Meara woke Sansa up early on her wedding day.
"Is it real? Is it truly my wedding day?" Sansa asked in awe.
"Yes, your Grace it is," smiled Meara, before departing from the room to carry out the rest of her duties.
Sansa looked at her left hand to once again admire the ring Tywin had given her the other day. She'd worn it to bed not wanting to take it off, despite being worried something would happen to the setting. She thanked the gods that it was still in perfect condition.
She was slightly startled as Lady jumped on the bed panted with excitement. "Oh Lady, I'm marrying the man I love!" she exclaimed, embracing her direwolf, "It may not be what I imagined in my childhood but now things are different. I'm a grown woman and love is love no matter whom it is."
Suddenly Arya entered her chambers without any announcement.
"Good morning, sister, It's your wedding day!" chimed Arya, before stopping short at noticing the ring on Sansa's hand. "Where did you get that ring? Did you sleep with it? That's quite odd behavior for you."
Sansa smiled brightly at her sister. "Guess who gave it to me?"
"I can't imagine... wait! Tywin?"
Sansa nodded happily.
"It seems a very precious gift! Did you tell him that you love him?"
Sansa proceeded to tell her everything that occurred last night, about how they confessed their love to each other, how she cried as he wiped away her tears, and they professed how much they looked forward to this marriage.
"Oh sister! I'm happy for you!" Arya embraced Sansa, then said, "What are you waiting for? Get up, it's time to start preparing for the wedding."
Sansa summoned Meara by a bell connected to her room to help her get ready. Other servants appeared with her to assist their Queen in her looking her best for the big day.
…..
"Woah! Everything seems ready for the wedding!" Rickon shouted.
The Starks had finally arrived at the capital with the Manderly's in tow as well as their treasonous son. The streets were full of parades put on by the Lannister Army, City Watch and a portion of The Northern Army who had been located there since Eddard Stark became King.
Robb expected to be greeted by his mother, Jon and Arya and their direwolves only, if only because Sansa would likely be too busy. Yet, he didn't expect several familiar golden-haired individuals there as well.
"Take him to the black cells," he told the captain of the guard with them. The business with the traitor could be taken care of later. Today was Sansa's special day.
"Robb, Bran, Rickon, Greywind and Shaggy! We missed you all! But where's Summer? And whose the prisoner?" Arya asked in a rush.
Robb shook his head. "Later Arya, I'll tell you everything. Let us greet one another first."
Arya and Jon embraced all three of them before politely greeting the Manderly's.
"Robb, let me introduce you to our new family," said Jon. He started with an older balding man to the left. "Ser Kevan Lannister, and his wife Lady Dorna Lannister, their children and Lord Tyrion Lannister."
"An honor to finally meet you, Lord Stark. Please excuse my brother as you know this is his wedding day and he is very busy." He shook hands with Robb.
"Of course, Ser. Totally understandable." Internally he wished he could meet the man his sister had accepted to marry.
"Where is mother Arya?" Robb asked discretely, after greeting the Lannisters.
Arya and Jon's faces turned gloomy at the mention of the Dowager Queen.
"That's another thing we'll have to talk about later, Robb. Now get inside and get ready, your escorting our sister down the aisle after all. You must look your best."
…..
Tywin gazed into the mirror examining himself for any imperfections. Rarely did he gaze in the mirror so long but today he wanted Sansa's attention only on him. Not that he feared she would be looking at another man today. He was assured of her devotion to him. Today donned a crimson doublet and breeches paired with black knee-high smooth leather boots. The look would be completed with a golden sash that he would put off wearing till he left his chambers.
Finally personally satisfied to turned to his squire, "Cheryin, how do I look?"
"You look good, my lord. Actually more than that," the boy hurried to assure his lord.
Tywin gave his squire a rare smile. Something Cheryin was steadily becoming accustomed to since arriving in King's Landing.
"Talk to the Queen's handmaiden about what I will need for tonight. Make sure she does everything right."
"Of course, my lord."
Tywin took a stroll to his and the Queen's soon to be shared apartments, unconcerned with what people would say about a groom meeting his bride before the official ceremony.
When he was close to her chambers, he saw Ser Erwin Black standing guard.
"Is the Queen inside?"
"Yes, she's almost ready my lord."
As he moved to enter her chambers, Tywin was surprised the knight didn't protest against him entering her private chambers, but he supposed it was because he wasn't just any man. He was soon to be the Queen's husband and King Consort.
"Please close the door behind you," ordered Sansa, her back turned toward the door. A servant was on their way out the door just as Tywin was entering. Sansa was sitting at her vanity getting her hair done by one of her handmaidens.
The handmaiden stiffened upon turning to see Lord Lannister was inside the room. Sansa turned to her handmaiden to see why she'd stopped only to see her soon to be husband standing before her.
"Tywin! You shouldn't be here! They say it's a bad omen for the groom to see his bride before the wedding."
"Aah! Nonsense. I'm Tywin Lannister and I can do as I please. Besides, I've come to see your beauty before anyone in the realm does."
"Oh!" Sansa blushed prettily at the praise. "You... you're quite handsome yourself."
A servant who'd stopped her work giggled at the Queen's nervousness. Tywin glared at the girl causing her to squeak in fright before going back to her duties.
Shaking off his annoyance at the broken moment, he looked around the room before his eyes landed on a striking gown hung on a rack. "That blue gown, is it yours Sansa?"
"Yes," she answered, after a moment's hesitation, slightly thrown by the change in topic.
"Wear it tomorrow, I have a surprise for you."
"Oh Ty, I think you've indulged me quite enough."
"Never. You'll like it Sansa, and that's all that matters."
"I love you, Ty."
"And I you.."
They held hands gazing at one another for a time before Tywin kissed hers.
"I have to leave now. The ceremony is soon. Hurry up Sansa, I can't wait until you become my wife."
"Of course, Ty."
…
When Robb went to Sansa's chambers to greet and escort her, he saw the man who would soon be her husband walking out.
"Lord Lannister?"
"Yes, Lord Robb Stark I presume?"
"Yes, we will be goodbrothers after today," he paused for a moment, then continued, "I can only hope you won't harm her."
"My lord, I would be the last one to harm her in this world. I'll be her shield, of that I give you my word."
Robb looked him in the eye and only saw sincere honesty and affection for his sister. That was a surprise to him. Tywin didn't wait for him to answer.
"I leave you now. Good day."
"Did you forget something, Ty?" asked Sansa, as Robb entered the chamber.
"So, he's Ty now?" Robb teased.
"Oh! Robb! I missed you." She ran to embrace her brother.
"I missed you too, sister." After embracing her, "You look gorgeous today. Every lord in the realm will be jealous of Lord Lannister because he will be your husband."
"Did you meet him?"
"Yes, when I was coming here. A man seeing his bride before their ceremony. Should that tell me something?"
"I love him Robb and he loves me."
"Of course, he does, how could he not! But I saw it in his eyes. Imagine my surprise. Though I suppose I shouldn't be so, you're an easy person to love Sansa."
Sansa hugged her brother at hearing his proclamation. "I feel I'm lucky to have such a man in my life, Robb. He cares for me."
"That's good to hear, sister. Now, hurry so we can go to the Great Sept of Baelor," Robb grinned.
…
Robb gave Sansa a hand to get out of the carriage onced they arrived at the Great Sept. The Queensguard were in formation around them, while The City Watch were spread out all around the Sept and the city at large today. They wanted nothing to go wrong.
"Nervous?" Robb asked her while they waited for their cue to enter the Sept. He and his sister waved to the cheers of the nobles and smallfolk alike.
"Yes, but looking upon him will give me confidence soon enough."
Soon the herald announced them, ushering Sansa and Robb to walk arm and arm into the Sept down the aisle that was flanked on both sides by the highest-ranking nobles in the Seven Kingdoms. Hymns from an all-boys choir filled the air sweetly, giving Sansa goosebumps. Sansa was quite a sight wearing her crown, Stark jewelry, breath-taking dress and the wedding ring which Tywin had given her. There was much murmuring of approval from the guests, as well as much curiosity as she wore a veil dyed in her house colors. Regardless every eye was on her as they whispered how beautiful she was.
Oh, how the Great Lion envied Robb at that moment for being able to hold her.
Tywin tried to hide a smile but couldn't help it as he saw Sansa approach. It was a faint thing, barely detectable by those who didn't know him, though he was sure Sansa could see it the nearer she came. Finally, she arrived and he took her hand from her brother. They stood before each other, the High Septon and all of the realm.
"My lords and ladies of the realm. We gather today to witness the union of two great houses…" The High Septon started to speak.
The High Septon ordered them to join their hands then he tied two ribbons around them symbolically representing the joining of their two houses.
"In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one, for eternity." He then instructed them, "Look upon one another and say the words." At this point, Sansa and Tywin turned to face each other and recite the vows in unison: "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his/hers and she/he is mine from this day until the end of my days."
"Let it be known that Sansa of House Stark and Tywin of House Lannister are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder."
"With this kiss I pledge, my love." Tywin gave her a quick peck on the mouth so as not to embarrass her with his mounting passion. Sansa at first confused, understood once he squeezed her hand reassuringly and gave her a smoldering look.
They then turned to face the audience as the High Septon announced them. "I give you Queen Sansa of House Stark and her husband King Consort, Tywin of House Lannister." The Sept erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
The applause stopped when Sansa held up her hand. They turned to face each other again. Sansa began talking, "King Consort, Tywin Lannister, I appoint you as Hand of Queen. To be my shield, my stalwart and strong right hand. Kneel before your Queen." Tywin willingly kneeled to Sansa and a boy brought forth the Hand badge upon an embroidered pillow. Sansa picked it up before pinning it to the right side of his doublet. "Arise, my King and Lord Hand."
Once more the Sept was errupted into cheers that followed them as they descended the stairs together arm in arm.
The royal carriage was waiting to escort them to the wedding feast.
…
"Happy?" asked Tywin, once they were ensconced in the carriage.
Sansa gave him a brilliant smile. "Yes, beyond imagination."
"I'm sorry about the kiss. I wanted to kiss you properly but you're not as experienced in such matters. If only we were able to practice it before.." he trailed off apologetically.
"I know, Tywin. I love you."
"And I love you, Sansa. Tonight, I'll kiss you until you crave it yourself."
Sansa blushed when he mentioned tonight. Seeing it Tywin squeezed her hand again to reassure her.
"The vows of our marriage and the Hand ceremony, they are real to me Sansa. I'll be your shield, protector and the wall you need to lean on..."
"Tywin, you don't have to say that. I know it's true to you. As it's true to me."
"Yes, my precious," answered Tywin, "It seems we've arrived at the feast. Let me help you."
…
"Every fucking lord in the realm is here!" exclaimed Jon in shock.
"Surprise! Who would think that Queen Sansa and my father, the Warden of the West, would have such a big wedding?" Tyrion retorted sarcastically.
"Who's that over there?" Robb pointed, tilting his head.
"Lady Margery Tyrell with her grandmother Lady Olenna Tyrell." Jon eyed the direction Robb was pointing and saw the Tyrells.
"She's beautiful. The granddaughter, of course," he corrected at Jon's raised eyebrow.
"Why don't you talk to her, Lord Stark?" teased Jon.
"I think I will." Robb stood from his place to move across the table toward Lady Margery.
"Hello, my lady would you allow me to chat with you?"
Margaery smiled and nodded while thanking the gods that her grandmother wasn't paying attention to them.
They introduced themselves to one another after which Robb took the lead in their conversation to her surprise.
"I hope you were comfortable on your trip to the capital. Are your accommodations in the Red Keep are to your liking, my lady?"
"Yes, my lord, but I think I should be the one who asks if your trip to Kings Landing was comfortable, you came from Winterfell. Last I checked it was in the North which is much farther away."
"Ha! Yes, my lady. How did that slip pass me?" he teased.
They laughed together. The two talked for several minutes getting to know one another amicably.
"Will you dance with me later?" Robb eventually asked.
"Yes, it would be an honor, my lord."
"The honor is all mine, my lady."
…..
Sansa gave her Commander of the Queensguard a rest today. Instead she was being guarded by Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Brynden Tully as well as two Red Cloaks. She supposed Tywin could also be included as one of her protectors as well. He was now her husband after all.
At the wedding feast they sat upon a dais, where they could accept congratulations and gifts from the lords and ladies of the realm. Sansa's Uncle Edmure Tully was one of the first to do his duty, and asked a most uncomfortable question in the process. "Pardon me, my Queen, my King, but I haven't seen my sister today. Do you know where she is?"
Sansa expression turned carefully blank as she tried to think of an appropriate response, aware that the other nobles in line to greet them were listening. Fortunately, Tywin saved her from having the answer.
"I believe Ser Brynden can tell you everything at a later date, Lord Tully," he intoned stiffly with a finality that luckily her Uncle picked up on. He shot Uncle Bryden a look before excusing himself.
As the next well-wisher approach Sansa leaned over to whisper in Tywin's ear. "Thank you, Tywin. I wasn't sure of what to say."
"I will protect you in all things, Sansa. Always," he continued, "Will you dance with me?" He was in no mood to continue receiving gifts, a process that could take hours with the number of people in attendance.
Knowing that would bring them even closer than they were now, caused a thrill to shoot through Sansa's body. "Yes! I'd love to dance!"
Although Tywin was much taller than Sansa, she felt comfortable in his arms and found he was quite a fine dancer. "I didn't know you liked to dance."
"Not like, but you can imagine the number of weddings I've attended in my life, and the ladies I've had to dance with. Always throwing themselves at me."
Sansa giggled and said, "I bet you barely payed any attention to them."
"Hardly. Just a waste of time."
"And me? Am I a waste of your time?" she pouted teasingly.
"Never! You're the only lady to have filled my empty soul since Joanna died, Sansa."
If it had been any other man Sansa was sure she would have been than jealous of his previous wife, but in this moment she was only glad that the gods had given him another chance with her.
Other couples joined them and Sansa noticed Jon and Shireen taking a turn about the floor, as well as Robb dancing with a lady from the Reach if her gown was anything to go by.
"Seems your brother caught quite the prey," said Tywin with amusement. The Tyrells could never stop grasping for more.
"I guess you're right." Sansa responded not all that interested in the lady in question.
Suddenly a man touched Sansa shoulders causing her to stiffen at the unexpected contact. " Ehm.. ehm.. my Queen and my King. Congratulations on your wedding. The realm will talk about it for years to come."
Sansa fixed him with a cool gaze. "Lord Baelish, if you would be so kind as to keep your space next time, but I accept your congratulations on behalf of myself and the King Consort."
Baelish withdrew from her slightly at her coldness. "Ah.. yes, of course your Grace. May I cut in for a dance with your new bride, my lord."
"No." Tywin glared at him with stony eyes.
Sansa had to suppress a laugh as Littlefinger floundered for something else to say but eventually left with a bow when nothing came to him, leaving them alone again.
"Tywin! That was rude of you!" she admonished mockingly before dissolving into giggles.
…..
The evening soon came and went till before long Tywin asked her if she was ready to depart to their chambers. Suddenly, remembering what was waiting for her later, she blushed but nodded shyly, knowing there were only good things to do. They had decided there would be no announcement of departure in order to avoid the bedding. She was the Queen and Tywin Lannister's wife, no one was allowed to touch her without her leave.
Before he could help her stand, they were approached by Mace Tyrell and his mother, much to Tywin's chagrin. Before Mace could even open his mouth, The Queen of Thrones was already shooting of barbs at a rapid fire pace.
"Oh our new royal couple. Forgive me, your grace, let me congratulate you on your marriage to Lord Tywin or shall I say King Tywin? No matter. The Great Lion knows when to play his hand. My Mace is quite envious of him. Marrying the queen of the seven kingdoms. Who would have thought Tywin Lannister would marry again. But, Gods he did it again! However, I must warn you, your Grace! He might be old but he's stronger than you and I. He'll probably ruin your innocence! No, I'm sure of that he will."
Sansa's jaw almost dropped at her vulgarity while Tywin only glared at the woman in annoyance.
"Oh come now, my lord. You know it's true! Everyone knew how you were with Lady Joanna and I don't doubt for a moment you won't be the same with our Queen. After all she's young, fertile and I dare say the most beautiful woman in the whole realm. You know that well, my lord."
Sansa had had enough. "Lady Olenna, as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, interfering in my private life is considered an act deserving punishment. I advise you to leave now or else."
The Queen of Thorns didn't except such backbone from her Queen and as Baelish before her, she retreated cowardly.
Tywin whispered in her ear, "Bravo, you showed her who's the real Queen here."
She clasped her arm around his and said, "It's time for us to leave."