Sansa had just placed her sleeping son into his cot, when the door to her bed chamber opened to reveal Jaime, returned from his early morning training. A mischievous smile coming to her lips she approached her husband and placed her arms around his neck.

"Ty should easily sleep for several more hours after that feed."

"I would hope given how much time he spent awake last night,the little blackguard."

Jaime spoke lightly, his green eyes dancing as they roamed over his wife's voluptuous form. He raised a brow.

"I have no doubt given how little rest you had last night, you are keen to return to bed yourself, lady wife."

"Indeed I am, although not for sleep just yet."

He grinned and pulled her into a passionate kiss. As Sansa wrapped herself around him more tightly, she felt his hands move down her thighs and gasped as he lifted her off her feet and carried her the short distance to their bed. He laid her down with her bottom on the edge of the mattress and kneeling, proceeded to plant kisses along her thighs and run his hands up and down her legs.

Jaime allowed himself a smirk as her heard her muffled whimpers and gasps. He knew that having to restrain herself from crying out heightened the intensity of sensation for his wife. He felt her soft hands grasping at his hair and set his lips to her sweet cunt. He ran his tongue over the folds teasing her by coming close to, but never quite touching, her bundle of nerves. His strong arms held her smooth milky thighs apart and he could feel them tensing as her pleasure built. Eventually, he slid on hand up to massage her most sensitive spot, at the same time driving his tongue deep into her, revelling in the way she shivered and shook. As her climax subsided, Jaime expected his wife to remain in her prone position and was pleasantly surprised when Sansa swiftly raised herself and slid down to his kneeling lap. After several moments of joyous fumbling they removed his breeches and she wrapped her legs around him, grinding her hips onto his member with a slow twisting motion that seemed to make his body sing. After some minutes Jaime stood, supporting his wife's weight and kissing her fiercely, in a few short steps he had her back against a wall. Sansa gave him a smouldering look as they continued to thrust and she bit into his shoulder to muffle her cries as her climax overtook her. Jaime came at the time, whispering her name over and over, then breathing hard, he carried her to their bed.

Jaime moved himself onto the bed next Sansa, his heart leaping with joy as she quickly pulled him into an embrace. He adored how affectionate Sansa always was after they had made love, it seemed that once she was sated she desired his embraces more than ever. He allowed himself a few moments of bliss before remarking languidly:

"The maid should be here with breakfast soon."

He chuckled as his wife jumped swiftly to her feet and moved towards the room containing the wash basin. For all her unreserved passion in the privacy of their chambers, Sansa was deeply reluctant to provide any of their household with an indication of these activities and would blush and frown when Jaime teased her by pointing out their young son was evidence enough of what went on in their bed. In truth he was rather fond of this outward primness as it made him feel even more that the intimate side of his lady belonged to him and him alone.

Soon after the husband and wife sat down to break their fast together and Sansa enquired fondly:

"How goes your training, my love?"

"Exceedingly well, be assured , wife, that crown of blue roses is yours."

Jaime caught the slight flush on his wife's cheeks as he spoke. He was determined that he would win this tourney. In some ways it was a point of personal pride, it would be the first time in years he had jousted as heir to the Rock and it was a tourney in honour of the birth of his son. But mostly, he wanted to win for Sansa. His wife had seen so many of her dreams snatched from her and so much she held dear smashed before her eyes. Jaime knew she was happy now, but it still felt important to gift her this one thing. She looked at him and smiled.

"I do wish that Margaery was able to visit, it was lovely when she and Tyrion were here."

"I miss them too, but it's not as if my brother can join the lists, although the little rascal could probably find some way if he was of a mind to. I am afraid father is unlikely to invite us to King's Landing any time soon."

His wife looked at him with a sparkle on her eyes.

"No but Margaery might, he could scarcely forbid it. I know you would love to see Tommen again."

"Yes I would, but what of you, Sansa? King's Landing hardly holds pleasant memories for you."

"What you say is true, but Tommen, Tyrion and Margaery are my family now, Jaime, and I won't be kept from them by fear of the past."

She held her head high and Jaime gazed at her in admiration. Sansa knew she may not have been so bold if Joffrey still lived, but he did not. Cersei's power over her had been largely down to Sansa's naivety and then her lowly position. Unlike her deranged offspring the Queen had always at least paid lip service to proprietary and thus Sansa saw her as less of a threat. It would easy enough ensure they were not left alone together. Besides, Sansa had learned during her marriage that ignoring and avoiding things brought no good in the long term. Returning to the capital would be a way of confronting her fears and hopefully facing them down.

Later in the morning, as her husband attended to the running of the keep, Sansa sat in their solar and sewed. She had had a gown made for the tourney: a shimmering scarlet satin. However she had decided that she would display Stark and Lannister sigils in a complex pattern around the hem and sleeves and these she was embroidering herself. She was well aware that the dress makers of Lannisport would have little experience of crafting dire wolves and skilled though the women were, she wanted to ensure the finished article was perfect. Sansa allowed herself a smirk as she thought about how much she was looking forward to the upcoming tourney and how different her reasons for doing so were than those she would have had five years hence. While Sansa did still experience a girlish glee imaging seeing Jaime triumph on the field, this was overlaid by a feeling of satisfaction at what event would demonstrate and what she could achieve. She had successfully planned and executed Tyrion and Margery's wedding at the Rock and the tourney was another chance for her to demonstrate the skills she had been raised to perform. Moreover, she now recognised the full value of those skills; this was an opportunity to bring banner men together, as well as nobles from other territories, to form and maintain connections and to learn about the people she and Jaime would one day rule. She thought back to the Tourney of the Hand, when she first arrived in King's Landing, perhaps she could have learnt much then if she had been of a mind to. Sansa set her mouth grimly, a slow learner she may be, but she did learn.

She was deep in thought and startled slightly when there was a knock at the door. Sansa knew there was an edge to her tone when she called for whoever it was to come in and her mood was not improved by the sight of Ser Kevan's squire.

"Ser Kevan asked me to see if you had anything to send by raven, My Lady."

"How kind of him. Yes, I have this for my brother at the Wall."

Sansa smiled politely and handed the youth the scroll. As the lad bowed and exited she reflected wryly that her days of donning a mask of courtesy were by no means behind her. Her husband's uncle had not sent his squire to her chamber on the off chance she would have correspondence. Lord Tywin had sent word to them the previous week: Stannis Baratheon had assembled what remained of his forces at Castle Black. Sansa was to write to Jon, who was apparently now Lord Commander of the Watch and remind him that Stannis was a traitor who had slandered her own husband and his family with vile falsehoods. Jaime had been incandescent at his father's demand and had told his wife she need do no such thing. Sansa had smiled at her husband sadly and told him she must. Sansa knew she must choose her battles carefully and that more than anything, this letter was a test. She reasoned that Jon was unlikely to provide Stannis with any marital support; the Night's Watch had been depleted when she left Winterfell and there was no reason to suppose their ranks had swollen since. In addition, she and Jon had never been close and she doubted her words would mean anything to him. Still the writing of letter left a bitter taste in her mouth, reminding her of another letter to another brother which she had written under duress. For all I have more power now, I am still a pawn in this game. Sansa looked out the window and noted the height of the sun in the sky. It was time to join the other residents of Casterly Rock for the midday meal.

Jaime made his way towards the great hall, his uncle Kevan at his side. Generally the whole family did not eat together, especially at midday but Sansa had begun to encourage the practice by ensuring that on days when both she and her husband were within the keep, it was the only place that hot food would be served. Jaime preferred to sup privately with his wife but he knew that this was one of the ways in which Sansa was asserting her control over the household and he wanted to support her in this. As they approached the table, Jaime took in the presence of his cousin Lancel with a scowl. He had hoped the youth would remain in King's Landing, instead it seemed that he and Jaime would soon he travelling to Darry to see Lancel installed in the keep and finalise the arrangements for his marriage. Jaime had made it very clear that he and Sansa would not be present for the event, having no wish to subject his wife to the unpleasant associations a Frey wedding would bring.

Aside from Lancel's presence, the meal was pleasant enough. Myrelle and Cerenna spent a good portion of the time teasing their brother about how he would impress his betrothed in the lists and Jaime was able to sneak his small cousin Joy and extra seed cake under the table, much to her delight. As the meal was drawing to a close, a Lannister man at arms approached the table.

"Beg pardon, Ser Jaime, but two riders have just arrived at the gates. They are demanding to speak to Lady Lannister at once."

He saw his wife pale from the other end of the table. Jaime frowned at the man.

"Did these riders give a name?"

"The knight did. That is, I thought her a knight at first, ser, she says she is Brienne of Tarth."

Sansa gasped and Jaime saw her hand fly to her chest. He stood and made his way to her seat, noticing his uncle had also risen.

"Very well, my lady and I will go and greet Brienne of Tarth and see what she has to stay. Uncle, there is no need for you to accompany us, the maid of Tarth returned me safely to my father when I was in far worse condition than I am now, she will not lay hands of me here in the Lion's den."

He could see his uncle wanted to argue, for all Kevan silently returned to his seat. Jaime gripped Sansa's arm and lead her towards the courtyard. Neither of them spoke. Jaime hoped ferventy that Brienne was not accompanied by Arya Stark. He knew how much the return of her sister would mean to his wife, but he also knew that bringing the girl to Casterly Rock meant his father would know of her whereabouts as fast as a raven could fly. Sansa had spoken to him often of her wild little sister and Jaime did not think Arya sounded the type to meekly submit to whatever marriage his father thought safest for her. She's more likely to try and stab us all in our beds he reflected with grim humour.

As they caught sight of the wench and her companion he heard Sansa cry out softly; the figure beside the tall blonde woman, was small and slight with tousled mop of brown hair. However as they drew nearer Jaime realised it must the lad his father had given the wench as a squire when she had returned Jaime to the Lannister camp. He turned his attention to the wench and saw her lips drawn into a scowl as she eyed him coldly just like old times. She bowed before his wife and spoke.

"Lady Sansa, I am Brienne of Tarth, sworn shield to your mother Lady Catelyn. She charged me with finding and returning yourself and your sister to her in exchange for…Ser Jaime."

The wench had managed to stop herself from calling him 'Kingslayer' but only just, despite the tension in the atmosphere Jaime allowed himself a smirk and Sansa spoke:

"Yes, Lady Brienne, my husband made we aware of these details when we met in King's Landing. He spoke highly of your skill and honour, I am very pleased to meet you."

Brienne had turned redder and redder as Sansa spoke, and Jaime could tell she was fighting her rage with difficulty. He watched as the blonde woman took a step forward.

"Lady Sansa, may I ask that we speak in private."

"Whatever you wish to say may be said before, Ser Jaime, there are no secrets between us."

Sansa gave him a loving smile and Jaime could not resist turning to the glaring Brienne with raised brows.

"What my wife says is true, wench, whether you believe it or not."

Sansa gave a slight frown as he addressed Brienne as such but this was nothing compared to the baleful glare he received from the maid of Tarth herself.

"Very, well." Brienne eventually ground out. "May I ask that we speak somewhere less public?"

Sansa nodded.

"You may join us in our solar, do you wish to refresh yourself first?"

"No, my lady, that can wait."

Brienne dismissed her squire and the three of them made their way inside.

Sansa walked into the keep with Jaime at her side, Brienne following. The shock of the woman's arrival had not abated and she still felt her heart poudning as it had when she say the boy who accompanied the lady knight and assumed it was Arya. Ridiculous of me, if my sister lives she's a woman flowered, she would no longer look like a boy-child. Jaime had spoken to her of the Maid of Tarth once of twice and although he did not seem especially fond of the woman, he had been respectful, the glare Brienne had levelled at her husband for most of their first meeting held no such respect. She glanced to the woman walking several paces behind them and muttered to Jaime:

"She seems less than happy to see you."

"Of course she does. She left me with a vow to return you to your mother. She returns to find I have taken you to wife instead."

Jaime spoke lightly, but Sansa could sense the self-reproach underneath. She wanted to tell him that it did not matter; that he had tried to bring her back to her family; that only circumstances had prevented it. But somehow the words would not make their way off her tongue. The maid of Tarth had not looked upon Sansa with reproach, but that was clearly because she assumed Sansa was here against her will, once again Sansa's feelings of guilt about the happiness she and her husband shared came flooding back and kept her silent.

The trio reached the solar and entered. Sansa shut the door and was about to offer her guest a drink when Brienne began to speak:

"Lady Sansa, I have word of your sister."

"Arya's alive?"

The words came out as gasp. The tall blonde woman nodded and then looked awkward.

"She is, my lady, at least… she was when I saw her last. After I returned Ser Jaime to his father, I set off North, I thought perhaps your sister may try to make it back to your brother Robb's camp. When I had word of…what happened at the Twins, I decided instead to strike out towards the Vale, knowing you aunt is Lady of the Eyrie. It was in there that I saw your sister, some months ago. She was well and in the company of Sandor Clegane."

"Arya was with the Hound?! Nothing was heard of him after he fled the Capital."

"It seems he came across your sister and recognised her. He was taking her to your aunt to try and gain gold. I fought him for her release. I left him seriously wounded, I would not be surprised if he did not recover."

"Then, my sister, is with you, Lady Brienne?"

The lady knight looked down.

"She is not, my lady. Once my duel with Clegane was over, I could not find her. It seems she used the altercation to slip away."

Jaime could not help the cruel smirk which rose to his lips.

"She was not keen for your company then, wench? I can understand the sentiment."

The sorrowed expression on his wife's face, made him feel slightly ashamed. He could tell Sansa was fighting to keep her voice level as she spoke:

"In any case, Lady Brienne, I thank you for bringing me word of my sister, if Arya has survived this far then I have no doubt she will continue to do so."

At this juncture the large woman knelt before her.

"Lady Sansa, I swore myself to your mother. If you will permit it, I would now become your sworn shield."

Sansa had not expected this. She glanced at Jaime, seeing a frown cross his handsome features. Then she looked down at the woman before her. Brienne was certainly no beauty and at first glance her face held no redeemable features. But Sansa looked into her intense blue eyes and, for all they were not her mother's Tully blue, something she saw in their sapphire depths moved her. She nodded.

"Very well, Brienne of Tarth, say your vow and I will accept it. You are welcome to remain here at Casterly Rock and my husband will see to it that you are afforded all the respect of any knight in our retinue."

At the mention of Jaime, the woman before her threw him a mistrustful glare. Heavens, I hope she is better with a sword than she is at hiding her thoughts or she will offer me scant protection.

Once her vow was made the woman drew herself back to her full height. Jaime flashed her a smile that did not reach his eyes.

"Come, wench, I will show you to your quarters."

Brienne bowed to Sansa and followed him through the door. When they had walked ten steps he, faced her with raised brow.

"Come on then, I have no doubt you are bursting to berate me for my lack of honour."

Brienne's lip curled.

"Nothing you do could surprise me anymore, Kingslayer."

"Wench, I did not plan any of this. I was going to return her to her mother, when we had word of what happened at the Twins."

Sansa's heart wrenching screams that night still haunted him.

Brienne's expression of anger changed to sadness.

" I should have been there to protect Lady Catelyn."

"Then you would be dead too."

"Perhaps. I was on my way to them when I heard word it had happened. That was when I struck out towards the Vale."

"So you said, it has taken you a very long time to make your way to the Rock."

Jaime had spoken idly and was surprised to notice her face redden. She moved closer to him suddenly.

"I have no doubt Lady Catelyn's daughter would never have freely agreed to marry you, Kingslayer. If I ever see you so much as lay a finger on her, I will run you through."

"In that case, I suggest you stay away from our chambers of a night, wench. I don't think your new lady would take kindly to having one of our many embraces end in my death."

He walked ahead of her for the rest of the journey not wishing to converse further. When they had journeyed together he had taken delight in baiting the wench but he found her assumptions about his marriage harder to bear than her judgment of his kingslaying. He and Sansa may be happy now, but that did not mean it was pleasant to dwell on the circumstances which had brought them together.

Having made her way back to her chambers and deciding that she needed to calm herself with a familiar activity, Sansa had picked up her sewing. As Jaime entered she looked up from her work and took in her husband's grim visage. She raised a brow.

"I trust you were able to show Brienne to her quarters without a fight breaking out."

"Could you not have sent her away, wife?"

"I could not. Where would she have gone? You have told me more than once of her sense of honour, she will see herself bond to me through my mother whatever I say. I did not have the heart to deny her, my love."

Jaime's expression softened and he moved to place a hand on her face.

"My warm hearted wife."

Sansa smiled and leaned into his touch. She had spoken the truth but not the whole truth. She wanted Brienne at her side because the woman was a living link to her lady mother, someone who had known Lady Catelyn and who had thought her worthy of swearing her sword too. Sansa may be worried about how Brienne would judge her for finding happiness with Jaime, but that worry was not enough to make her want to give up this chance to be near someone who owed their loyalty to Sansa Stark rather than Lady Lannister.

Remember in this AU Brienne and Jaime parted ways much sooner, also he didn't lose his hand so they didn't bond to nearly the same extent that they did in cannon.

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