A/N: For you, Alexia.
Sansa stared openmouthed, her hand automatically tightening around her husbands. Her eyes flashed fearfully as she glanced at him, hoping for him to do something. Anything.
Willas' eyes did not hold the same fear hers did, but rather anger. Still, his fingers squeezing hers calmed her slightly. As they always did. His gentle hands had always calmed his horses and his dogs and the magic extended to her-his wife.
"But how can you call her 'the most eligible lady'?" he gritted out to their guests. "She is not eligible. She is my wife!" She could tell he was trying to keep his anger in check so as not to offend their royal guests.
Queen Daenerys was as lovely and regal as she had heard. A true dragon queen who was such a clear blend of raging wildfire power and icy courtesies. The woman, who Sansa could tell held the true power of the Iron Throne, seemed content to let her young nephew handle this particular jousting field. She sat, quietly composed and enjoyed the fruits of the Reach that had been laid out to welcome them.
Prince Aegon was struggling just as Willas to control his temper. The handsome boy was desperate-they all knew. He needed a queen. It was now common knowledge that Queen Daenerys was barren. There would be no full blooded Targaryen heir to follow these dragons. They needed to outsource. But after the Great War, there were few ladies from great houses left.
Sansa shuddered, remembering how uncertain her future had been then. She did not want to be sold like a broodmare to the highest bidder. She had told Jon in no uncertain terms that she had refused to be a bargaining chip for him. He had agreed, promising her he would never force her into anything. But then, in the flurry of fire and ice that had befallen Winterfell during the Great battles- he and his promise were gone. Sansa was alone again-forced to use herself to secure Winterfell's future. She had received countless letters-all begging for her favor-but one had stood out from the rest. Willas had been kind from the start. And after a few years of gentle touches and words and true kindness, she had finally fallen to his charms. Although she had long lost faith in knights and beautiful princes, her loving husband taught her to believe in chivalry again. She wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. Least of all a crown.
"Yes...I know that she is your wife. But you must see reason! The realm needs a queen. One from a great house that will bring the kingdom together. The stormlands are just now finding their feet under Edric Storm...Baratheon now. Roslin Tully is no choice with her Frey heritage. The Lannister family is gone. Dorne...will not enter negotiations. Robin Arryn will not father any daughter...the Iron Islands are out of the question... Sansa is a daughter of the North. And believe me, the Reach would be compensated for giving their lady to this noble cause. In one marriage we would form an alliance with two great houses."
Sansa's back stiffened, indignation flowing through her at the suggestion that she be traded in this way. But Willas was more offended by far.
"Compensated? Sansa is my wife. She is Lady of the Reach. She will not be leaving anytime soon. Certainly not to be another man's wife."
"Not just wife...queen" Aegon implored, focusing his attention now on her. "Sansa, you would be queen of the Seven Kingdoms!" he tempted, daring to take her hand. "You would be mother to princes and princesses...have everything a proper lady could ever ask for! Say the word, Sansa. Forget this man who used your weakness to take your claim." So he had done his research. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Willas' fists clench tight enough to draw blood. "You will have everything you ever wanted...Just say the word, sweet lady. I will take you from here..." he gazed at her with those deep, violet eyes. His lips turning up in a slight smirk. This handsome, beautiful prince that had been everything she had ever dreamed of. That no one could reject.
To Willas' dismay, she allowed the prince to pull her to her feet, taking a step closer to him, turning her face up to his, setting a dazzling smile on her lips as she whispered one word.
"No."