Hello readers! I want to apologize for taking so long with the update; I have been working on other stories but I haven't stopped planning this one, of course! Thank you to all of you who give me motivation for my writing. Although this is a bit of a small chapter, I'm working on a larger one to follow very soon! Again thanks for all the reviews; please leave any feedback/reviews. They always help. Enjoy!

Much love, Anna.

The air was crisp outside; cold and unsettling. There was no moon in the sky. Just darkness.

I sat near the fireplace, my knees bumping against my chin. I felt small again, like a child. I was alone this night. I had told Sandor not to come inside, for no one to disturb me. My mind couldn't face anyone. I was afraid I would attack them, verbally or worse.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the beautiful face of my mother. My older brother was near her, smiling handsomely, like the true king he was. When I opened my eyes, they were gone, like fog in the night.

I had cried far too long; my eyes were throbbing. My injuries were healing but there was a tear in my heart that would never go away.

My mind was throbbing also, but not because of pain.

I was trying to do something my mother always taught me:

In the mist of misery, always have a step forward.

I was planning.

I was not just a Lady anymore.

I am a leader now. And I must lead my people.

Hours passed in the small hut, the fireplace running out of heat. It was getting cold, but that did not matter. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat. But my mind was racing.

Soon I knew what I must do.

I could hear the roosters calling out toward the morning sun.

I hadn't slept at all; but I had a plan.

In my mind, it made sense. I kept repeating this, for I knew this would be the only thing that could keep what was left of my family safe.

I sat up, feeling the emptiness of the hut around me. My feet moved on their own.

I pushed the door, leaving my hut and surveying my surroundings. There were a group of woman talking over near a hut. They saw me at once; they curtsied lowly and walked away. An older man holding a heap of hay walked in front of me. He didn't notice I was standing near him; when he did, he spilled his hay on the ground.

"Oh my Lady, forgive me, I didn't see you!", the man stated, bowing lowly.

"It's alright.", I replied, picking up the bundles of hay.

"Ah, m-my lady, please don't worry yourself with that!"

He was shocked as he started picking up the left over bundles.

"It's quite alright, sir."

"I...I am sorry for your loss, my Lady. I...you can count on these people to stay loyal by your side", the man proclaimed.

His words pierced my heart; however the pain was going away. I thanked him for his kindness.

He smiled brightly, as he wished me a wonderful morning, walking off to his work.

The sky was still cloudy, but bright. It smelled of dew.

A loud clanging noise sounded behind me. I turned around to see a familiar and warm sight.

Sandor was before me, clad in armor similar to Ser Andoro's.

He looked as if he had shaved some of the hair off his face, seeming younger than usual. I barely noticed his scar, a burgundy color against his tan skin.

"My lady..." He said, the words sounding strange coming out of his mouth.

I smiled at him; it hurt my lips.

"I found you a horse, Little Bird, but you'll see it soon. It's...a special horse that needs time."

"Thank you. I trust you with it then."

"Yes, Little Bird. You know I'm not very damn good at these words, or emotions. You know that. Yet,..."

His scar was twitching as he grew nervous.

"I am here for you always. Till I die, I am yours. "

My eyes were burning again. I touched his face, since I couldn't say a word. He understood.

"Lady Sansa!"

A voice called our to me, shaking me out of Sandor's gaze. I turned to see Ser Smithson rushing towards me. His dark brown eyes were cloud in worry.

"Good Morning, Lady Sansa. How...are you feeling today? I-I did not mean to say the dreadful news that way. Look, forgive me, I did not mean for it-

"If you're going to keep muttering on, like a child, might as well swallow your tongue.", Sandor hissed.

Ser Smithson glared at him, but quickly turned his attention to me again.

I needed his help however, and quickly.

"What is done is done. The Gods will deal with our enemies", I stated, trying to believe this. Revenge would come, either from them or my hands.

"I cannot bear any more bloodshed. Ser Smithson?", I asked.

"Oh-Yes Lady Sansa, at your service."

"I need a meeting with you, Ser Edwarde, and Ser Andoro in my tent, immediately . Call upon them now. It is of urgent business."

Ser Smithson understood very quickly, as he nodded his head and walked hurriedly toward the group of tents toward the center of the camp. I did not wait for him, as I walked toward my own. Sandor was behind me as we were once again alone in the tent. There was nothing left of the fire. Yet, I was burning.

"Little Bird, what the devils are you planning...?", Sandor asked, seemingly calm despite his words.

"You will hear soon enough."

As those words left my mouth, three figures appeared at the opening of the tent, all in armor. Ser Smithson, Ser Edwarde, and Ser Andoro were before me, waiting patiently for commands.

"My Queen. You have summoned us."

His words struck me. Was I a queen now, after the true queen was murdered? No, I could not think upon this, as my blood was already boiling.

The three men stared at me, while I could hear Sandor's breathing besides me. This was the moment. This was the moment I would reign. It would begin here. My voice, quivering slightly, yet strong, echoed in the tent.

"Men...to the East, we must ride."