrounded by strangers, dressed in red and gold silks, hair up in a birds nest, being given away to a liar without any family or comforts of the north.

As the handmaiden's finished, Cersei stood and circled her apprasingly. Not for the first time, Sansa likened the queen to the lioness she claimed to be, stalking her prey, looking for weaknesses. She was also swathed in Lannister colors, though her gown was mostly crimson. It was almost as fine as Sansa's own, as if the queen were trying to compete with the bride on her wedding day. With a dissatisfied look, Cersei nodded.

"You'll do, I guess" she sneered before calling for her guards to escort them to the sept. "Now, little dove, you are familiar with the ceremony? You know the words? Not that it would matter. Regardless to your actions, you WILL be married today. But my father will not be happy if you humiliate us." Cersei squeezed Sansa's arm to the point of pain and she winced.

"I know the words, your grace" she muttered and Cersei smiled smugly.

"There's a good little girl. If you stay obedient and listen to me, I might be able to make you into a true lady of Lannister. If my idiot brother doesn't ruin you, that is"

...

When they arrived in the sept, the queen left Sansa at the door, going to stand with her father in the front. Sansa took this moment alone to gather her thoughts, trying to focus on the words she was supposed to say. Such serious and binding words...

Suddenly a slow clap came from behind her and she whirled around, sinking to a curtsy when she saw the king. Joffrey was looking at her hungrily.

"My lady, Sansa" he smirked at her. "What a vision you are."

"I thank you, your grace. Your mother, the queen, was kind enough to help me get ready for today."

"Yes, I shall have to thank her. You look quite lovely draped in Lannister colors. I'll have to have some new gowns made for you. I don't think this one will last the evening." He reached out his hand and touched the color of her dress before running his hands over the soft skin of her neck. Suddenly his fingers wrapped around her throat, though he didn't squeeze-just held her still. Sansa's heart beat wildly in fear, though she knew with the whole court not a few feet away, he would not truly hurt her.

"I'm looking forward to the bedding ceremony, my lady." His eyes climbed down her body, hesitating at the plunging neckline. "And to the moment when my uncle brings you to me..." Sansa met his eyes and he chuckled at the panic in them. "Yes, Sansa. You know that as the king, I can have any woman I want, married or no. Besides, I'm sure you'll be begging for a real man after my imp uncle disappoints you. Now come," he took her arm, "Let me escort you to your new husband."

Sansa was led down the aisle white as a sheet, her face bloodless and her eyes wide with fear. Even Margaery's encouraging smile as they passed her did little to ease her nerves, though their conversation the other day had calmed her insecurities. Finally she looked up at Tyrion and was taken aback by the look on his face. Tyrion's brow was furrowed in rage and his eyes were glaring daggers at Joffrey. Sansa chanced a look over her shoulder and saw that Tyrion had a great view of where Joffrey had threatened her. He looked positively murderous as they climbed the steps. Joffrey was obviously pleased to both terrorize her and anger his uncle in one fell swoop and he grinned wickedly at Tyrion before bending over and taking the step stool that had been sitting there to assist him. Tyrion and Sansa both looked in shock at this action before meeting eyes for the first time since they had talked. As Joffrey walked back down to the audience while snickering, Sansa felt embarrassment and anger bubble up in her. How dare he shame Tyrion that way? When the time came for the groom to cloak the bride, Sansa did not hesitate to sink to her knees and assist him with the clasp. As she turned around, clothed in a long red cape embroidered with a roaring lion, she saw relief and gratitude in Tyrion's eyes. She narrowed her gaze at him. Just because she was a decent person did not mean that she trusted him.

When the septon called for a kiss to seal their union, Sansa closed her eyes and thought about the Godswood in Winterfell. Thought about swimming there with her siblings in the warm summer days and laying out on the cool rocks to dry. It almost worked, taking her mind away from the sept until Tyrion's lips brushed against hers. The moment was half a heartbeat, but Sansa registered how warm his lips were and how gently he kissed her. Before she knew it, he had pulled away and Sansa almost lamented that it had not been longer. She opened her eyes to see his flushed face looking away from her. She didn't have time to say anything to him though as the crowd of well wishers rushed forward to congratulate the new couple.

Cersei squeezed her arm tightly as if giving sisterly comfort, but the cold look in her eyes took any warmth from the gesture. Joffrey was clearly pouting, unhappy that his cruelty went unnoticed, but Lord Tywin glared at him, keeping him from voicing his complaints. Tywin looked down on Sansa, his cold, apprasing eyes making Sansa shiver. "Congratulations, my lady." He growled smoothly. "I look forward to hearing of an heir." With that the Lannisters turned as one and led the way to the grand hall for the wedding feast.

Sansa looked down at her little husband and the two met eyes. He was looking up at her hopefully, but she just turned and took Margaery's arm, following the rest of the procession.