The hundredth chapter of "A Rose and a Lion".

Takes place not long after the events at Riverrun.


SANSA XI

She opened her eyes to a ceiling of stone. Her breathing was constant, her heart quietly beating, her body still. She made no nightmare in her sleep. Slowly, she sat on her bed, then stood up. Her feet met the marble of the floor. Around her, in the room she was given when arrived at Casterly Rock, all the necessary furniture was there, even more comfortable than her room in King's Landing. A desk, three chairs, a fireplace where the remains of a fire still left some smoke dancing, a table, a large bed, a glass, a window with closed panels.

Sansa had seen with her very eyes how Casterly Rock was built in the stone of a mountain when she arrived. However, some parts of the huge castle weren't carved, but rather built upon the mountain. Such was the case of Sansa's room.

The day of her arrival, she had looked outside the window and down. There was a long fall of dozens of feet, following a straight facade of the castle. Anyone who jumped from there would die when his body would hit the steep stone below, then probably roll into the sea. The Lannisters weren't about to let her escape.

It was almost a month since Lady Margaery had left the castle. Sansa felt very alone in the beginning. The Lady of Casterly Rock and her handmaiden, Mira, were the only people she knew and got along well in this place. She spent time praying, in the Stone Garden and the sept, and walking in removed trails in the gardens. She was always followed by two knights to" ensure her safety ". She ate alone in her room and spent some time in the library. Sometimes, she would watch the knights and squires practice in one of the many courtyards of the castle. Sansa still couldn't believe a castle could be so big. Mira told her the underground, which included the mines, was far larger.

Lord Tyrion had summoned her twice to ask her how she was and if she needed anything. They even dined together once. Lady Genna Frey, who everyone called Genna Lannister here, also invited her a few times. The friends, handmaidens and ladies-in-waiting of Margaery invited her to take part to their activities quite often. At first, Sansa politely refused them. She wanted to spend time alone. As time passed, she accepted their invitations, making embroidery, playing music, walking in the gardens with them. She settled into a routine. While she remained with the Tyrell people, some of the Lannisters began to display a more casual behavior towards her. Lady Dorna Swyft, whose sons and husband were being held by Robb, asked her if they could pray together the few times they crossed paths in the sept. Sansa also got along quite well with Lanna Lannister, the daughter of Ser Damion Lannister who acted as castellan of Casterly Rock in Lord Tyrion's absence, and the wife of Ser Antonio Jast who actually fought in the Riverlands. She was fifteen, barely older than Sansa, and married to a man over twice her age who had three sons from a previous marriage. One of her step-sons was older than she was.

Sansa opened the window. The sun was beginning to appear on the horizon. She decided to go to the sept before she would break her fast. She called her handmaiden to help her dress, then went alone to pray. She was halfway to her destination when two knights intercepted her.

"Lady Sansa, Lord Tyrion wants to speak with you. We have orders to escort you to him."

Sansa followed them. The soldiers frightened her with the way they behaved and walked. This wasn't an invitation for dinner since they were far too soon, and certainly not for breakfast either. They would have told her if that was the case. It would have been an invitation, not an order.

Lord Tyrion's rooms, which he shared with his wife, weren't that far from hers, but despite this she had to climb two stairs to reach the golden doors that gave access to them. Inside, the small lord and his aunt, Lady Genna, were already engaged in a very loud discussion when she arrived.

"I hope you don't intend to remain idle. Your father would never have allowed such a thing."

"I know it damn well, Genna. But unlike my father, I won't pay my debts only because they were Lannisters. And unlike my father, I won't commit the same crime they did."

"Lady Sansa Stark is here, my lord, as you commanded," one of the knights said. The two Lannisters turned their eyes on her immediately. Lord Tyrion's face was severe. As for his aunt, she was definitely hostile. Sansa didn't know what to do of it. So far, the Lord of Casterly Rock had always been kind to her, and Lady Genna, although sharp and straight, never showed disrespect to her. Did she do something wrong? Sansa couldn't remember anything reprehensible she did lately. She spent her days in inoffensive leisure, always watched by two knights and most of the time in company of other women in service of House Lannister. The only times she wasn't being watched over was when she was in her personal room, resting, sleeping or taking a bath. And she never did anything suspicious while there. The only time she could remember when she did something wrong was about a month ago, when she wrote…

Her heart stopped. The letter she gave to Mira Forrester. Could they be aware of it? Did Mira betray her? Was she caught? But she was with Lady Margaery, far from here. How could they know?

"Lady Sansa, please have a seat." She executed herself, doing the movements without thinking." Do you want some wine?"

Usually, she didn't drink much, but considering the situation and her frightened state, she decided to accept the offer.

"Yes, my lord. I thank you."

As he poured the wine, Sansa thought that she might have made a mistake. She usually declined wine when someone offered some, in part because her father didn't allow them to take much, in part because Joffrey used to offer her a lot of it. If Lord Tyrion and Lady Genna noticed that change…

The Lord of Casterly Rock pushed the cup in her direction. Slowly, Sansa grabbed it and only drank a little sip, while watching the reactions of the two people in front of her. Lord Lord Tyrion, sitting behind his desk, wearing a black and red doublet, looked at her directly. Most of the time, there was a look of pity in him for her, but today nothing resembling. As for his aunt, she stood at the side of the desk, towering both of them with her height and weight. The look she gave to Sansa sent chills down her spine. But then she moved her head to stare at her nephew.

"So, now, are we done serving wine to our enemies?"

"Calm down, Genna. She wasn't at Riverrun when it happened. She certainly didn't know about it, and it is even less likely she committed this crime."

Sansa didn't understand. Riverrun? Why would she have been at Riverrun. She struggled to stabilize the cup of wine, both her hands shaking. She tried to lay back the cup on the table so to not attract attention.

"My lady, it is my duty to inform you of recent events," the Lord of Casterly Rock began." My wife, Lady Margaery, reached Riverrun and proposed an alliance to your brother Robb to end this war that plagued our families for over a year. I'm afraid your brother flatly refused."

So she wouldn't be free. Sansa didn't really have high hopes, even though Margaery seemed sincere in her desire to bring back peace between the Lannisters and the Starks.

"I'm sorry to hear it, my lord. You've been very kind to me, and very kind to my family for this other chance at peace. I know my brother will pay for his rebellion."

He sighed. Normally, in his sigh, Sansa heard a regretting tone. This time, there was no such thing. It sounded more like exasperation, annoyance. And again, she didn't see the pity in his eyes when he looked at her.

"While my wife was at Riverrun, a tragedy happened. Do you know a man called Rickard Karstark?"

"Yes, he's the Lord of Karhold. But I only met him a few times when he visited Winterfell. I mean, I didn't know him personally."

"Well, during the night my lady wife stayed at Riverrun, Lord Karstark walked into the cell of Martyn and Willem Lannister. They were my cousins, the sons of my uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister. Lord Karstark killed them in cold blood. He plunged a dagger into their heart and he killed them, while they were sleeping."

Sansa panicked. She remembered that her father used to say that Lord Karstark was one of the most powerful men in the North. He was also a distant cousin, House Stark and House Karstark sharing common ancestors.

"Martyn was fifteen, and his brother barely fourteen. They were not far from your age," Lady Genna commented.

"My lord, I swear, I had no idea of what my brother intended." She tried to keep her voice calm and measured. "You were very kind to offer him another chance to redeem himself and he betrayed you. Whatever punishment you have in mind for him, I can only agree."

Lord Tyrion smiled for a very short moment before returning to his stern face." My lady, you don't have to hide behind courtesies. I know very well you have nothing to see with the murder of my cousins. We cannot be held accountable for our family's crimes. I'm very well placed to know that. But I cannot do as if nothing happened. From now on, you won't be allowed to leave your rooms. You'll have to stay in day and night. You will still have access to a handmaiden for your needs, but you shall receive no visits without my approval. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord. I understand."

"Good. These men will escort you back to your rooms. I wish you a good day, my lady."

Sansa allowed the four men in red armor to lead her on her way back. Not that she had a choice, but it would be better if she allowed them to do their duty than if they dragged her by force.

Back in her rooms, alone, she sat down and let the worst of her fears get outside. They didn't find out about the letter she wrote to her family. She was safe. Her family, however… Did they really do this? Lady Genna just told her the two boys were about her age. Could the Lannisters kill her for this? Joffrey and Cersei certainly would have. With Lord Tyrion and Lady Margaery, her life was safe, but she was just proved she was not protected from punishment.

She looked around her room. She would have to stay here for a while. Would Lord Tyrion relent and allow her to leave again after some time? She was progressively given more freedom of movement as time went on back in King's Landing, after her father was executed. Maybe she could hope for the same here. She had to keep a low profile and do exactly as she was told.

Still, she felt all this was unfair. She had finally managed to get used to Casterly Rock and her relative freedom. She was free to participate with the other ladies in their leisure, free of her movements and to speak to whoever she wanted. She felt safe, free of Joffrey, Cersei and their lackeys. She was a guest. Now she was a prisoner again.

This was a comfortable prison all the same. She had everything she needed here. They didn't put her in a cell. The knights who escorted her to Lord Tyrion and back to her rooms didn't seem evil, though this could mean nothing. The kingsguards in the capital were nice to her until Joffrey ordered them to beat her. Would it come to that here as well? She tried to convince herself that it wouldn't, but she couldn't shake her fear that her hours of nightmares in King's Landing might not be over yet.

The door opened. A girl she didn't see before was carrying a tray with fruits and bread on it.

"Where is Pipa?" That was the name of the handmaiden who attended Sansa ever since the day she arrived at Casterly Rock. She had managed to become friendly with her. The new handmaiden didn't say a word. She just laid the tray on the table and left.

Sansa understood immediately. She had become close to Pipa. Removing her was a punishment, and also a way to make sure no servant would want to help her. They were literally confining her to her rooms, preventing anyone from visiting her unless he or she had an authorization from Lord Tyrion himself, which he would probably never give. She was alone.

Resigned, Sansa sat and proceeded to eat. The tray was full, and with food of quality. They weren't going to starve her, though the food looked like it had been thrown in the tray without care. She was in a golden cage once more.

The day went without incident. She ate her three meals alone. Each time, the new handmaiden brought the tray full and came back later to carry it out empty, once Sansa was done. She never said a single word. Sansa spent the morning watching the sun through the window, until noon arrived. Then she only watched the sky that turned darker as the day went on. She had nothing else to do. She was to remain quiet for now. She wasn't to cause any problem. The fewer she would cause, the better her situation would get. There was nothing she could do for now anyway.

Only in the evening, long after she dined, did someone who was able to speak came to visit her. That was Lady Genna Lannister. She closed the door quite heavily, provoking a loud sound as it slammed against the rock.

"Good evening, my young girl," she said.

"I wish you a good evening, Lady Genna."

She didn't add that she was pleased to see her, which was somewhere between the lie and the truth. Genna Frey didn't like exaggerated courtesies and always reprimanded Sansa when she did so, at least when addressing her.

"I suppose your day was quite lonely."

"Yes, my lady."

"Good. That was the intent. Will you invite me to sit or do I have to take the initiative?"

Sansa indicated she could sit. Lord Tyrion's aunt sat heavily in the chair. Sansa took place on the other side.

"First, my young girl, you must know that my nephew is gone. He announced to everybody the horrible news, about the assassination of Martyn and Willem, and then he rode to war against your brother. He is no longer here to protect you."

Sansa again felt a surge of fear inside of her. If neither Lord Tyrion nor Lady Margaery were here… She was in danger.

"Still, he left special instructions in his absence. There are four men, knights among the most loyal to their lord, who are guarding this door." She pointed the said door behind her with her big thumb." They are not to let anyone enter without searching him first, and one of them also tastes your food before they let a servant bring it to you. The reason why me nephew doesn't let you leave this place is for your own safety. Two young Lannisters just got killed, and you're the only Stark here someone could be tempted to take his revenge on."

Sansa's fear didn't lessen, but somehow she found it logical. Lord Tyrion had never seemed to want anything bad to happen to her. Lady Genna resumed.

"Furthermore, we are to provide you with everything you need while you are being… confined. If you want something special to be prepared for you, you can ask and we will tell the cooks. If you need anything to distract you, music instruments to play, tissue to sew and make embroidery, paper and ink to write, books you want to read, you can tell your guards and we will see if we can provide them to you. We can even arrange for a septa to visit you for your religious needs if you wish, but you will receive no one else. While my nephew and his wife are away, I rule the Rock, and I won't allow anybody to see you as long as I'm in charge. And don't try to talk to Yanna, she is a mute. She cannot speak."

Despite the good news Lady Genna brought, Sansa couldn't miss the hard way in which she talked, nor the obvious hostile attitude she displayed.

"You know what Dorna is doing right now? Crying. Crying and despairing. She lost her first son at King's Landing, and now the two others are dead, slaughtered by your brother's men, in the castle where your mother grew up. Her children were everything for Dorna, and now all she has left is Janei, who is still only a baby. All that by your brother's fault."

Sansa remembered the times she prayed with Lady Dorna in the sept. She was always kind with her, not an ounce of malice or bad will.

"Lady Genna," Sansa said," I never wanted this to happen. I knew Ser Kevan in King's Landing. He was always good to me, just like his wife, and he was a good friend of my father. I never wanted anything to happen to them or their children."

Even though Ser Lancel beat her on one occasion, his father had always been kind, and Sansa couldn't forget how he was humiliated by Cersei in front of the whole court. And for his wife, losing two children…

"I know, but that doesn't change what happened. Your brother might not have killed them with his own hand, but he let someone else do it. You're lucky my nephew is not letting his own men do the same with you. He's not like your brother."

"Robb would never have done such a thing."

"And yet he did. He failed to protect two of us. And Tyrion doesn't want the same to be said about him. The Lannisters always pay their debts, and your brother will have to pay his for what happened."

Lady Genna stood up. Before she left, she cast one last glance at Sansa.

"I know you had no hand and no say in my nephews' murders. I know you're not guilty of anything, Sansa. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But in this world, sometimes women must pay for the errors of men. It is sad, but this is the way of the world, and it won't change. You better remember this."

Lady Genna Frey left on those words. Sansa knew she was right. She experienced it firsthand. Joffrey made her pay for her brother's doings. He also made her pay because he enjoyed it. With Lord Tyrion and Lady Margaery, for a time, she thought she was safe. She was wrong. She was safer, but not safe.

Sansa looked at the fire her new handmaiden, Yanna, had lit when she came to take back the last tray. It was this way, burned like one of the logs in the fire, that Rodrik Forrester, Mira's brother, died. Lady Sera Durwell blamed her and her family for this. Lady Genna might say she didn't blame her for Martyn and Willem Lannister, she could hear it in her voice that she did, and her decisions concerning Sansa spoke by themselves as well. As for Lord Tyrion, he had been harder with her than usual, but at the same time he seemed to understand her situation. And according to Lady Genna, he confined her to her rooms in order to protect her. When she thought about it, four guards were a lot to stop her from leaving her rooms. One would have been sufficient, two at most. If there were four guards at the door, it was to prevent someone from attacking her… or from helping her. Though she didn't see who in Casterly Rock would want to help her now.


100 chapters. Exactly three years, six months and one day ago, the first chapter of this story was uploaded both on AO3 and .

Ever since the day the first chapter of ARAAL was published, I finished my other fanfiction ("A Shadow and a Wolf"), got my master in Economics at the Université Laval, published two short original stories (and a master thesis), started to work for the Government of Canada, and I'm about to get married.

Despite all these events, I confess that I feel like I didn't give enough time to ARAAL and that I've been lazy. I'm trying to devote more time to it by wasting less time on frivolous things, but it is hard for me to keep the same rhythmn as before. I want to see this fanfiction through, and I will, but I want to update it more regularly. And then I want to write more fanfictions as I have a full list waiting, both in my mind and on my profiles.

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Next chapter : Tyrion