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.

"Lady Sansa."

Gendry stiffly bows, wondering why he had been summoned in the dead of the night. She asks quietly if Gendry wants any strongwine. It does help him sleep, but after the midday fight with Arya, he's too restless.

"You and my sister…" Sansa's blue eyes narrow. Gendry swallows hard. "What makes you believe you are worthy of her?"

Somehow still, he's not expecting the hostility.

"Forgive me, milady—"

"I wasn't aware you've wronged me," she interrupts, pacing the room. Her dark skirts whirling. Sansa's voice like a blade of ice. "Tell me, Gendry… do you think a bastard is worthy of a highborn woman? What could you provide for Arya that a man from one of the northern Houses couldn't?" Disappointment fades over Sansa's face. "… Are you going to say anything at all?"

Gendry can only hear his blood pounding. Before she can dismiss him, he lifts his head, glaring.

"Arya doesn't care that I'm a bastard. She never cared." Fury makes him forget himself in the presence of a lady, and Gendry would rather be publicly flogged for his impertinence than listen to this shite. "She told me she wanted to be my family. I turned her away. I'll regret that until my dying day," Gendry declares, scowling and trembling. "I love her. I would die for her."

"Would you?"

"I went North with Jon Snow because of her, milady. Because he was Arya's kin and I thought she died at the Red Wedding along with her mother and Robb Stark. I needed to honor her memory and protect her one living brother."

"Arya doesn't trust easily," Sansa tells him, and while consumed by his passionate outrage, Gendry doesn't see her little, wistful smile. "She may even be pushing you away and you wouldn't know it. My sister and I both understand what it means to let someone in and to be utterly betrayed. Or to lose what we love." She approaches him. "I trust you understand that as well."

"I do," Gendry mumbles.

Even while towering over her, he wilts under Sansa's gaze. The sharpness clears into amusement. "Good," she says, smiling sweetly, clasping his arms. "You shouldn't wait too long—there will be preparations needed. Including for a feast."

"… milady?"

Gendry feels oddly lightheaded, staring baffled, as she prattles on, "Speak with Arya about it. I know she doesn't like tradition, but the marriage ceremony should be in the Winterfell's godswood. And, of course, I'll need your measurements." Sansa's hands grip tighter on him. "Gendry, take a breath. I don't need you fainting and blocking my only way out of my chambers."

"S'rry," Gendry replies, blinking rapidly. He shakes his head. "I don't…"

"You're a good man. Be a good father to Arya's children as well."

That's when it hits him. She knew. She must have overheard them. Gendry makes a thwarted, croaking sound, rubbing his eyelids as Sansa giggles, pleased with the affirmation of Gendry's loyalty, and hugs him.

Starks.

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GoT isn't mine. WELL HERE WE GO. NOW WE ARE GETTING REACTIONS FROM OTHER CHARACTERS. A big shoutout to animefaerie2, Glove23,
AnonymousPseudonymous, Knight121198, hannahpjoleonard, and Guest for commenting on the last installment! You guys are the best! I'm debating on how many more chapters to do or if I should wrap it up soon so guys let me know your thoughts! I hope you are having a good time reading! :)