The night was drawing to an end as the men moved their rowdy celebrations to the courtyard, to share the left over ale and wine with the other men who had already begun their own festivities outside.
Sansa sat opposite Stannis in the newly quiet hall, the dark light of candles flickering across them both as Ramsay loomed by her side.
Stannis's two closest men sat on either side of him, they were supposedly his advisors but Sansa new better to believe that Stannis followed the advice of anyone other than the Witch he'd left beyond their walls. Yes, she'd heard all about him and his...ways.
He spoke to Sansa directly in a low voice "Your choice was a wise one young Stark, I see a great deal of your father in you and I always held Ned Stark in high regard. You were born to govern the North, as your son will be."
She nodded in gratitude, the man sat to his side spoke in a low voice, Sansa recognised him as Lord Carlton, rumoured to be a noble and trusted advisor in Stannnis's quest for the iron throne but a stout meek and portly man in person.
"My King, the Bolton house will undoubtedly face question, despite Lady Sansa's strong claim, Lord Bolton…" he lowered his eyes "…Lord Bolton was born a bastard."
Sansa's hand flew to the tensed Ramsay who had already wrapped his hand firmly around his sword and she felt him grimace at the word.
Her touch held him back as he waited, sensing yet again that something was about to happen. Stannis's cold, hard face stayed entirely expressionless as he starred into Sansa's eyes with a nod. His voice a quiet growl "You are mistaken Lord Carlton, Ramsay Bolton was the first born son of Lord Roose Bolton and Lady Ryswell, your father was present the day of his birth was he not?" He looked to Sansa who nodded "I believe he was your grace."
Stannis glanced to Lord Carlton who sat beside him "A nasty business what happened to the honourable Ned Stark, he was a good and Loyal friend to my brother before the Lannister's had them both slaughtered in an attempt to take the throne for their inbred bastards." His words were forceful, he was not giving an opinion, it was clear that he was writing the truth as the world would know it under his reign."
He looked to Ramsay who sat stunned in his seat "I heard you were raised in the country, a sickly boy were you not? I recall your father doubting you would make it past infancy, but you look strong now." He held out a piece of rolled parchment to Sansa who took it gracefully with a smile and unrolled it, her eyes skimming over the contents.
Ramsay could feel the frustration bubbling inside him as he watched her, he wanted to know what was on that parchment and she knew it, she was purposely taking her time, running her eyes twice over certain parts before she handed it to him.
Her eyes fixed on Stannis she smiled and the voiceless man on Stannis's other side offered her a quill and ink "You honour us" she dipped her eyes as she scrawled on the parchment.
Sansa's face remained emotionless as she blew gently on the ink and handed it to Ramsay looking down a Crass grin spread across his face as he heard Stannis's voice above the room "The order of your birth, Ramsay Bolton, Son of Lord Roose Bolton and Lady Bethany Rysell. Signed by myself and Lord Eddard Stark in the week of your birth."
Ramsay looked over the signatures, the ink of Eddard Starks's still glistening where wet, he had to admit though, his clever wife could sign her late father's name just as well as the man himself. The year of his birth had adjusted slightly but he wasn't opposed to two years age difference if it allowed him to finally be a legitimate son.
"Stannis turned to the Lord who held once again held the quill and ink "Tell me…what do you know of Lord Ramsay Bolton?" the man paused for a moment before he took a breath, "He is the first born son of Lord Roose Bolton and Lady Bethany Bolton, Warden of the North, My king…I have never heard any different."
Sansa allowed herself a glance to her side where she saw Ramsay's ecstatic grin.
Ramsay looked directly at Stannis before speaking "My men and I will march with you tomorrow at first light. We will join you in your siege on the capital." Stannis nodded.
"Leave at least twenty men to begin repairs to this place, It saddens me to see Winterfell is such a state. It shall be returned to its former glory before the Winter is through." He looked to Sansa,
"I will see you in the morning." With that he raised himself and they all departed.
She felt him following her, along the corridor and to her chamber door, she could hear his heavy breathing, she could smell the sweat, dirt and blood, she heard the footsteps of his personal guard behind him.
It wasn't untill she reached the door that his hand appeared, still leather bound and dirty it grasped at her shoulder, she felt the hot breath on her neck as he followed her through. His growl of command to his men, they were not to leave that door until first light. No one was the enter or exit under any circumstances.
She entered to see her small blonde hand maid, filling the bath with warm water for her. Her eyes widened as she saw Ramsay following her mistress in. Her eyes pleaded to be released and with a nod Sansa gave her the kindness, watching as the girl scurried out past the guards then looking to Ramsay himself and wishing she could be released from his presence the same way.