Chapter 18: Sansa
Today was to be the day of my wedding. I woke up early to the singing of birds and smiled. I knew my plan would work, I had been dreaming of the outcome for a week, it always ended the same. I called my hand maidens and proceeded to get ready for the ceremony, I found it odd that Shae was missing. I was bathed in lavender and roses and rubbed with scented oils. My hair was done up in an elaborate up-do with gemstones and winter roses along with the crown Dontos gave me of silver Winter Roses and diamonds. I wanted to have a touch of my heritage on this day. I broke my fast as the maids did my hair and placed jewels around my neck and wrists. I looked ridiculous but I knew I would be a beautiful Ice Queen to those of the Southern Court. After an hour or so of hair and another hour of make up I was laced into my wedding gown. The gown was pale blue and shined like silver. The fabric was embroidered with leaves and winter roses in rose gold and silver thread. I had a coverlet that rested on my lower back, came around my waist, and crossed between my breasts to meet the high neck. I had embroidered with with more gold and silver thread, direwolves, stags, and lions circled each other. My two houses joined.
When it was time I donned my maiden cloak and Robb came to escort me to the Great Sept of Baelor. I hated that I was getting married where Joffrey took my fathers head. I squeezed Robb's hand to steady myself, thinking that even though my father could not walk me down the aisle, at least his death would be avenged today.
As our carriage approached the Great Sept, more and more people lined the streets, trying to get a glimpse of the Royal Wedding. I pulled back the curtain, waving and smiling to the people. I wanted them to be a part of this too, I was to be their Queen after all, if only for a short time. Robb laughed at my antics but joined in my greetings. I was happy to see the people happy, even though they hated Joffrey.
When we arrived at the Sept, Robb lead me up the steps leading to the great open door. I squeezed his hand again, remember what else had happened on these steps. I sighed quietly when I thought of the tedious and opulent wedding ceremony about to take place. We would not be having a ceremony in the small Godswood outside the Keep, Joffrey insisted he would not be married under my "barbaric" religion.
As we entered the Sept I saw all the people of Court lined up around the walls. The Sept was packed full and they all sighed at my appearance. I really was beautiful today. (AN: I have a picture but I can't get it to upload. Look at pigfartsandredvines on tumblr. Use the backslash post/150330999037/sansa-starks-wedding-dress-for-the-fan-fiction) Joffrey was in front of the High Septon, smirking. A flash of ice cold rage ran through my blood. I hated this boy, this pretend King. Despite this I smiled brightly at him. It was always about the games in this Southern Court. A game of thrones.
As I reached Joffrey, both he and the High Septon smiled at me lecherously and I felt Robb stiffen at my side. I rubbed my thumb along his strong and calloused hand to calm him as he placed my hand in Joffrey's weak and sweaty one. I smiled brightly as Robb moved to stand in the audience.
The High Septon spoke then, loud and clear, so that the whole Sept could hear. "You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection." Joffrey removed his blood red cloak covered in jewels and golden thread. On it there was a great Stag facing a roaring Lion, his own devised Crest. The cloak felt heavy and stifling but I would only have to wear it for the ceremony so I stood up straighter, squaring my narrow shoulders.
Joffrey greedily snatched my hand back after placing the cloak on me, smiling with manic glee. The High Septon spoke again as he wrapped a scarlet, jewel encrusted ribbon around our hands, "In the sight go the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity." He paused for effect, looking at each of us in turn. "Look upon one another and say the words."
Joffrey and I gazed at each other and in clear, carrying voices said in unison, "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am yours and you are mine from this day until the end of my days." The crowd erupted into cheers and I sent them my most dazzling smile. I was there Queen now.
The Wedding Feast was to take place in the gardens of the Red Keep. I again waved to the people as we went past, receiving cheers and smiles all around. When we got to the Keep Joffrey asked me, "Why did you do such a thing, waving at that dirty filth."
I just smiled and said, "They are our people and they deserve to be as happy as I am on this special day." I glided away from him then to make my way to the gardens. I was feeling rather hungry and the kitchens had been working nonstop to make all of the food for the feast. I did not want to let it go to waste.
The garden was decorated with Lannister Red and Baratheon Gold, with performers all around and food overflowing the tables. There was much laughing and joy among the guests and I was glad I could give them that. I did note a strange giant wooden lion head but I did not pay it much attention. Margaery and I did well on planning this wedding, I think. The royal family all sat themselves around Joffrey and I, drinking wine and eating course after course. Performers came to a dais set up in front of the royal table to sing songs of Joffrey and I's love and entertain us during the feast. I was enthralled with all of the different performances, I had never seen so many different acts, instruments, and songs. Lord Tyrion joined the table as a bard was starting to sing The Rains of Castermere. I was fascinated, he had a wonderful voice.
"In a coat of gold or coat of red, a lion still has claws, And mine are long and sharp, my lor—" The bard's singing was cut off abruptly by Joffrey who threw gold coins at them and yelled, "Very good, very good, off you go!"
My resolve to do what must be done was strengthened. He had no respect for anything or anyone, including his Houses. There was much laughter at his antics and he seemed pleased with himself. The bards scrambled to pick up the coins and I leaned into Joffrey's ear.
"My love?" I whispered, letting my breath ghost along his neck. He shivered and made a noise to tell me he was listening. "I was wondering if we could give the leftovers of the feast to the poorest of our people? It would show how generous you are to those who follow you and help to show those here another example of your greatness." I kissed his cheek then, lingering and hoping he would listen to me.
He smiled at me and stood up with a flourish. "Everyone! The Queen would like to say a few words!" He smiled down at me and sat to let me speak. At least some days his infatuation with me outweighed his cruelty.
I stood up as elegantly as I could to applause and open ears. "We are so fortunate," I start, smiling to my guests, "to enjoy this marvelous food and drink. Not all among us are so luck. To thank the Gods for our union, King Joffrey has decreed that the leftovers from our feast be given to the poorest in his city." I smiled broadly and clapped, looking at Joffrey who was lounging in his chair looking up at me. Awes and applause came from the audience and Joffrey remained in his seat, soaking in what he perceived as admiration for him. I knew better, it was for me, for they knew this was not his doing, but my own.
Margaery glided over to me, kissing me on the cheek. She whispered in my ear, "You are an example to us all." She pulled back to smile at me and talk about the beauty of the wedding and my dress. She placed a few curls back into place in my hair as we talked, taking one of the gems out without anyone seeing and slipping it into my hand. I smiled at her wider.
