Chapter 6
The following morning Sansa broke fast in the Great Hall, sitting alone. Jon had left early to attend to training sessions in the soldiers' camps and her plan was to tour the keep and update herself on the progress of the rebuilding.
Daenerys walked in with Missandei at her side. Their eyes met and she walked towards Sansa.
"Lady Sansa, I apologize again for my unavailability yesterday. I was hoping we could continue our walks together today?"
"Of course, your Grace," Sansa replied, somewhat relieved that Daenerys had been the one to approach her and not the other way around which meant she hadn't scared her off completely. "It'll be a short morning's walk around the keep as I am told we will have more petitioners from the smallfolk today. Now that the dead are gone, people want to head back to their homes, or what's left of them anyway, and they want supplies."
"I don't blame them. Winterfell is majestic but home is home."
Daenerys's gaze was warm and inviting and it took Sansa's breath away. No… I will not lose myself today. Steeling herself, she stood up.
"Are you ready now? I was going to leave directly from here," said Sansa.
"Lead the way, Lady Sansa. Missandei will accompany us, if you don't mind," Daenerys said.
"Not at all, your Grace," answered Sansa, glad to not have to be alone with her but she also wondered if Daenerys invited Missandei because she, too, was afraid to be alone with Sansa.
"I also wanted to let you know that I've given the order for a portion of my armies to depart for White Harbor. Your men will get the rest I promised them but my own men have imposed upon your hospitality long enough. I have also ordered shipments of food from Dragonstone as well as Meereen be sent here to Winterfell as a thank you for providing for us and to make up for my own shortsightedness; we brought supplies but we should have brought more."
Sansa was too shocked to speak. It was more than she expected and not something she'd asked for. She tried to work out what was behind Daenerys's generosity, what she would be getting out of it. Staring at her, she saw a patient smile for of course Daenerys would expect her suspicions to be raised. Sansa smiled in return and gave a small laugh.
"I should worry that you read me too well but I want to thank you just the same. Our stores are nowhere near the levels they should be for this winter and your shipments will be very much appreciated."
"Your people are my people, Lady Sansa," replied Daenerys. The words had no edge to them and she knew they were meant kindly but Sansa felt the wall between them come up once again, a reminder that the North was not free and she tried to harden herself against these displays of generosity. Gain her trust but don't give her all of mine.
The walk around the keep was quick and full of sweet politeness that rang false. Sansa was trying to be civil without getting too personal because she didn't want to like Daenerys any more than she already did. Anytime she looked at Daenerys she was reminded of how she'd undressed in front of her. It was only her upper back but to Sansa she may as well have been naked and she was trying to forget that other thoughts had crossed her mind as well. Unfortunately, polite civility couldn't get Daenerys to let her guard down the way she had the first day. Today was all manners and awkward silences, a pleasant aloofness that would be fine with anyone else but would not be enough to guarantee Daenerys would continue wanting to spend these days with her.
*::::*
To say that Daenerys was disappointed by the last few days with Sansa would be an understatement. The tour of the keep had been pleasant enough and Daenerys had tried to look interested as Sansa shared some of Winterfell's history. But watching her discuss plans with builders was not very stimulating. Sansa treated her like a guest instead of a friend. But she also had to admit to herself that she didn't try very hard to be treated otherwise. The next day was more of the same when they had toured a bit of the soldiers' camps. Daenerys had been happy to see that some of her Unsullied and Dothraki soldiers had seemed to be getting along a bit better with the northmen but Sansa remained distant. The day after that had gone better but only because they went back to Winter town and their attentions were on conversing with the various people they encountered there. She'd even brought two guards this time instead of four to make it less intimidating. Their interactions with each other remained stilted and uncomfortable. If only she and Sansa could get back to the easiness of that first day in Winter town. For some reason neither of them could get past what had happened between them that night in her solar. The awkwardness of how personal Sansa had gotten, baring her scars as she did, the silky skin beneath her fingertips. She didn't feel the same way, she reminded herself, shaking her head.
Daenerys decided to ask Sansa to accompany her to check on Drogon and Rhaegal. She doubted Sansa would get very close but it would be a change of pace and hopefully inspire some more genuine reactions from herself as well as Sansa instead of the reserved Lady Stark she'd been seeing recently. Missandei had been dispatched the night before to give the invitation and Daenerys was waiting by the stables in the chilly morning, having already given instructions to the stable hands to saddle Lady Sansa's and Ser Brienne's horses as well as her own. Grey Worm rode ahead and would be waiting for them. It was still early and her dragons would have recently fed so they shouldn't be in a foul mood, or at least not too foul of a mood. They still disliked the frozen North after all.
She had of course expected Sansa to bring Ser Brienne along but Daenerys was surprised to see Jon walking with them. He didn't look happy and she couldn't help the coldness that came over her.
"I apologize, your Grace, but my brother insisted," Sansa said stiffly. Daenerys could tell the woman was angry and did not want Jon with them.
"Your Grace, I don't think it's a good idea for Lady Sansa to get too close to Drogon and Rhaegal. Unpredictable things can happen in even the most controlled settings," Jon said. He was distant when he spoke with her and Daenerys couldn't help but think of those nights with his hot breath against her neck. She still loved him but instead of their love giving her strength, his rejection now made her weak.
Sansa took a few steps towards Daenerys's side, wordlessly telling her that she would go with her in spite of Jon's wishes. It was a little gesture but it made Daenerys stand straighter against Jon. She would not let him interfere.
"I appreciate the care you take as a protective brother but I can assure you that I will not let any harm befall Lady Sansa. Ser Brienne will be with us and I will stand between Lady Sansa and my children at all times." It was an assurance he didn't deserve but Daenerys also wanted it made clear to anyone who was eavesdropping that she would make every effort to protect the Lady of Winterfell.
Sansa glowered at Jon as he looked to her to change her mind. She remained silent and Daenerys smirked at Jon in triumph.
"Your Grace," he said with a bow and plodded away in defeat.
"Well then, now that that's over, shall we go? My riders say my dragons are about a half hour's ride passed the tree line into the Wolfswood. There's a small clearing there apparently."
"Yes, I know exactly the clearing you mean, your Grace," said Sansa, gesturing for the stable hand to bring her mount.
*::::*
Daenerys had been right about this being a good change of pace for them. She could see how horse riding had allowed Sansa to settle herself, sitting straight in the saddle but not stiffly. Her Dothraki riders would've been impressed.
It had been mostly small talk between them on the ride through the Wolfswood, following an old hunter's trail, each preferring the silence of their thoughts. Daenerys didn't know if Sansa was nervous about seeing her dragons but she didn't show it. When they finally reached the clearing, Daenerys could see Drogon and Rhaegal on the other side. Glancing around the clearing, she noted its rough, circular shape, about seventy paces in diameter. Grey Worm, on foot, walked towards Brienne, holding the reins of his mount. He didn't say a word but she could see that he had nothing to report.
"Grey Worm will stay here with the horses. We should walk the rest of the way," Daenerys said as she dismounted. Sansa and Brienne did the same.
As they walked towards the dragons, Daenerys leading the way, they said nothing. Daenerys was completely focused on Drogon, trying to sense his mood. He looked protective of his brother but Daenerys sighed in relief as she saw Drogon stretch his wings lazily. He would not give her guests any trouble. They were twenty paces away when Daenerys turned to Sansa.
"I don't know how brave you are, Lady Sansa, but this is probably a safe enough distance for you and Ser Brienne. I'm going to walk all the way over to them and mother them for a bit and then I'll come back. Is that all right?" she asked, looking toward both women. They nodded. Brienne looked poised to draw her sword at the slightest provocation. Sansa did seem nervous but also curious. She was still flushed from the ride and it made her skin glow. Coupled with the flame of her hair, Daenerys felt her heart race just looking at her.
She cleared her thoughts and turned back to her children. Walking toward them Daenerys could see that they looked fed though there were no animal remains so they must've eaten at their usual spot. Rhaegal's wings still looked tender but he seemed to not be in anymore pain. She would need to fly with them again soon to see how confident he looked in the air. Whispering words of comfort, she leaned against her child's snout, feeling thankful to whatever gods that cared that Rhaegal had survived. Turning to Drogon, she was tempted to climb up for a ride but she wanted to avoid a demonstration of power to Sansa. Although, maybe she could convince Sansa to come with her.
"Absolutely not," Sansa yelled.
"How did you know what I was thinking?" Daenerys called back, laughing.
"You have on your face the same look my sister would get when she would try to convince me to do something I didn't want to do," she replied.
Daenerys walked back to her and said, "Are you sure you don't want to? I can keep Drogon steady."
"Horses are perfectly fine with me. I'll leave the dragons to you dragon riders."
Drogon suddenly screeched and spread out his wings. Rhaegal did the same and soon they were taking off.
"Where are they going?" Sansa asked, eyes lit up in wonder.
"I'm not sure exactly. I think they want to leave us alone," Daenerys replied, enjoying the amazed look on Sansa's face. "So, since you would not take me up on my offer of a dragon ride, what do you say to a more rigorous horseback ride? I can see you have the skill. Ride with me."
*::::*
When Missandei came to her with the invitation, Sansa hadn't really cared to see the dragons again, much less up close. Watching them fly over Winterfell had been enough to fill her heart with fear at such power in the hands of an impetuous ruler. But she had also recognized that Daenerys was making an effort here to bridge the gap that had grown between them. The last few days had not gone well so she'd gritted her teeth and agreed. Her resolve had only deepened when Jon found out and tried to stop her. Plus, she had to admit she enjoyed the ride out to the clearing. It was a relatively mild day and the snows weren't deep enough to impede the horses.
Watching Daenerys with the dragons had been very revealing. She saw how much she loved them and how they responded to her. Lady came to mind and she identified with Daenerys's connection with her dragons. The fear of them was still there but Sansa liked to think she understood Daenerys a little better. Daenerys's glance to the top of Drogon told Sansa that she was thinking of riding him and the glance back towards her filled her with dread. Arya would've jumped at the chance to ride a dragon but Sansa had no such desire and told Daenerys so. But now she was being challenged to show Daenerys how well she could ride a horse and she was definitely more amenable to that.
The three of them walked back to their horses and Sansa told Brienne to stay with Grey Worm at the edge of the clearing.
Mounting their horses, Daenerys and Sansa wordlessly looked at each other and then towards the other side of the clearing. As if they were of one mind, they both urged their horses to a trot and then quick canter. It wasn't really a race; just a chance to size each other up. Sansa admired how natural Daenerys looked, the smile on her face open and free. It didn't take very long to reach the other side of the clearing where the dragons had been. They halted their horses and turned around.
"You are a very good rider, your Grace," complimented Sansa.
"You have a good seat yourself, Lady Sansa," answered Daenerys with a smirk.
Sansa smiled at the double meaning. She was trying to think of a witty remark in reference to Daenerys's hands when Daenerys kick started her horse to ride around the perimeter of the clearing. Sansa laughed and followed. The wind in her hair, helping her horse navigate the few fallen trees and occasional snow drifts, Sansa was reminded of how much she enjoyed riding and vowed to do it more often. They made it back to the side of the clearing opposite of Grey Worm and Brienne, who were both still on foot, holding their horses' reins and closely watching them from afar.
"Care for a race back to Winterfell, Lady Sansa?"
"Is that wise, your Grace? A clearing is one thing but navigating through the wood at speed could be dangerous, even on a trail. Plus, I obviously have the advantage by knowing the terrain."
"Caring for my safety while also boasting about your knowledge, eh? I like this side of you," teased Daenerys. "Come on. First one through the wood wins. If I win, I choose our next outing. If you win, you teach me some basic needlework."
Sansa thought for a few moments. Seeing Daenerys try her hand at needlework was tempting.
"I don't think our people would be very happy with us," said Sansa, looking towards Grey Worm and Brienne.
"They will follow us and scold us later but it'll be worth it."
Sansa answered by throwing her hair back and adjusting her grip on the reins. Daenerys smiled and did the same. The horses tensed and began pawing at the ground and tossing their heads, sensing their riders' intentions.
"Ready," said Sansa.
"And," said Daenerys.
"Go!" they both said in unison, starting their horses into a gallop.
Whoever made it through the clearing to the tree line first would have the advantage. The trail was wide enough for two horses to be abreast of each other if they were walking but not at a run. Brienne and Grey Worm looked as if they wanted to block the trail head to stop the race but they thought better of it and moved to the side to let them pass.
Daenerys's horse was not used to the snow but was faster than Sansa's mount so Daenerys was able to reach the tree line first, plunging ahead on the trail with Sansa close behind.
Sansa called ahead, "Don't get too comfortable, your Grace! You still have to make it to the other side!"
She turned around and saw Brienne and Grey Worm trying to chase but they were not going fast enough and were left far behind. Ahead she saw Daenerys slow slightly at the uneven terrain, and to conserve her horse's energy for the distance, but it wasn't slow enough for Sansa to pass safely. If Sansa was going to pass, she needed to get off the trail. And what good was a northern horse if not to show a southern queen its worth?
Seeing a break in the trees ahead on the right, she got ready. Nudging her horse ever so slightly, she peeled off the trail. Now that there was no rider in front of her, Sansa's horse was given free rein. She didn't have to use her heels to urge her to go faster. Jumps over fallen trees, dodging trees and branches, dips in the ground, she would let none of these slow her down. Before she knew it, she was now even with Daenerys, who glanced over at her in surprise.
Sansa concentrated on not losing ground. She didn't mind losing but she would've considered a lopsided loss to be unacceptable. Soon the tree line was in sight. Daenerys charged for it and Sansa wondered if Daenerys had forgotten about the fallen tree that they'd gone over earlier. If she had, she didn't show it and handled the jump easily. However, Sansa's own horse found another reserve and surged ahead, in spite of the additional obstacles of being off trail. She was a half-length ahead at least when they burst out of the wood. Sansa whooped in triumph and turned to Daenerys to say something before being thrown by her horse into a snow drift the horse suddenly didn't want to go through.
She was on her back in shock when she heard Daenerys call to her, dismount, and run over.
"Lady Sansa! Lady Sansa, are you all right?" Daenerys said, falling to her knees beside Sansa, her face full of worry.
The snow had been soft so the landing had not hurt her. Sansa looked up at her and began laughing. Daenerys looked confused which made Sansa laugh even more. Lifting herself up she pushed Daenerys so that she had fallen on her back into the snow with a surprised 'oomph' followed by her own laughter.
"I win!" declared Sansa.
Sansa felt like a girl again, without a care in the world. Daenerys quickly tried to sit up but Sansa pushed her back down, giggling over how silly Daenerys looked lying in the snow. With a vague thought of smashing snow into her face, Sansa threw one leg over until she was straddling the Dragon Queen. They were both still laughing but Sansa forgot her intent when she saw Daenerys's eyes darken. She smiled down at her, no longer feeling like a young girl but a woman. Daenerys tried to push her off but Sansa quickly grabbed her hands and leaned forward, pushing them down until they were on either side of Daenerys's head. They were panting, half smiling, their eyes were locked on each other and Sansa felt Daenerys's hands squeeze hers. The friction between her legs caused Sansa to release an audible sigh that bordered on a moan. At seeing the eyes of the woman beneath her widen in surprise, Sansa forced a laugh and hurriedly released her hands and sat up, intending to stand but Daenerys also sat up, pressing her chest against her, looking up at her with a flushed face.
"You're very tall, Lady Sansa," whispered Daenerys under her breath, more to herself it seemed. Sansa opened her mouth to reply but the words wouldn't form.
Feeling Daenerys's breath against her face gave Sansa goosebumps. It had probably only lasted a minute but it felt like hours, furtive eyes looking at each other's lips, and Sansa was very conscious of the fact that Daenerys Targaryen was between her legs. I should stop this… but… the way she's looking at me… if I move against her… just once, just to see… would she… could we…
While Sansa's hands itched to grab Daenerys, she noticed that Daenerys had kept her own hands to her sides as well. What if she laughs at me? I can't I can't I can't. Sansa's sense returned and she brought a handful of snow to press against Daenerys's neck. The surprised look on her face was the most amusing thing she'd seen in ages and Sansa fell back to the snow beside Daenerys in laughter.
Daenerys threw herself back down and laughed, too. Nervously at first but then sincerely, each taking turns throwing snow at the other and they were giggling like children when Brienne and Grey Worm rode out of the wood and over to them.
"My lady, your Grace, are you two injured?" asked Brienne. Grey Worm rushed to his queen's side and helped her up.
"We're fine, Ser Brienne," answered Daenerys. "Just a bit of fun in the snow."
At this, she grinned conspiratorially at Sansa but Sansa could only blush in response. I didn't moan while I was on her. It was just a harsh exhale from the physical exertion of the race.
"I am happy to report that Lady Sansa won the race, her horse is a magnificent example of northern endurance and strength. As promised, I owe her a prize and I look forward to her deft fingers instructing me in the more womanly arts."
This time Sansa couldn't help the scandalous look she shot at Daenerys, who only smiled back innocently. Brienne looked between the two of them but if she had any thoughts on Daenerys's remark, she kept her expression as neutral as Grey Worm's.
Taking a deep breath, Sansa wiped off the loose snow that clung to her and walked over to her waiting horse.
"The only thing I have to say right now about those womanly arts you're looking forward to is something my sister once said to me. You stick it with the pointy end," she said calmly. Brienne gave her a leg up and she mounted her horse.
Daenerys grinned appreciatively. She walked over to her own horse and mounted quickly.
They rode in silence the rest of the way back to the castle. Once at the stables, they dismounted and Brienne and Grey Worm gave them space to share a word before separating.
"Lady Sansa, I was wondering if you would have dinner with me tonight in my solar. I feel like we discuss things much more openly without a retinue of guards following us. Will you come?"
Sansa enjoyed some of the nervousness she detected in Daenerys with this invitation. It would be nice to speak more freely and this was the opportunity she needed to broach the subject of Jon. But the thing that just happened…
"I would be happy to, your Grace," answered Sansa with a nod of her head, speaking before her fear of being alone with Daenerys could stop her.
"Excellent. I will see you then. And thank you for accompanying me today and for the race. It was most illuminating." Daenerys glanced up and down Sansa's length and walked away with Grey Worm. She stared after her for a moment; it looked as if she was heading for the Great Hall. Sansa turned away and felt very exposed about what she had illuminated for the Dragon Queen. Dinner tonight would be full of teases, she was sure. Sansa knew her imagination today would be filled with the various humiliations that could be directed at her. She was partly annoyed but also anxious. Why did I straddle her? Sansa asked herself as she headed for the Godswood to think.
A/N: More creative license taken, this time of a clearing in the Wolfswood. Also, I realized I was beginning a break from this fic on a chapter that ended with Sansa and Arya plotting to kill Dany and that seemed a downer note to leave everyone with for several weeks. So since this chapter was nearly done anyway, I decided to finish it sooner rather than later. But it also means I probably won't get to update again until the end of the month so hopefully this chapter is a better one on which to leave off.
