Tyrion stretched his neck and felt the bones shift, giving off a noisy popping sound. He sighed heavily and pushed the heavy ledger closed. This damned wedding would be the death of him. He had already been working for hours and it was not even half day yet. And the gods knew he would never get any appreciation for his hard work and thriftiness. Thank the gods it was almost over. He would need a vacation as soon as the royal couple was wedded and bedded, that was for sure. A lengthy one. Perhaps he'd take Sansa to see the world with him. She seemed interested enough in his multiple stories and readings of the free cities, though perhaps more enthralled with the food and clothes and architecture than the history like he was. Still, the thought of seeing her blue eyes brighten as she saw the gates of the red keep being left in the distance made him smile. It was the least he could give her after everything that had happened. He still couldn't believe his luck that instead of pushing him away after her tragedy, she seemed to be allowing him all the closer. It gave him hope that one day they could actually be happy together-with a true marriage.
He would never push her faster than she was ready for, of course. He had accepted she may never think of him that way before he had even gone through with the wedding. But the way her lips would turn up slightly when he glanced towards her... the way her smile was that much brighter in their rooms than he had ever seen it before...the way her body naturally relaxed against his as they laid in bed together...even the few times he thought he had caught a slight blush to those lovely cheeks when he praised her...Yes-they all gave him hope that maybe one day they could be more than just partners thrown together and making the most of it.
He didn't think he'd ever have this opportunity-this chance that someone might actually feel something like this for him. Let alone a beautiful, educated, kind, loving, high born lady like Sansa. Had he not known for certain that his father had none of this in mind when he had forced them together, he might even find it within himself to be grateful to him for arranging it. But he knew that even if Sansa truly hated him and was revolted by the thought of being his wife, his father would not care in the slightest. So it was his lovely wife to who he felt grateful. Grateful beyond belief that she would look past his last name and his stunted body enough to be at least friends with, let alone what he hoped for. It was the least he could do to give her everything that was within his power to give-whether it be gowns, books, protection or escape from this hell she had been living in.
As if on cue, a knock came from the door and Bronn led in a scruffy-looking, sunken-eyed apprentice. Tyrion waved him closer, confused by his presence until his eyes locked on the items in the man's hands.
"Ah! Just in time" He cried with a grin, swinging his legs and hopping down from his perch. The ledgers could burn for all he cared. He reached out for the box and the man quickly handed it over. Tyrion opened the lid and surveyed the glistening hairnet inside. It truly was an elegant piece of jewelry and he could understand why Sansa had been upset that it had been damaged. It looked perfect now, though, and he was pleased he would be able to present it to her in time to wear to the royal wedding on the morrow. He smiled up at the apprentice and waved for Bronn to fetch a coin purse from the desk.
"Fine work, as always" he praised.
"Yes m'lord" the youth said quickly, "Better than before, t' tell the truth. Some of those stones practically crumbled into dust as soon as they were touched! The master replaced them, o' course. They're made of stronger stuff now."
Tyrion nodded absentmindedly, wondering if Margaery knew whatever jeweler she had commissioned had cheated her. "You must send Master Lowell my compliments." He assured the youth, but noticed the man flinch and his own brow furrowed. "Though Lowell usually comes to deliver himself...?"
"I'm 'fraid the master has fallen ill, m'lord...Some coughing fit that seems likely to choke the life right from him..." the boy looked at his feet and Tyrion felt instant pity for him. The poor boy probably depended on his benefactor greatly and must be fearful of his potential demise. He glanced towards Bronn who made a face before dramatically returning to the drawer and withdrawing another heavy, clinking pouch. He tossed it unceremoniously to his dwarf friend who caught it and sent the sell sword a withering look. Turning back to the boy, Tyrion was unsurprised to see tears welling in his eyes.
"Here, boy.." He spoke gently, pushing the extra sack into his palm. "Go to the street of sisters. At the bottom of Visenya's hill there will be a small hut that belongs to Septa Elya. Don't let her sharp tongue deceive you, she's the best there is. Give her this," he gestured to the pouch," and tell her I sent you. After she's finished insulting me, she'll help your master." He winked at the boy who smiled shakily, thanked him profusely and left.
Bronn chuckled behind him once the youth had fled. "You think that old witch will save the man?" Septa Elya had practically saved Tyrion and his brother on multiple occasions and Tyrion did not doubt the woman's healing hands. But whatever gentlness the gods had blessed her fingers with, they had taken it from her mouth. She was a sharp, brittle woman who had instantly disliked Bronn and his dark humour and had chased him out the first time Tyrion had sent him to her. Tyrion had to admit he was surprised that the woman tolerated him, but then again, he always came with a purse full of gold.
"If anyone can help the poor fellow, it'd be her." He opened up the box and surveyed the contents again. The hairpiece was certainly a finely wrought piece of jewelry and Master Lowell had restored it quite flawlessly-perhaps even improved it if the boy was the believed. If the man managed to recover, Tyrion would make sure that he used them for all of the fine gifts he had in store for his wife. Lowell will be one of the most paid jewelers in kings landing if he was in charge of designing for the new Lady of the Rock.
A/N: Again, thank you all so much for your patience 3 Next chapter will be the beginning celebrations for the wedding!