Her days were busy. She and the Queen met daily, often with Margeary, who was more familiar with the people of King's Landing, as she'd interacted with them during her short time as Queen.
They rode into the city, on horseback, much to the guards dismay. But Sansa needed to see what had to be done, and she couldn't from a carriage with the curtains drawn. Dany suggested a few locations for housing to be built, and Sansa talked with a few local bakers and seamstresses about making items for the people, which of course they would be reimbursed for. She also spoke with an innkeeper who was willing to feed people. "There's good people out there, milady," she said. "I've been doin' as much as I can with what I got. My stable has more people sleepin' in it than 'orses." She burst into tears when Dany pressed a velvet bag of gold dragons into her hand, promising them that she would feed and house as many as she could.
Sansa sent Alinor to bed early, assuring her that she could see to herself. "We've been doing a lot of work, and I need you well rested," she smiled affectionately. "Thank you for your help Alinor, I literally couldn't do all of this without you."
Alinor blushed. "It's my pleasure, my lady." She'd been thrilled when Lord Lannister had pulled her aside and told her that he was increasing her pay, and that he was very pleased with her work, and how much he trusted her to assist his lady. She worked hard but was paid well, and had a wonderful wardrobe and honestly, her lady was much more of a friend than an employer.
Sansa was about to go to bed herself when the King walked into her sitting room. "Your Majesty," she said, surprised, pulling her robe tighter around herself and rising to curtsey.
He waved her back to her chair, dropping unceremoniously onto the sofa. "How are you?" he asked with a grin. "I never see you anymore."
Sansa returned his smile. "I'm well, thank you. Busy. The Queen and I went into the city today."
"So I heard. How was it?"
"Fine," she assured him. "Of course, we had almost twenty guards. But we talked to a few restaurants and bakers about feeding people, and a few seamstresses about making warm clothes. And several stables are willing to house people at night, so they're not sleeping on the streets. There's a lot of work to be done."
He nodded absently, looking around the room. "These are nice rooms," he commented. "I've never seen them. Do you know, I still haven't seen over half the Keep?"
"I'm not sure I have either," she said wryly. "It's massive. And I'm sure your rooms are much nicer than these."
He shrugged. "I don't see much of them, either," he sighed. He rose, wandering over to the window to pull back the shutters and look out at the city pensively.
"What's bothering you?" she asked quietly.
He didn't answer for a moment, then shrugged again. "Nothing. Everything." He was silent as Sansa rose and poured him a cup of spiced wine and brought it over, but he shook his head. "Do you have any tea? Or water? I need a clear head these days."
Nodding, she poured a cup of lemoned water and passed it to him. Murmuring his thanks, he continued to gaze out the window while she returned to her chair and waited for him to speak.
"Somehow, I didn't expect it to be this hard," he said thoughtfully. "I knew it would be difficult, but I just didn't think…." His voice trailed off, and he took another sip of water. "And once I met you, it honestly didn't occur to me that I'd have to do it alone." His eyes found hers.
Sansa blushed, unsure of what to say.
"Tell me Sansa, why is it that you chose to remain Lady Tyrion Lannister? I know he's rich, and although I'm a Targaryn and King, I'm definitely not. But I would make you Queen, your children princes and princesses." His voice was quiet.
"But I don't want to be Queen," she said softly. "I don't want my children to be in the place of Tommen and Myrcella, dying for their father's throne. Tyrion is a good man, and he's good to me. I care for him."
"I thought you cared for me," he said, a bit sadly.
"Oh Aegon," she rose to stand beside him. "I do care for you, honestly. But…..the life you offer me is so far removed from the life I want. I told you before that was the only thing making me hesitate."
He took her hand. "If I weren't King? Would you have me then?"
"But you are the King, and there's no separating you from it. My decision wasn't just based on who you are as a person, but who you are as a King." She hoped the answer would satisfy him.
He kept her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles as his gaze returned to the window. "It's so different than what I imagined it to be," he said musingly. "Being the King. I thought people cheering and smiling, much like the first day we rode into the city. I never thought about empty treasuries and enemies and debts and crisis after crisis after crisis. Now we're hearing reports that my Uncle Oberyn's daughters, the Sand Snakes, they're called, have decided that I'm not fit to be King, and so they are supporting my Aunt Dany's bid for the throne. Despite the fact that she helped me to obtain it."
Sansa didn't know what to say. "What will you do?"
"Nothing, for now," he said, sipping his water again. "There's nothing to do. Just keep an ear on the situation, and be prepared. And of course, Euron Greyjoy is still proclaiming himself the King of the Iron Islands, and Stannis Baratheon is yet calling himself the rightful King of Westeros." He sighed again. "Crops and fields and animals were all destroyed in the war, winter is upon us, the people are hungry and cold, and all of this madness at the Wall. There's just so much work, and so little enjoyment." His eyes drifted to her again. "I had hoped…." He trailed off again.
"I'm sorry it couldn't be the way you wanted," she said sincerely.
He turned to fully face her, and the look on his face made her blush and drop her eyes. "Oh Sansa," he said sadly. "Of all the things I wanted as King, you were the best and brightest of rewards. And instead you've forsaken me for a man who while unarguably intelligent, is not whom I ever thought to see you tied to."
"I don't mind being tied to him," she said softly, keeping her eyes on the carpet. But he gently lifted her chin.
"Are you sure?" he asked quietly, his beautiful amethyst eyes searching her face. "I would have you as my own, even now."
"I'm sure," she said, slightly breathless. His face was so near to hers, she could feel his breaths. How had she forgotten how handsome he was? How sweet and gentle he could be when he chose to?
"Somehow I don't think you are," Aegon whispered as he lowered his mouth to hers. She tried to draw away, but his fingers, firm on her chin, held her in place. The kiss was soft and brief. "Have you been with a man besides Tyrion?" he asked.
She shook her head mutely.
"I had hoped to be your first," he said wistfully, his fingers, now gently, stroking her skin. "I had hoped to be your only. I will never understand this, my queen. How I want you for my own," he sighed, then kissed her again, lightly, before stepping away. "Perhaps one day." He smiled, mindful of her stories of Jeoffrey and his insistence that he could have her whenever he wanted. "One day, if you change your mind. When you change your mind." Gently squeezing her hand, he left as quietly as he'd come, leaving Sansa relieved that he was gone and hating the fact that she'd enjoyed his kiss. Shouldn't it have felt repulsive to her? She was a married woman and genuinely fond of her husband. But it hadn't. It had felt warm and sweet and gentle, and she raised a hand to her lips, wondering that she was shaking slightly. Sighing, she moved to look out over the city herself, knowing sleep wouldn't come easily.
She didn't see him for a few weeks, as she and the Queen stayed busy. But she acted as hostess for a small dinner party he held, and before the guests arrived he clasped a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace around her throat. "It was designed for a Queen," he said, resting his hands on her shoulders as they looked into the mirror together. "It suits you." His hands slid down her arms, and a look of irritation flashed across his face as Alinor spoke.
"Oh it's lovely, my lady! We'll have to change your earrings to something that match," she said, hunting through the box of jewels that Tyrion had bought her. "Perhaps these?" she held up a pair of small diamond dangles.
"I'll leave you ladies to it," the King smiled. "I'll see you momentarily, my lady." He raised Sansa's hand and kissed the back tenderly before leaving.
Sansa stared after him. "That's going to get out of control fairly soon, I'd wager," Alinor said softly.
Sansa nodded. She hoped Tyrion would hurry back, she felt safer somehow knowing that he was in the Keep. But she knew that it would take a little over a week to get to Casterly Rock at the least, and he'd only been gone for three. It would be weeks before he returned.
Her earrings changed, she put on a smile and went to the King's rooms for dinner. She and Dany spent much of the evening chatting with the other ladies, while the men sat with the King and his Hand – who didn't remove his gloves, even for dinner, she noticed – discussing more political matters. She noticed Dany's gaze drift to their group on more than one occasion, and knew that she was far more interested in that discussion. But she said nothing, smiling and discussing the weather and the state of the city.
He managed to drop in on her unannounced several more times while Tyrion was away, and often sent her gifts of winter flowers and candied fruits and beautiful jewels that he requested she wear when she acted as his hostess, which she did regularly. "She looks lovely draped in jewels, don't you agree?" he grinned to Lord Tyrell one evening, holding Sansa's hand lightly.
"Yes, she does," Dany said, coming up beside Sansa and wrapping an arm around her waist. "It's fortunate that she has a husband who can afford to keep her well supplied." She looked pointedly at her nephew, while Lord Tyrell smothered a grin. After that, Dany made sure to stay near Sansa's side whenever they entertained with the King, to his annoyance. Sansa was grateful. She didn't want to anger the King but she had no intention of becoming his bride. She was fine to remain Lady Lannister.
As the work continued in the city, she relied more and more on Dany's assistance, as she told the King and his small council when she reported to them five weeks after they'd started their work. "Her help has been invaluable. She's very involved," Sansa said with a smile. "She looks forward to going into the city. Several of the bakers have learned her favorite treats and have them ready for her whenever we arrive. One of the seamstresses we've been working with made her a gown as a gift. The people love her, they all smile and wave and call out to her as we pass. And although she and I have not spoken specifically of her request to you, I am certain that at this point, she's far too invested in the city and its residents to destroy them."
The King nodded slowly. "I'm very pleased with your progress," he said. "Both with the Queen and with the residents. I'm told the people love you both, and me by proxy. I don't take your work lightly Sansa," he said seriously. "Because of you, this is something I no longer have to concern myself with. And I am told by my steward that the Keep has not run this efficiently in years. Thank you."
Sansa blushed. "You're very welcome, Your Majesty, and please know that I am always available to assist you in any way that I can. As you've said, the start of a new friendship between House Targarey and House Stark."
He smiled, a bit sadly. But he did look her in the eye, and not with anger. "Yes," he said. "We are friends."
As she left the King, Lord Varys met her in the hall. She noticed Ser Lothor stepped a bit closer to her. She knew he didn't trust the man. She wasn't sure herself if he were trustworthy, but she was also rather certain he wouldn't outright harm her, especially with two heavily armed guards and she and Alinor both wearing their swords. "Lord Varys," she said politely. "I hope all is well."
"I hope so as well, my lady," he said demurely, smiling. "It does all seem to be, but appearances can be so deceiving, don't you agree?"
"True," she said. She continued on, intending to pass him, but he fell in step beside her.
"I have been assisting your husband and Lord Connington with the…..disposal…..of Qyburn's laboratory." For a moment, his carefully constructed mask slipped and he looked both determined and disgusted. But his features quickly rearranged themselves into his usual pleasant visage. "While searching through some of the adjoining rooms, I discovered a few crates of things that belong to you and Lord Tyrion, the things from your rooms before the unfortunate events of a few years ago. If you'd like, I'll have them sent to your rooms?"
"Yes, thank you," she said with a smile. "I would like that."
He smiled in return, inclining his head. "Of course, my lady." He made to walk away but Sansa stopped him.
"Tell me, Lord Varys, are there many things stored down in those basement rooms?" she asked curiously. "I wasn't aware there were additional storage room down there."
"Oh yes, my lady. Most of those underground rooms are full, but have been locked for many years, and completely forgotten about."
Sansa sighed. "I'll have to get down there and catalog them," she said. "Alinor, make a note of that, please."
Varys looked shocked, then pained. "My lady, if you were to go into any of those rooms, I am certain Lord Tyrion would have me tortured and executed," he said in a strangled voice. "Please, my lady, allow me. If I find anything of value, I will inform you, I assure you. But it's probably best that you don't go down there. Please."
Sansa was shocked at his impassioned response. "Ah, well of course," she said slowly.
"Thank you, my lady. All king's have secrets. And many of them are hidden in the basement." He smiled again, and excused himself hurriedly in a cloud of lavender scent.
Sansa returned on to her rooms, where she had invited several ladies to join her for lunch. She enjoyed their company, especially when Dany joined them. After the ladies left, she and Dany sat chatting about the housing that was being built, and how to best care for the city's residents. "I'd love to see a school opened," Dany said.
"I've thought about that too," Sansa said. "I'd been hoping it would be something we could ask the Faith to handle, but the High Sparrow is so rigid. I don't know that I'd trust him with children." She frowned as she thought of the man. "He's almost fanatical."
"Perhaps the King should take that responsibility for now," Dany agreed.
Sansa smiled wryly. "There is no money in the treasury for education, I'm certain."
Dany frowned. "All I hear is that there 'no money' for things," she said. "What is the money for, if not the good of the people?"
Sansa stared at her, not sure of how much to say. "I don't think there is any money in the treasury at all, Your Majesty," she said slowly. At Dany's surprised stare, she continued. "King Robert drained the coffers long before the war. And Cercei borrowed heavily from her father, it's one of the reasons Tyrion had to go to Casterly Rock. Even the renowned wealth of the Lannister's have felt the effects of this war. As it is, Tyrion is actually funding all of the work we are doing."
Dany pressed her lips together in annoyance. "Yet another impoverished crown," she said bitterly. "Somehow, I'd hoped here would be different."
"Tyrion says it's easier to take a crown than to keep it," Sansa said. "I'm told that being a ruler is more difficult that most imagine, and the financial burden of running a kingdom – or seven, in this case – is extraordinary."
"Viserys always dreamed of our triumphant return to home, to King's Landing," Dany said softly. "The people throwing roses at our feet, cheering the return of the rightful heir. In my mind they were always well cared for, well fed, and happy. And yet, I find that to be untrue wherever I go."
"Ruling is a hard business," Sansa said quietly.
Dany smiled. "Yes, Tyrion has said that to me as well. It's just…somehow, I thought coming home would be different. My dreams surely never included an empty treasury."
"What," Dany said curiously, as Sansa looked at her quietly.
Sansa hesitated, but she knew this was her chance. "Was it really your dream? Is this really your home?" she asked quietly. "Whenever we talk about your life growing up, you always say that it was your brother's dream to return to Westeros and assume the throne. It was your brother's dream to right the wrongs done to House Targaryen. And now you've done that, you've restored the rightful heir to the throne. But is this really your home? Just a few days ago you said that while you miss the grassy plains of the Dothraki, Meereen is home now."
Dany's eyes had a stubborn glare. "Tell me, Lady Lannister," she said icily. "If your brother had not miraculously returned from the dead, you would still be Lady of Winterfell, would you not?"
Sansa nodded. "Yes."
"And your firstborn son would inherit that title from you, even as he also inherited the title Lord of Casterly Rock, would he not?"
Sansa nodded again. "Yes, that is correct."
"Should he lose one of those titles simply because he has the other?" she asked, rising from her seat to pace restlessly. "Why should your child have to give up his mother's title in order to keep his fathers? Why should he have to give up his father's title in order to keep his mothers? Why should my child have to give up it's right to rule in Westeros, simply because I rule across the sea?" she said angrily.
"Because you have no right to the Iron Throne," Sansa said firmly, rising to face the stunned queen. "Your name alone does not make you ruler here. We have a King, a King that you helped to crown. If you wanted this throne, you shouldn't have put your nephew on it."
Across the room, Dany's handmaiden stared at Sansa in shock. She knew that Alinor's face probably wore the same expression, but it was too late to turn back now. "What mother doesn't want to give her child the best?" she asked, softening her tone. "What mother doesn't want to create a wonderfully rich and rewarding life for her children? I know mine did, and I've heard no reason the think yours didn't. But we cannot take what does not belong to us and expect our children to live in peace. Our children will bear the repercussions of our decisions, good or bad."
Dany stared and her, obviously furious. "And what repercussions will your children bear, Lady Lannister?"
"My children may be born with their father's deformity," Sansa said steadily. "That is a choice I made, and I chance I take. I could have made them Lords of the Vale. Or even princes and king. I've chosen instead to give them two parents who not only will love them, but each other. Parents who will give them a life of comfort and ease, who will guide them and nurture them, and prepare them to face life's challenges head on. That is my decision, and my children will bear the repercussions of it. What repercussions will your children bear, Your Majesty? Will your decisions force your child to live it's life fleeing an assassin? Will your decisions force your child across the ocean to a land that does not respect it's tenuous claim on it's throne? Dany, just think about it," she said earnestly, taking a step towards the Queen. "I know you want your children to have their birthright, I understand that. It's why part of my agreement with the King was that in return for my men, my son would inherit Winterfell through me. Technically, I could still enforce that. The King agreed in open court, so I could easily override my brother's claim. But at what cost?"
Dany stared at her in mute fury, then silently turned to leave, her handmaiden trailing behind her. Sansa sighed deeply and dropped in a chair, hoping she'd hadn't done more damage than good. They had been getting along very well, and encouraged by their success in the city, had become good friends. Sansa knew she had tested that friendship today. She sat staring moodily into the fire for a long while, then decided that she would go and visit Margeary. She hadn't seen her in a few days, although she knew that Margeary hadn't been alone all of that time – her family had arrived from HighGarden on a few days ago. All except her grandmother, who had died at HighGarden, before it was taken. Lady Olenna had passed away peacefully in her sleep, or so her twin guards had told them.
But before she could leave, Ser Lothor stepped inside her door. "My lady, the crates Lord Varys mentioned have arrived."
"Oh," Sansa said. She'd already forgotten that conversation. "Alright, have them brought in. Alinor, send for someone to put them away."
Five burly men came in, two shouldering a long, heavy looking box, the other three each carrying a sturdy looking crate. "Oh my," Sansa said, shocked. "Are you sure this is all ours?"
"Lord Varys said bring all 'o this to Lady Lannister," one of them said, as they set the crates down.
"Do you have something to open them with?" she asked. They were all nailed shut.
One of the men nodded, and pulled an iron bar from his back pocket. On one end it was flat, hammered thin. Using that end, he pried the lid off of the first crate and Sansa looked into it. And saw her doll. She smiled as she pulled it out, hugging to her chest. "I can't even fit these clothes anymore," she said regretfully, as she looked through the crate's contents. She pulled out a few things and had them taken to her room, and told Alinor to have the rest taken to the castle seamstresses, to be used as extra fabric, or remade for someone who could fit them.
The second crate was full of Tyrion's things. "Well, unlike me, Tyrion hasn't grown at all in the last few years, so he can fit all of these. Have them taken to our room," she told Alinor lightly, ignoring the smothered chuckle of one of the workmen, although she saw Ser Lothor glare at him from the corner of her eye. The third chest was also Tyrion's, filled with books and papers. "Have this one taken to the small solar he's been using as an office," she said. "Don't unpack it, leave that for him to do. He'll know where he wants all of those things to go."
The workman pried open the top of the last crate, the long one that had taken two men to carry. Sansa stared at the contents in confusion for a moment. Just as she was about to say that none of those things were hers or Tyrion's, a piece of dark blue fabric niggled a memory in the back of her mind. Reaching for it, she pulled the heavy cloak free. It was a deep midnight blue, with thick, heavy brown fur lining. Her eyes filled with tears.
"My lady, whose things are these?" Alinor asked gently.
"Her father's," Lord Varys said, coming into the room. "I thought you would appreciate having them, my lady."
"I do," she said, her voice breaking a bit. "Thank you. Thank you so very much."
"You are most welcome, my lady," he said, preening. "I've also brought you something else. I unfortunately cannot return your family's sword, Ice. Lord Tywin felt it was too much Valyrian steel for one blade," he said with a small frown. "He had it melted down, and two sword created from it."
Sansa felt her stomach drop. Ice had belonged to the Starks for generations. By rights, it should have been returned to Winterfell with her father's body.
"One of them was given to Ser – er, Lord Jamie. I believe Lady Brienne carries it now. The other," he raised his hand and extended a long package towards her, wrapped in heavy cloth, "was given to King Jeoffery as a gift. As you are the only Lannister currently in the Keep, and a Stark as well, I felt it should be returned to you."
Sansa stared at that wrapped package with a sense of foreboding. It couldn't be. Lord Tywin had it melted down…..and Lord Tywin gave Jeoffery a sword of Valyrian steel as a wedding present. Hesitantly, she reached for it, her father's heavy cloak still hanging on her arm. She pulled the scabbard out of the cloth, her stomach turning. Cherrywood, gold, and oiled red leather, studded with golden lions' heads. The lions had ruby eyes. "Widow's Wail," she whispered distastefully.
"I would encourage you to rename it, my lady," Lord Varys said quickly. "And personally, I would also recommend a new scabbard. I know that you're a Lannister, but that is a bit ostentatious, don't you think? But the scabbard is only the covering," he said, gently taking it from her hand and turning it so that the hilt of the sword was facing her. Obediently, she pulled the sword out. The metal gleamed red and black in the light.
Ser Tomas let out a low whistle of appreciation. "That is beautiful," he said.
"How does it feel?" Ser Lothor asked, admiringly.
Sansa was surprised to realize that it felt light and well balanced in her hand. She lifted it, and ensuring no one was in her way, swung it experimentally a few times. "Very good," she said, impressed. "It's light, and very comfortable."
"I'm not surprised," Lord Varys said with a giggle. "Ice was created to be wielded by a Stark."
Sansa smiled at him as she returned the sword to it's scabbard and took it from him. "My thanks again, my lord," she said. "I do appreciate all of this, more than I can express."
He bowed slightly, still smiling. "Of course, my lady. Please know that if there is anything I can ever do for you, I am at your service." He left quietly.
She spent the next hour wrapped in her father's cloak, sitting on the floor in front of the large crate, going through his things. She sent his books and papers into Tyrion's solar. She planned to send most of his things down to the seamstress along with her outgrown dresses, until Alinor whispered that Ser Mathiew needed clothes, as he'd sent almost all of the pay she'd given him to his family in the Riverlands. She kept her father's dagger and a few other things, then had the rest sat in Tyrion's solar, to see if there was anything he would want to keep.
She spent the rest of the evening sewing, then woke the next morning to break her fast alone. She and the queen had planned to go into the city today, to check on the shelters that were being built, to shop, and generally gauge the mood of the people. They paid many bakers and pubs in the city to feed the homeless, and offered stipends to those who would allow them a place to sleep. Seamstresses had been hired to make warm clothing for those who needed it, and one day a week she'd persuaded the Keep's Maester to see some of those who were ill. It wasn't enough to solve the entire problem but it made an impression on the people, that the king was aware of their plight and was trying to do something about it. In addition, they shopped a bit, buying candies and pastries, ordering gowns and shoes, buying ribbons and fragrances and oils and scented candles. Alinor was now well dressed, thanks to their regular shopping trips – Tyrion had ordered the Keep's seasmstresses to make her an entire wardrobe, so she didn't need anything, and Dany didn't want to accumulate things she wouldn't need in Mereen – and she'd hoped to pick up a few things for her guards today, after her conversation with Alinor last night.
She stood in front of her window, wondering if she should send a note asking if the Queen wanted to go, when there was a knock on her door and the Queen swept in, already wrapped in her heavy fur cloak. "Are we not going into the city today?" she asked haughtily, when she saw that Sansa was not ready.
"I wasn't certain you'd want to after what I said yesterday," she answered quietly.
Dany raised an eyebrow imperiously. "The needs of the people outweigh my own personal feelings," she said coolly. "Were you a queen, you would know that."
Sansa nodded. In a few minutes, they were on their way, riding out through the cold air. "Have you heard from Tyrion?" Dany asked politely.
"Yes," Sansa said, smiling. "He sent a note that he's completed his business at Casterly Rock and is on his way back. I expect his return any day now."
Dany nodded. "Tyrion has a shrewd mind. It will be good to have him back."
They spent a very pleasant morning, although neither of them mentioned their conversation from the previous day. The shelters were progressing well, and would be ready for inhabitants soon. "It isn't fancy, but it will keep them from out of the elements," the foreman told them. They strolled arm in arm through a few shops, as if nothing were amiss, giggling over new gowns and ooohhhh-ing appreciatively over the jewelers new pieces. They stopped in a small dining room and had melted chocolate and cakes, chatting with most everyone who came in.
Finally, they returned to the palace. "You know tongues will be wagging," Dany said casually to Sansa.
"How so?" Sansa asked as she gathered some of her packages.
"You bought men's clothing today. And it was not sized for your husband." Dany grinned.
"Well, hopefully the wagging tongues will get it right," Sansa laughed. "I bought clothing for several men that are not my husband."
Alinor snorted delicately. "When have the wagging tongues every gotten it right?"
"I think never," Missandei grinned.
They went to their separate rooms, agreeing to meet in Margeary's room in an hour. But when she arrived, she found Dany and Missandei standing before an open door. "She is not here," Dany said. "Neither are her guards, or her things. She's gone."
Sansa stared at the empty room in confusion. She'd heard nothing of Margeary being moved. When asked, her father shook his head in frustration. "I don't know," he said. "I was only told that she hasn't been harmed, and that she's on an errand for the King." They tried to find Lord Connington or the King but were told that both were busy.
They hosted a small dinner that evening, only six couples, Dany and Sansa. She had hoped that Tyrion would have returned in time for it, but he hadn't yet. They spent the majority of the evening discussion the work they were doing in the city, and a few of the ladies offered to assist them, to Sansa and Dany's delight. All in all it went splendidly, and they ended the evening smiling good night to each other, still not speaking of what Sansa had said.
She tossed and turned restlessly that night. She was tired of sleeping alone, and wondered how much longer Tyrion would be gone. She'd become used to his small form pressed against her at night, his hand resting on her hip or side, his face inevitably buried against her breasts. She woke suddenly to a loud sound, like a roar. It took her a moment to remember it. Rising, she went to her window and opened the shutters. Sure enough, one of the queen's dragons flew through the clear night sky, not far outside the city. It's roar echoed in the silence of the night as it flew across the full moon. Sansa closed the shutters, shivering in the coolness of the darkened room. She thought of stoking the smoldering fire, but instead buried herself beneath the thick blankets of her bed.
She wondered where Margeary was. What errand had the King sent her on? Her mother was frantic. She'd been sent with guards and one of the septa's. The King hadn't mentioned anything to her about it, and he usually asked her opinion on things pertaining to Margeary. They hadn't talked much recently, though. She'd been glad of that, hoping that he was adjusting to she and Tyrion's marriage while she and the Queen spread gold dragons and goodwill across the city. But she also knew that King's Landing was not the only place in Westeros suffering. Had he begun to address the outlying areas, she wondered? Usually the Warden's would be in charge of rebuilding those areas, but the South had no Warden, Tyrion was here and…..technically, she was the Warden of the North, and the East. What was being done? Perhaps she'd try to speak with Lord Umber and young Lord Manderly tomorrow, if not Lord Connington. Or perhaps she'd wait for Tyrion to return, and let him take care of it.
It was tempting to allow her life to fall into his hands, and simply follow his bidding. Easy. And she certainly trusted him to do the best thing, no matter what the situation. For all the events of the last few years had shown her that she wanted to be a lady and nothing more, she still wanted to make her own choices. She knew instinctively that Tyrion would support her in that, even if it was the wrong choice. He'd let her try. And for all that she didn't want to be queen – or even Warden, if she were honest with herself – she also didn't want to be kept in the dark, she realized. The North and the East were her responsibility.
She tossed and turned restlessly for hours. As the dawn broke the door slowly opened. She sat up, thinking it early for Alinor, and then grinned. "You're back," she said happily, throwing back the blankets.
"Why are you awake at this hour?" Tyrion smiled as she came to hug him. "It's cold, get back into bed. I'll join you momentarily, just let me wash some of this travel dust off of me."
"Alright," she said happily, climbing back into bed and watching as he removed his boots and began pulling off his clothes. She heard the small splash of the water in the pitcher from behind the bathing screen.
"Sansa, stir up the fire, please? It's not quite as cold as outside but damn close. My teeth are chattering."
Smiling she rose to do as he asked, and by the time he came to bed, his hair still damp, the fire was burning brightly, casting a lovely glow over the bed.
"There now, I'm not quite so filthy. Come and greet me properly," he grinned as he crawled into the bed. She took his face in her hands and kissed him. "Now that's the kind of greeting a man wants when he returns home," he murmured, when she'd pulled away. He pushed her down onto her back, pulling the blankets over them and grinning when she squealed as he pressed his cold body to hers. "Now love, it's your job as my wife to warm me," he teased.
"Is it?" she smiled coyly. "Well, never let it be said that Lady Lannister is slack in her duties, my lord."
They slept late, and when they finally rose it was almost time for lunch. "Tyrion," she said slowly as they sat to eat. "Has the King made any mention of rebuilding anywhere outside of King's Landing?"
He shook his head. "No, but Lord Connington and I have," he said around a mouthful of food. "In the West and the North. Prince Doran will handle the cleanup in the South, and the East was mostly unaffected. Mostly," he sighed. "The Vale itself was unaffected, but some of the lower lands did see some damage. I've spoken with a few of the lords of the East, we'll get it sorted out."
She nodded. "And are we alright?" she asked hesitantly. "Financially? As Lannisters," she sighed. "I'm certain Winterfell is bankrupt."
"Yes. Better off than I thought, although the Second Sons and the Iron Bank definitely made a dent," he winced slightly. "However, we are far removed from destitution," he said lightly. "Thankfully we were insanely rich to begin with, so we can afford to keep up our efforts here in the city, and I'll send some seed money back with your Northern lords to start the cleaning up and get the rebuilding efforts started. Once we get the Bolton's out," he said grimly. "Lords Umber and Manderly have agreed to lead the Northern forces to retake Winterfell. Hopefully, they'll be gone before the army arrives, I know word has already been sent to them. And speaking of Winterfell, do you have anyone in particular you'd like to become steward and overseer there? Anyone your father may have thought highly of?"
Sansa thought for a moment, then shook her head with a small sigh. "No. Can you send someone?"
He nodded. "Young Lord Manderly has recommended someone from his own household, and I'm inclined to allow it, if you've no objections."
"That's fine." She wished she could go. She didn't know why she felt so strongly about it, but she wanted to wait until Tyrion could go with her.
"How are things going with Dany?" he asked.
Sansa shrugged. "Well," she said. "She's very involved in the work in the city. But she's beginning to mention going home more and more."
"Have you discussed her request of the King?"
Sansa nodded. "Once. Briefly. It didn't go well," she admitted.
"Dany is reasonable," Tyrion assured her. "I'm sure that you've made much more headway than you think. Just the fact that you were bold enough to mention it would impress her."
"I hope so."
"I'll try to speak to her today, if I can, and see what she's thinking. She can be hard to pin down sometimes." Sansa nodded. Although the Queen hadn't spoken of it, she still worried that she had irreparably damaged the King's cause.
"Varys found our things from before," she said, happy to change the subject. "I had your books and papers put in the room you're using as an office. He also found a box of my fathers things. I had his books and papers given to you as well. I thought you'd know what was important, and what to do with it all."
Tyrion nodded. "I'll take care of it."
They parted ways after eating, Tyrion to see if he could find Dany before the King requested his presence, and Sansa to see the castle Castillion, each with the Queen's request of the King heavy on their minds. It had been months since King Aegon had been raised, and to Tyrion the fact that she hadn't become insistent about the child – especially in light of Sansa's comments that she was thinking of going home – meant that she was willing to give up the matter. Hopefully, she would.