Sansa was relieved when Cersei kicked them out of her chambers. Although having Margaery and the other Tyrell cousins present did substantially make the afternoon easier to stomach, she was eager to get out from under the queen's dagger-like stare. She was looking forward to an uneventful evening with Tyrion, but Margaery kept hold on her arm, practically dragging her out towards the maidenvault where all the Tyrell women were residing until the royal wedding. Once there, the flock of women settled down onto pillows and picked up their sewing. They chattered easily to each other while they worked and Sansa was envious that the family was all here together and got along so well. Her mind flashed to her lost little sister and couldn't help the smile that came over her face. As if Arya would ever enjoy herself among these silly girls.

Margaery led her to a slightly more secluded spot and called for some light dinner to be sent up. "I hope your dashing husband will not mind me stealing you away for a bit" she teased with a smile. "I have so many questions and I know it must be hard to speak so in front of his own sister. Tell me truly," she gripped Sansa's arm. "How was it? Was he truly gentle with you? Did it hurt badly? Was it what you were expecting?"

The sudden onslaught of questions had Sansa sputtering. Trying to get her story straight, she took a deep breath and responded rather woodenly. "Lord Tyrion...He was very kind. He...he was patient with me and did not rush me and took his time to make sure I was comfortable." She knew she was a bad liar, so she tried to stick to what was actually true, but she didn't know how convincing she was.

Margaery nodded slightly, but was still looking at her expectantly. Sansa could feel a blush rising in her cheeks at the scrutiny and her failing. "It...was messier than I thought it would be." Finally Margaery raised her eyebrows and giggled.

"Yes, I'd expect so!" she laughed. "Was there very much blood? As a maiden soon to be wed I want to know what to expect." She fluttered her eyelashes modestly. Sansa faltered slightly. She was surprised that Margaery would ask her advice as it was only last week that Sansa was going to her for knowledge. Still she wracked her mind, trying to remember how big the stain was they had created on the sheets.

"Not...not very much. Just a little, really. I would not worry." Again, Margaery looked at her apprasingly before nodding.

"I see. But he was kind after? Did he do it the next morning?"

Again, Sansa thought to her conversation with Cersei. About how she should expect her husband to take her as often as possible. "Oh, yes. And the next night." She lied.

"You mentioned the creme the queen offered you. Did it work to ease the pain? I'm sure you only needed it after the first time..."

Sansa nodded. "Yes it worked quite well."

Their conversation was halted by the arrival of dinner. Sansa and Margaery spoke of the upcoming wedding for the rest of the evening, a change Sansa was glad for. She wasn't sure how convincing she was.

"What are you wearing, Lady Sansa?" The future queen asked as she took a sip of Arbour Gold.

"I'm having a new gown commissioned actually. A gift from Lord Tyrion." When she had showed him the numerous gowns in Lannister colors he had scoffed and sent for a seamstress. He had ordered gowns ranging in colors, all her favorites and all trimmed in grey or silver. A little touch of home. She described one of the finest to Margaery, a lovely plum gown with silver accents.

Margaery smiled widely before walking over to her vanity. "Then I have the perfect thing for you! I was going to wait until the wedding breakfast at the gift exchange, but now that I know it will match so perfectly, I just can't wait!" She took a box from the counter and brought it over to her. Sansa opened the gift and gasped at the finery inside. A lovely hairnet fixed with black crystals.

"Oh, Margaery!" She smiled up at her friend. "Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you so much!" She fingered the dark jewels and imagined them glinting off her copper hair. It would look marvelous with the gown she was waiting for. Margaery waved away her thanks with a flick of her wrist.

"We are family, after all Lady Sansa." Margaery's eyes twinkled while she examined her friend.

...

"It hasn't happened." A voice rang out in the darkness. "She remains a maiden still."

"Are you sure?" Came a hissed reply.

"Yes. The roses are certain. The imp has not spoiled her."

"Excellent...And the hairnet?"

"The she-wolf will wear it on the day. We may have had a bit of a setback, but the plan will go ahead as we intended."

"The stupid fool came to be useless in the end."

"Don't worry, he's been disposed of. He will not be able to tie this to us."

"He better not."

"Relax...in the end we will both have what we want."