Chapter 37

They arrived back at the palace at dawn. Word had traveled before them so the grounds were alive, loved ones greeted and a huge breakfast was served as welcome home feast. Is was happy and sad at the same time. Sandor looked for Shalene and was greeted with the sight of his beautiful woman walking towards him with his babies safe carried in each arm. He kissed her long and desperately, touching her face. He pulled her to him as he sat in his Lord's Chair and looked in wonder at the wiggling bundles she placed in his huge arms.

He couldn't take his eyes off of them. He looked at one then the other. Shalene sat on his thigh and took their daughter as Sandor unwrapped his Son. His big fingers gently touched the little fingers and toes, traced the boy's round cheeks. He marveled at the silkiness of his sandy blonde hair. Sandor felt tears sting his eyes as the baby opened his eyes and looked right at him. He had Sandor's same stormy grey eyes. He held the baby up, kissing his neck. His beard must have made the little fellow angry because he started crying and Sandor had to laugh when he heard Lucian behind him say," Father, he may be little but he's as grouchy as you are. Not even a moon old and he's already yelling at everyone!"

Everyone laughed. As he let Lucian take his brother, he said," My son's name is Dexcian. That's what Kolenee
wanted." Everyone greeted the new Lord Dexcian Clegane.

Sandor was afraid to take his daughter, she was so small, but Shalene took his huge hand and placed her in it. His hands were so large that she was comfortably nestled in one of them. He was afraid to touch her. Shalene unwrapped her and Sandor felt his breath leave him. She was so perfect and delicate. She was awake, her eyes followed him as if she had known him forever. He touched her tiny face and and smiled as her tender little hand opened and she took hold of his finger.

He had never felt more massive that he did at that moment watching her beautiful tiny hand try to pull his huge, calloused finger to her mouth. Her hair was black like his, wavy and so soft. She had Kolenee's eyes. So vivid and green. He whispered her name. He looked up at Shalene, tears rolling freely down his face. She said," These are my children too. As these days have gone by, I have loved them as my own. I have had nights to miss you and to know that I have been selfish in some of my thoughts. As I have loved our children and wanted you home, I came to realize that I need to tell you my fears. You deserve to know all of me. I am afraid to marry you because I know you deserve an heir. I'm afraid to have a baby. My mother died giving birth to me. I have seen so many orphans. I have now watched a woman, my sister, die to bring these babies to life. To give you what I was afraid to do. I'm not afraid anymore, Sandor. Life is short, we have been blessed with so much and we have so much to share with everyone. I love you."

Sandor held her hand and couldn't help himself, he smiled and said," My Lady, are you asking me to marry you?" Shalene punched his arm and said," No, My Lord. But if you ask me, I might say yes!"

Everyone laughed again. Sandor covered his daughter and said," Kolenee wished to name a daughter, K'Alenedor. So this little flower is Lady K'Alenedor Clegane. He kissed her gently on the head. Everyone greeted the new Lady. Sansa said," You can call her little flower, I call her Lady Bug!"

The wet nurses came for the babes and Sandor wouldn't let Shalene leave his knee. She made herself comfortable and told him of all that had happened. He told her about all the had transpired with him and of how valiantly Lucian had fought. He couldn't help but tease Sansa saying that after all this time and her songs and stories, he was the one that ended up with the TRUE Knight, his Son. Lucian resolutely said," I'm no Knight. I'm a Clegane. Don't call me a bloody Knight!" Tyrion piped in," Well said, My Lord. Spoken like a true Clegane!"

There was so much Sandor needed to know and do. He didn't want to go to Essos, but he was honor bound by his word. He called Edgar, Bronn, Tyrion, Lucian and Shalene to his solar. He wanted all books for his holdings, maps, ledgers and whatever else he needed to know about. He was overwhelmed at the extent and range of his lands. Shalene watched the wonder in his eyes and was filled with pride at his natural abilities to to garner information and take the leadership role. She noted that Edgar watched him and listened to him, quick to offer advice or knowledge and she smiled at the sparkle in his eyes as she knew he was impressed and at ease with his new Lord.

It was decided to leave in three months that way the babies would be older, Shae would not be too far along and Sandor would have more time to become aware of his duties. Sandor had noticed that Lucian walked with a new spring in his step and maturity in his demeanor. He was well aware of what this meant. Jonete' had completed Lucian's journey to manhood.

Sandor spent as much time with his twins as he could. All of the children were equally loved by all. Shalene had been with one of the women from the town who had recently given birth, she always visited the town folk, making sure they were well taken care of. She had come home after a long day and when she couldn't find Sandor, she bathed alone, very much feeling his absence. She quietly entered their room and was surprised to see him in bed already. As she approached the bed, she felt her heart swell with love, he was laying on his side, Dexcian was stretched out with his little feet braced against Sandor's stomach and K' Alenedor was nestled against his chest, at his shoulder, their black hair mingled together. He had his arm wrapped protectively around them. Shalene eased onto the bed and rested her head on Sandor's hip, she saw a smile appear on his face but he never opened his eyes. He eased his fingers into her hair and softly grazed her scalp. He said," Shalene, I love you. Everyday I open my eyes I'm in heaven, you did this. Would you marry me?"

Shalene was quiet a moment then said,"Sandor, you made your life like this. By your ability to care, love, accept, protect and with your desire. You chose this life. You could have refused to give into any temptation I gave you. You could have continued to live as you always have. All I did was let you see that there is another life out there. That you are more than what someone made you to be. I have been given so much, how could I not share it? I have more than I could use in one hundred lifetimes and there are so many that have nothing. That's why I care for my people. They shouldn't live poorly or their children not be uneducated when I can help them. There are a few places that I need you to see, we'll go tomorrow if you can spare the time. And yes, I will marry you. Whenever you are ready."

Sandor felt his chest tighten. This woman is so much more than I deserve. He said," I want to marry before we leave. I don't want to go. I just want to be here with my family and live our lives. I gave my word, I will go but we will be back within a year, one way or another. I only go for Sansa and Tyrion." Shalene took his hand and kissed it, and said," I'll tell Edgar before we leave in the morning, he will arrange everything." She reached out and gently touched her son's hand and wondered if Sandor will want a baby soon. She decided not to bring it up if he doesn't.