Sansa was determined to enjoy this day. The weather was absolutely stunning for the event, she was wearing a deep, plum gown of the finest silks, her hair was pulled through the elegant, newly-fixed gift from her friend, and she looked like a true, grown lady. Glancing in the mirror, she couldn't help but see her own mother staring back at her. She was looking more and more like her departed lady mother and she couldn't help the comfort that came with seeing Lady Catelyn's eyes looking at her every time she saw her reflection. Especially today, with her rich, auburn locks arranged into an elegant, yet distinctly northern style incorporated around the hair net. The queen had sent a few handmaids to help Sansa ready herself for today's events, but Tyrion had put his foot down when they had started fussing with her hair.
"She's a lady of the north, not some fretting southron who needs to pull thin, brittle hair up in a nest. You will leave it down, wavy, if my lady likes it" He had winked at her as the maids had huffed and allowed his fingers to ghost over a thick lock before turning and picking out his own outfit for the day. The gentle touch had so soft she had almost not felt it, but a blush had risen in her cheeks regardless and she couldn't help but stare after him as he sauntered away from her. She had bitten her lip to staunch the heat flooding her face and turned back to the maids, nodding at them to follow their lord's command. And now she looked just like her lady mother. She would truly stand out from all the mousy, pale things here at court. Perhaps with Tyrion at her side, that wouldn't be as terrifying as it was only a few months ago. Joffrey had even left her alone since that day in court.
Still...Tyrion's presence would protect her from most of Joffrey's attacks, but she could tell the boy king still wished her harm. Her only true escape would be leaving King's Landing and putting as much distance as she could between she and Joffrey. She knew that Tyrion was working towards getting permission to take her back to the rock, but there was only one man who could grant that. Only one man who could truly protect her.
So as Tyrion led her towards the family breakfast, Sansa spent the entire trip steeling herself. She listened with only half an ear at his jokes and stories as her eyes narrowed in at the high table where all the Lannister's were seated. Sansa felt a small twinge in her heart that that now included her. Still, she was thankful that she and Tyrion where seated as far as possible from Joffrey, who was nestled smugly between the queen and the hand. Sansa met eyes with the old lion who quickly took in their appearance before glancing away again disinterested. They must look suitable enough for uncle and aunt to the king.
They took their places and within moments, breakfast had been served. Noticing a plate stacked high with lemon cakes placed directly in front of them, Sansa couldn't help but glancing down at her husband, who smiled wryly. Overcome with gratitude at such a small gesture, she laced her fingers with his and squeezed, causing his face to light up. He patted her fingers indulgently before using the moment to steal one of the powdered confections from her plate. She rolled her eyes at his antics before catching the moment she was waiting for.
She watched Tywin stand and make his way from the high table. Not wanting to lose her chance or her nerve, she quickly took a gulp of much needed wine before standing and following him swiftly. She ignored Tyrion's look of confusion as she strode away from him. He would understand once she explained later. If she tried to tell him now, she knew he would only try to convince her otherwise.
Once they were a proper distance from Joffrey or Tyrion she called out to the old lion. "My lord hand?" He turned and she swept into a deep curtsy, one she would offer a king. Truth be told, he was the de facto king here in kings landing and she was sure he would appreciate the deference. It at least seemed to grant her his attention as he turned and looked down at her.
"Lady Sansa" he greeted and she rose, willing herself to stay strong and stand tall.
"My lord, I was hoping to discuss something of importance with you."
Lord Tywin's eyebrow rose in interest and he nodded towards her.
"A...sensitive matter..." She glanced up at the high table and was terrified to see that she had the whole Lannister families attention. Cersei looked murderous, Joffrey looked annoyed and Tyrion's face was etched with concern. Still, the hand snorted slightly before offering his arm, leading her further from their prying eyes and alert ears.
"Now. What is it that I can help you with, Lady Sansa?" his gravelly voice struck fear into her heart, but she swallowed dryly and forced herself to keep her hands from shaking. The last thing she wanted was for him to think her a scared little girl.
"I wanted to ask your assistance, my lord." She started, taking a deep breath. "I do not think I have to waste time informing you of the kings...interest in me..." She almost saw a glint of amusement in the man's eyes, though his face remained unchanged and he nodded. "I believe it in all our best interests if that attention is... diverted." Now Tywin looked away, a bored expression on his face.
"And why would the king's interest be of any concern of mine?" He spoke dully and Sansa fought not to let panic take over her. This was the one man who could truly make Joffrey leave her alone. He had to listen to her! Her mind swam with how to get the lion's attention back.
So she spoke the word that Tyrion had so often drolly repeated. "Legacy." His eyes snapped back to her and she couldn't help the swell of accomplishment. "Sir Jaime cannot wed nor inherit Casterly Rock." She reasoned. "Which means it will be my son who carries on the Lannister name. It would not do for there to be any suspicion as to the legitimacy of my children. Therefore it would be in the interest of house Lannister to protect it's legacy and encourage the king to divert his affections...elsewhere."
A tense moment passed and Sansa held her breath as the Lion of Lannister stared her down before he finally softened his glare and nodded.
"I was planning on sending the two of you to the rock as soon as you announced your pregnancy. My son has been adamant that you need to be removed from the king's notice, but I see waiting until then might be too late. There could be no determining which Lannister fathered the child if it were conceived in King's Landing."
Sansa still held her breath, knowing her fate rested with this decision.
After another thoughtful moment Tywin spoke again. "Once the wedding ceremonies are over, you have my leave to go. I will announce it tomorrow and once you are both packed and a suitable host can be amassed, you will head to Casterly Rock." Sansa sighed in relief, knowing that she would soon be free. She moved to sweep into another curtsy, but the lion's fingers encircled her arm harshly, halting her movement. She met his eyes again and was taken aback by the ice in them.
"But understand this, Lady Sansa. You will have four months of peace before I expect to hear news of an heir on the way. If you are not pregnant by then, you will return here where I will see to it that you carry any Lannister child."
Cold and fearful again, she could nothing but nod wordlessly. Satisfied by his decision, Tywin took her arm again, much more gently, and led her back to the high table where Tyrion was looking on anxiously. He stood to collect her from his father and pulled her chair out to ease her back to her place. He didn't ask her anything, for which she was resoundingly grateful, but she allowed him to take her frozen hands and warm them in his. She pointedly ignored the curious looks from the other occupants of the table and just focused on the comfort her husband was offering her.