A Different Baratheon Queen
Sansa's eyes narrowed as she glanced across the table at the Red Woman. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Couldn't believe that the rest of the table was silent as Melisandre revealed her plan to eradicate the faith of the seven. She could see the wide eyes of her husband's councillors as they listened in shock, but what was truly terrifying was Stannis' nod of approval with each sultry word that left the red woman's mouth.
"Y-your grace..." a true man of faith spoke up, albiet shakily. "I do not believe that this will endear you to the masses...We are talking about overthrowing the faith of millions...the faith of your own queen!" Now he gestured towards Sansa, who forced herself to meet her husbands eyes. She was irritated that the man use her to make his point, but if it softened Stannis to this train of thought, she would have to get used to it.
When they had married a year ago, it was part of the alliance contract that Sansa was to follow whatever faith she chose. Stannis had never pressured her one way or the other, but that had not stopped the red witch. Melisandre had consistently visited Sansa and pelted her with religious propaganda- not listening to a word she said in defense. It was only after weeks of begging and a few tearful moments that Stannis had forbidden her from even visiting his young queen. The red woman had bit her lip and bowed her head, obeying her king, but Sansa could see the annoyance in her eyes whenever her ruby gaze drifted her way.
Melisandre did not like her. At all. It was clear that she thought Sansa a silly little girl when she had first been brought to Dragonstone, and had not viewed her as a threat. Only a young, fertile womb from which Stannis could finally have a male heir. But as the months went by and Stannis warmed to his new wife, even treating her with a certain modicum of affection, the Red Woman's disdain had grown. Now that Sansa's belly was swelling and she had gained the worship of Shireen and the respect of the king, Melisandre was contemptuous. She wasn't surprised that she had led this battle on faith now, in front of her. And wasn't even less surprised at her next words.
"Yes...it is surprising that the queen absolutely refuses to support the faith that has led to the king's success..." Her syrupy tone was biting despite the smoothness and Sansa flinched.
The movement did not go unnoticed by Stannis who finally seemed to see that Melisandre's words were not being received well by his council. He reached over imperceptibly and covered Sansa's cold hand with his own icy fingers. It was the most affection she would ever receive in public, but it still made it's point. The king and queen a team that the red witch could not break. Without saying a word, Stannis showed his support to Sansa and she answered it with a wordless smile and bent her head in submission to him and his judgement on the matter.
Stannis took a moment to take in the table and read the energy before clearing his throat quickly. "I see that despite your claims, there is still much unrest at this table, let alone the country. I have promised my queen the right to choose what gods she prays to and I don't see why I should deny my people that same right."
Melisandre's face twisted in fury before she smoothed her features. "But your grace-" she started, obviously biting down annoyance, before Stannis rose a hand to halt her statement.
"That is my wish." He never rose his voice, but his steady. "And the wish of my queen" Sansa was surprised he speak so in front of his council and even more so when he rose and offered her his arm. She was well into her pregnancy and beamed at him for the much appreciated help. She couldn't even help the slightly triumphant smile on her face as she saw the sour look in the priestess' eyes.