My Kingdom Awaits Chapter 4
"I will not join the Sparrows and I will not take the black." Lord Baelish spat out. "I did everything for you!" He bellowed staring straight at Sansa. "Had I not taken the risk to get you out of King's Landing your head would be on a spike!"
"I will have you gagged if you do not shut your mouth." Jon said. "You refuse the Black and you are not inclined to devote your life to The Seven. You have chosen. Kneel." Jon commanded drawing Longclaw.
"Sansa is this how you thank me?! You ungrateful whore!" Littlefinger spewed as Sandor kicked his knees out from behind him. Littlefinger was not accustomed to such brutality and he quickly sprawled across the floor on his stomach. "For the love I bore your mother!" Sansa sat quietly, flinching when she felt a hand slip into hers. Lady Lyanna looked up at her.
"Don't look away my Queen. Don't give him the satisfaction of a last thought of you weakening in your hatred for what he did to your family." Sansa steeled her spine and gazing down as a block was placed in front of Petyr.
"I Jon of Houses Stark and Targaryen, King of the Andals and the First Men
Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm sentence you to death. " Jon said. "By the Old Gods and the New." Sansa kept her eyes on Petyr, but could not help but flinch slightly when Longclaw descended and took his head off at the shoulders.
"Should I put his head on a spike?" Grenn asked as he lifted his head with respect, knowing Lord Baelish had paid for his crimes.
"No." Jon said making eye contact with his Queen. "I don't need to warn my people. They knew what happens should they sin against the Crown or the Gods." He said striding over and holding his arm out for Sansa to take. "We commence in the morning, Cersei has demanded a trial by seven judges. We'll choose four more." Jon said leading Sansa to the Gods Wood. He held Sansa's hand as he kneeled before the heart tree, helping her down so they could pray. Sansa remained quiet through the silent prayers, smiling once Jon had finished when he took off his cloak and laid it down so she could rest while he cleaned his sword.
"It's still Winter my King. I don't want you to get ill." Sansa said trying to protest.
"Your King commands you to rest." Jon said softly. "I'm not cold Sansa. After executing someone a heat runs through you. That's why you must come to the Gods. To quench the blood lust." Jon said as he pulled out an oilcloth and started cleaning his sword.
"Is that why, after I let Ramsay—"
"Yes, that is why I took you to the Gods Wood at Winterfell, why I slept out there with you. You need to start putting what he did to you past you." Jon said quietly as he obsessively stroked his sword clean.
"It helped me." Sansa said moving closer to him. "I can send for furs. We can sleep here." Sansa said.
"Littlefinger did nothing to me. Do you feel the need to stay out all night?" Sansa shook her head. "I saw you flinch. You did not speak out."
"It was not out of any love or regret over Lord Baelish." Sansa said. "I know our way is the old way, but anytime I see a head taken, I can't help it. I think of being on the steps to the Sept and father."
"You were strong." Jon said consoling her. "You will not witness any more executions till after you have the babe."
"No Jon it is my duty. I want to be there for you."
"You will be. You'll meet me here." Jon said reaching out and holding her face.
"I will see Cersei die. I will watch you take the head clean off Walder Frey." Sansa said kissing his palm. "I will be as strong as a wolf."
"Come." Jon said rising and lifting her to her feet. "We will retire now."
"I want to stop by the tent they are using as the Sept." Sansa said. "Would you take me?"
"Tonight?" Jon asked as they walked out of the Gods Wood.
"I'm entering the fifth moon of my pregnancy. Sam said the risk of another miscarriage is greatly reduced with each moon that passes. I'd like to thank The Mother and light a candle."
"Then we will both light candles, perhaps one to the Smith for the builders of the new Sept." Jon said. He really had no use for the New Gods, but Sansa still prayed to both. Most of the people of King's Landing followed the Seven and he knew they were waiting to see him crowned again in the new Sept he was having built for them.
"Perhaps they have more supplies we could bring. Brienne took me there for the turning of the last moon and there was a mother and her children there. I'd like to bring her more furs and any extra clothing that has been brought."
"Sandor please take Sansa to see what can be spared. I'll go get some coin and have a litter prepared." Jon said when he reached the edge of the God's Wood.
"Little Bird I have a few cloaks I'm not using anymore. I could fetch them." Sandor said as they walked through the castle. "I have so many pretty ones now that you've taken to sewing them for us."
"My personal guard deserves to be as noticed as the King's Guard. Jon says you are just as important." Sansa said brushing the gray cloak he wore. "I'll check the kitchens." Sansa said moving to leave Sandor. He reached out and grabbed her arm gently.
"No Little Bird. You know you don't go anywhere alone. Jon is not trusting and rightfully so." Sandor said guiding her to the Royal Apartments. He stopped where her guards slept. "Just to be safe."
"I suppose it's for the best." Sansa said sitting on a chair in the corner while Sandor when through a trunk of his things, tossing torn clothing to the side. "You know Jon wouldn't care if I did some mending for you. He's not jealous. He loves when I'm occupied and not wandering."
"Aye when you're bored I have to follow you from one end of the keep to the other. The Beauty has been mending for me. Trying to make up from trying to kill me I think." Sandor said pulling out a few faded, but surprisingly clean cloaks. Sansa neatly folded them and tucked them under her arm.
"She means well." Sansa said.
"Aye, needs something to do on her days off to keep her mind from pinning for the Kingslayer."
"Sandor they're just friends."
"No they want to fuck and would likely be fucking if Jaime was still in King's Landing. Surprising since she's nothing like his sister."
"Perhaps that's why he likes her." Sansa said. Sandor snorted and led her to the kitchens were Jon was already having a basket made of onions, potatoes, carrots and stew bones.
"I know the new High Sparrow makes a lot of soup but perhaps something a bit heartier will be appreciated." Jon said lifting the basket. "I found a few furs that could be spared." Sansa smiled warmly at him and took his arm. He helped her into the litter with all of the supplies, surprising her when he joined her instead of taking his horse. He had called for Grenn and Loras from the King's Guard and a few Of the City Watch surrounded the litter and they started the procession.
"Thank you for understanding Your Grace." Sansa said leaning against him since the curtains were drawn and no one could see them.
"I had wanted to drag you to our chambers and rip your clothing off." Jon said causing Sansa to gasp, her eyes to widen and a blush to flush her face. "It can wait till after we pay our respects to the New Gods and help our people." Jon said.
"Jon the guards could hear you! They may be listening!" Sansa whispered.
"Do you not think the guards outside the door hear us when we peak?" Jon asked. "You are far from quiet."
"But there is the bathing chamber and your solar between our chambers and the nearest guard!" Sansa said. "You're teasing me, aren't you?" Sansa asked softly.
"We don't always couple in our bed." Jon said as the litter stopped. Sansa snapped her mouth shut as Jon moved to exit before her. "My Lady." He said extending his hand.
"Thank you Your Grace." Sansa said with a smile as they stood to be greeted. The new High Sparrow, as old and harsh as the previous one was according to poor Loras, who was terrified of him, smiled as Sansa and Jon kneeled before the temporary Sept.
"You Graces." He said. "It's always nice to see you. I'm told that we rarely saw the previous rulers, until they were forced to be devout. The Gods do not want those forced into religion, it must be a choice."
"We've brought some more coin for you, to help with your daily needs." Jon said handing over a bag of dragons. "More bandages and some ointment and medication for our Maesters." He handed handing over a box from Sam.
"Some furs and cloaks and a basket of food to help supplement your evening meal." Sansa said moving to lift the basket. A former member of the Faith Militant appeared and lifted it for her.
"Seven blessings for you my Queen." The Sparrow mumbled. Jon eyed the militant. "Don't worry Your Grace, he is a guard, nothing more. We understand why you abolished the Militant. The members still seek to serve their Gods though."
"It is wise to have guards to protect the weak you are sheltering here." Jon said making a note to come on all of Sansa's future trips with more of her guards and the entire King's Guard. Just to be safe. He'd have to tell her no more going with just Brienne or Sandor.
"We thank you for allowing Septa Unella to heal in the castle closer to the Maesters. And for allowing your personal Maester to come here to treat the ill Your Grace." He added smiling at Sansa.
"Sam offered and I am more than happy to allow him to leave me for a few days here and there. Please send for us if someone takes ill. If we can we will send him right away." Jon nodded. "Could we light candles to the Smith and the Mother?" Sansa asked.
"Of course." The Sparrow said smiling wider. "The paintings you made for us of the Seven have been well loved. They have served while new ones are carved from the trunks of the oaks you sent to us."
"A Queen needs to use her talents to serve. I'm just glad I was able to be useful and we are able to help you." Sansa said scanning the tent. "The last time I was here, I met a mother with young children. I had hoped to be able to give them a cloak to warm them." Sansa said as Jon helped her kneel in front of the Smith.
"My Queen I believe the mother in question abandoned her children in our care to join one of the brothels in the city. She was not a fan of having to help work to maintain our humble keep. The children are in another pavilion. After your prayers I'll take you to them." Jon placed a hand on Sansa's back to comfort her. "It's not through any fault to you. Some need to head down a wrong path to find the light." The Sparrow said leaving them to their prayers.
"Sansa don't be sad. We can continue to support this cause." Jon said helping her rise and moving the altar for the Mother. "I'm sure the children are being well cared for."
"Jon one of the children is but a babe, maybe a year or so. The oldest is possibly 5." Sansa said falling gracefully to her knees and placing her hand to her stomach discretely for her prayers. Jon followed suit, placing his hand over hers. "Perhaps we need to speak to the mother."
"If she won't help here what job could we possibly give her in the castle? All of our servants, squires, kitchen staff, chamber maids, stable hands earn their keep. There is nothing more we can do but help here." Jon said. "We can't allow someone to live for free, it will be expected for everyone."
"I know you're right. I just feel for the children. Jon they will be exploited, forced to do things to keep themselves fed and alive." Sansa added as they once again rose. "Please give our regards to everyone Your Holiness. I'm sorry to cut my visit short but I'm feeling a bit tired and must return. Please make sure the children are given the extra furs." Sansa said bowing her head and turning to the litter.
"Our Queen has a delicate heart. I do hope she continues to visit, the hardships of the many are often forgotten by the privileged few. A Queen that cares is rare."
"Our support shall continue until a time it is no longer needed." Jon promised, shaking the Sparrow's hand and walking to catch his wife. He helped her into the litter and let her bury her face to his chest and cry for a few moments until she was composed. "Here." Jon said handing her a square of linen from his pocket. Sansa dried her eyes and breathed deeply.
"Perhaps my emotions are beginning to be more powerful." Sansa said. "I will not suffer the abuse of children in this city though."
"An orphanage could be added to the building plans, run by The Faith." Jon said. Sansa leaned her head against his shoulder and turned her face into him. Jon cupped the back of her head and held.
"No matter how hard we try, we can't help everyone." Sansa said sadly. "I had hoped to do more with the power I had been given, and all I am doing is failing."
"No. You are helping the less fortunate. There would be no food going out, no coin, no new Sept. The Sparrows may be getting the credit and love but it is only through you that they have the ability to help anyone." Jon said kissing the side of her head. "You've failed not a single person since we've been ruling. Not in the North and not here." The litter stopped and Sansa quickly composed herself. "Sandor please see Queen to our chambers." Jon said stepping out of the litter and helping her down.
"Your Grace?" Sansa questioned as Jon walked towards the stables.
"Order down for our supper. I'll be up to our rooms in an hour or so to sup with you." Jon said turning to Loras and whispering a few commands. Sansa turned and allowed Sandor to led her through the keep. She stopped at the kitchens and order some cheese, bread, olives, roasted vegetables and a capon for Jon.
"And some chickens for my guards." Sansa said before thanking them and retiring to her rooms. "My Lord, what are you doing in here?" She asked when she found Varys and Tyrion in the solar.
"Your Grace we have compiled a list of potential judges from Cersei's trial. We thought we could go over them with His Grace." Varys said as he pulled a seat out for Sansa.
"Where is your husband?" Tyrion asked.
"He had something he had to do. He said he would be about an hour, no more than two." Sansa said blushing. Honesty with Jon's council was best. "I am honestly not sure where or what he is doing. He did ask me to order supper."
"Well then I believe I am going to go get a bite to eat as well." Tyrion said. "Making my sister stew a few more days over who will decide her fate does not trouble me in the slightest. Perhaps we can meet on the morrow?" He said hoping down from where he was sitting. "I believe I'll call for some of that dark purple wine." He said as he waddled from the room.
"My little birds tell me you went to pray. Candles from The Mother and the Smith. They say you were looking for some friends?"
"No not friends. Just a mother and her children." Sansa said. "I had hoped to give them more, but they were not available."
"It's a shame isn't it? When you bond with someone and they just vanish?"
"I just thought I was making a difference, but there are just too many in the realm. I must focus on helping the most possible, not just few I see." Sansa said looking at her hands. "It's just, well a babe was involved."
"I'm told an Orphanage may be built?" Varys said.
"Your little birds would have a choice besides serving you." Sansa said. "Though I suspect they enjoy living in the castle, wandering and uncovering secrets." She said coldly. "I always wondered how it is you never helped my father or me escape from here."
"I'd be the first person they went to if either of you had gone missing." Varys said.
"You let Robert live in a vipers nest. There is no way your little birds had no idea about Jaime and Cersei." Sansa said.
"Do you think that I would have survived making any such accusations?" Varys asked. "No big brother or Northern Armies to come to my aid. Your Grace what was I to do?"
"Nothing. Like you've always done." Sansa said. "Would you have let her kill me?" Sansa asked. "Knowing I was an innocent child. Would you have?"
"You disappeared that is what made everyone doubt your innocence. Lord Tywin had plans for you. He was sure you were somewhere is the city, spirited away by Pod or Bronn. He underestimated Little Finger."
"And you. A mistake that Jon will never make." Sansa said. "Please prepare a report, no court gossip, only real threats. Jon will want it in the morning." Sansa said. "Good night Lord Varys." Varys smiled and bowed before leaving the room. "Don't look at me like that Ser." Sansa said to Sandor. "You don't like him anymore than I do."
"Little Bird you know I was found by a Septon and healed on Quiet Isle. They told me everything happens for a reason. Had you left with me or been rescued by Varys or if Robert had lived, you would not be where you are now. You're king would still be in the Night Watch. Hell we would still have a true Night's Watch." Sandor said.
"Jon sees no need for a life oath. If you serve 15 years, well after that you can marry if you chose, and the other castles are restored. Families can be raised."
"Aye and there are no more deserters. One of his good ideas. " Sandor said. "Just think about where you'd be if Robert had been warned and actually headed those warnings. He'd have likely married you off o Renly or himself. He wanted your families joined. Do you think you'd like being married to either of them? Renly would want to fuck your ass and Robert would be whoring about the city still."
"Perhaps you are right." Sansa said. "But my family would still be alive."
"Or they would be fighting a new war with Casterly Rock and Lord Tywin." Sandor said stepping out once the kitchen's brought up their trays. "Thanks for the chicken My Queen." Sandor said grabbing a plate on his way out the door. Sansa sat and uncovered the tray making sure nothing was forgotten. She smiled at the whole lemon that was next to the pitcher of water and sniffed at the pitcher of Ale. How Jon could drink it she'd never understand. She walked over to their desk and started looking for a knife to slice the fruit. She looked up when someone let themselves into the room.
"Your Grace." Sansa said smiling. "Where did you head off to?"
"Just had something I had to attend." Jon said removing his dagger and handing it over. "Do not trouble yourself over it my lady." Jon said walking over and kissing her on the head.
"Of course not. I shouldn't have questioned your whereabouts." Sansa said adding half the fruit to the pitcher or water and half to his pitcher of Ale.
"No Sansa if there was something to tell I'd share. This was just nothing worth worrying over." Jon promised. "Come, let's sup and discuss the poor four that will judge the former queen."