Sandor took a moment to retrieve the necklace and locket he brought for Sansa, before making his way down to supper. He was surprised to find no food on the dining table, and overheard an exchange between Kellan and Sansa coming from the terrace.
"Lord Clegane and I will be dining alone on the terrace this evening. I know you're not accustomed to it, but would you terribly mind eating with Veena and Rona? They're taking their supper at the inn tonight." She sounded apologetic.
"With the servants?" The guard was indignant.
"Yes, Kellan, with the other servants."
"Is that what I am, now, merely a servant?"
"Service is no shame. Our servants in Winterfell were like family. Nan, Hodor, Ser Jory . . . ." Her voice was nostalgic. "We shared our lives with them."
"Yet, they were not your equals. Would you have married this Hodor?"
"That's ridiculous!" She laughed.
"It is ridiculous to marry a man unworthy of you. Yet, you intend to marry Ser Clegane. Do you not? Do you love him?"
"He is not unworthy." She snapped. "And don't call him 'ser.' He doesn't like it."
"Do you love him?" He pushed.
"That's hardly your business or your place. In case you've forgotten, let me tell you your place, Kellan, it's to do your Lady's business and follow her commands. So, after your supper, you will ride to the port and order more clothing from the tailor for Lord Clegane. Thank the gods, he will be staying with me longer than he anticipated, and I plan to provide him with everything that he needs and desires."
"Truly, my lady? Everything that he desires?"
She had a fire in her eyes, "Everything."
"And if you are what he desires?"
She wouldn't back down. "Shall I tell it to you thrice, now? Everything!" She brushed her hair back and composed herself, a bit, her tone still commanding. "My betrothed . . . ."
"Betrothed? So you do intend to marry him. Well, then I must go congratulate ser, now."
"Wait! He doesn't know. " She wavered for a moment.
"A betrothal unbeknownst to the groom? Must be some Northern tradition I am not acquainted with."
His comment angered her, and her voice became powerful, her words concise. "As is befitting your station, please go to the port on my behalf and commission the tailor there to make three more tunics and three more breeches for Lord Clegane. Extend to the tailor my compliments on his fine, quick work, and tell him that my betrothed was stately in his new attire and pleased me greatly. Have the tunics made in olive green, red, and white, as I have always found the sight of my Lord gratifying in those colors. Instruct him to make the pants in brown, gray, and dark blue but a bit looser this time, as Sandor is such a strapping man. Bring him socks and smallclothes, too. Do make sure the smallclothes can properly accommodate his girth. Such a large and particular order will certainly require a bit of time. You will need to spend the evening in the inn at the port and return on the morrow whenever your task is complete. Have I made my desires completely clear to you? For, I'd hate for you to have to return to hear them repeated."
"I can return tonight, my Lady, and ride back on the morrow."
"No. Those were not my instructions. You won't return. Here is the coin you'll need. Make sure you guard it carefully, as there is ample coin here for a man's passage from Lorath to any of the Free Cities. Anyone desiring to leave Lorath, for any reason, would find such a purse tempting. Although you are quite happy here, there are many in this city who don't properly love their stations and are looking for a way out. This," she shook the purse, "is freedom to an unhappy man." Her tone was suggesting. "Do remember to take with you whatever belongings you'll need for your time away from this house, as I'd hate to imagine your leaving behind anything you might want or need for your travels."
He bowed roughly.
"Gods be with you on your journey, Kellan." She said it courteously, but without emotion.
Clever, Little Bird, but how clever is your guard?