I apologize in advance for my terrible poetry when we get to the songs written about Jaime and Sansa…

…

Chapter 85

Sansa leaned against the railing of the ship, enjoying the feel of the cool air against her face. The cold, refreshing crispness reminded her of the North. Of home. Now that they had traveled far enough South that it wasn't as unbearably freezing as it had been when they first left Casterly Rock, she enjoyed coming up onto the deck of the ship to get some air every afternoon. They had been sailing for nearly a moon's turn, and Sansa finally felt that they were safe from the new Queen and her dragons. Though she had never been on the water before, Sansa had come to feel safe on the Sunset Sea and this ship. It felt like home.

Sansa could tell that their ship was very fine, though she knew little about such things. The brass railings gleamed so brightly they appeared almost gold. The sails were Lannister crimson, but they did not bear the Lannister sigil, in the event they encountered enemies during their journey. The ship was as long as the throne room in King's Landing and it took nearly forty men to serve as its crew. The stateroom that Jaime and Sansa shared was elegantly appointed and many toys and books were on the ship for Tommen and Julianna. She appreciated that even as they were preparing to flee, Jaime had ensured that she and the children would be as comfortable as possible. He says that I take care of him, but he takes good care of me as well.

Every morning, Jaime and Tommen would take out the large map the captain had given them, and use it to mark their progress from the day before, as they made their way South. The boy would listen intently as Jaime told him about the different places they passed. Sansa could see that Jaime was more relaxed now that they had left Westeros. He allowed himself to enjoy spending time with Tommen. He was not as uneasy around the little boy as he had been before. It made Sansa smile to watch Tommen trail along beside Jaime as he went about his day – like a little shadow following him everywhere. He never seemed to get tired of Jaime's company. Tommen worships Jaime, now that he knows him well and feels safe with him. He's so happy when he's with his father. Not that he knows Jaime is his father.

Sansa spent most days in their stateroom, keeping the baby company and working on her needlepoint to pass the time. Julianna would play happily at her feet until Sansa got bored with her sewing and joined her. The both of them would sit on the rug in front of the fire playing and watching Tommen's kittens run about their rooms. Every day, Julianna was talking more and more. In addition to calling she and Jaime "mama" and "dada," she called Tommen, Pia, and all the kittens by name – Tommen had taught her - though she didn't quite pronounce them correctly. Every night, Jaime would try to teach her a new word, though the results were more amusing than educational.

Sansa glanced behind her and saw that Jaime was speaking to some of his men, as he did every day. He seemed to be in his element, commanding those who had accompanied them from the Rock. Every day, Jaime would walk through the different levels of the ship. It took him several hours to do so, because he made certain to speak to each of his men. No one was beneath his notice or unworthy of his attention. That's why they are so loyal to him. He makes each of them feel that they are important. As she watched him, Sansa came to realize why these men came with them – why they risked being put to death for treason in order to help them. They were more than House Lannister's soldiers. They were Jaime's soldiers. These men admired Jaime in a way she had never before seen. She'd noticed it before when they traveled from King's Landing to the Rock. But their loyalty to him was even more striking to her as she considered that these were men who gave up everything – including their own lives back in Westeros – to save Jaime's life. And her own.

She turned back to the water, watching as they traveled further and further away from Westeros and the places Sansa had called home. The sea was still a dark, angry grey, even during the rare moments when the sun was in the sky. Sansa could hardly wait until they traveled farther South, where it would be warm and the sun would shine far more than it had for the past year of Winter. She longed to feel the sun on her face and see the crystal blue water of the Sunset Sea that Jaime had told her about. I would love to watch the sunset with him from the back of our ship. Though, the current weather made any such thing seem a foolish dream.

The air seemed to be growing warmer – and wetter - but the sky was turning darker by the moment. The ship lurched suddenly and Sansa felt strong arms grip her from behind before she could lose her footing. "Careful, my lady. I wouldn't want you to tumble overboard," Jaime murmured in her ear. "I'd be forced to dive in after you. Though I suppose it would make a rather daring rescue."

Sansa smiled and leaned back against Jaime, knowing she was safe. She could scarce believe that she was on this ship, traveling South with Jaime and their daughter. If someone had told the silly girl she was back in Winterfell that this would be her future, she'd have called them a fool. Now, she realized that she was the foolish one. She was far happier now than she could ever have been as Queen. Sansa gripped the rail as the ship was tossed violently again by the tall waves. It suddenly began to rain large, cold drops of water. At least it's not cold enough for snow. The wind picked up and the large vessel jerked to the side again, though Jaime had steady footing and his arm around her.

"Are we safe in this storm?" she asked.

"It's come up rather suddenly but, the Captain assures me we're far enough from the shore that there's little danger of crashing into the rocks. We'll get tossed around a bit and this rain will continue until the storm passes," he said, wrapping her up in his cloak as he spoke to her. "I want you and the children below deck. The waves could get high enough to wash a grown man overboard."

"Then you should come below deck, too."

Jaime softly rubbed his hand over her shoulder. "Once I have made certain that the men don't need help with the ship, I'll join you." Sansa heard a loud rumbling in the sky, as if the gods themselves were voicing their displeasure.

Tommen ran over to them, taking her hand. "What was that, Uncle?"

"It seems we're in for a bit of a thunderstorm." He smiled down at Tommen. "There's nothing to fear. Winter storms come up quickly at sea. I want both of you inside and out of the rain. Pia will fix you something warm to drink and you and Julianna can sit in front of the fire. I'll join you soon."

Sansa knew better than to believe that. Jaime would never sit inside their warm stateroom while his men fought the winds and rain to keep their ship on course. He must have sensed her skepticism, because he leaned down and kissed her before gently – but firmly – pushing her and Tommen in the direction of the stairs. "I promise."

…

Dragon banners decorated King's Landing and the Red Keep once again. Tyrion faintly remembered Aunt Genna bringing him to King's Landing once as a boy, when his father still served as Hand to Aerys Targaryen. Cersei had been living with their father in King's Landing, and Jaime served as squire to Lord Crakehall. Tyrion had been left behind at the Rock in the care of servants. Tyrion had been excited at the prospect of seeing the dragon heads that decorated the walls of the Throne Room. But Lord Tywin had been annoyed at his presence and ordered that he was not to leave the Tower of the Hand. Aunt Genna had told him that his father was very busy working, but Tyrion knew that his father was ashamed of him. Well, father, now it is I who am Hand to a Targaryen ruler.

Tyrion had managed to convince Daenerys that he should not remain behind at the Rock, as she had intended, but rather, that he should accompany her to King's Landing as an advisor, now that Littlefinger had fled. He had worried that she mistrusted him, after Jaime's escape, but she looked at him with gratitude when he offered to help her, and readily accepted. She's just a girl still. Not much older than Sansa. And she has not had anyone to teach her to be a leader. Over the course of their journey, Tyrion spent time with the young Queen – dining with her every night - and he had earned her trust and, he believed, her friendship.

Tyrion spoke to her of the different families of Westeros, and how he thought it best to win their loyalty. She had many questions about the Realm, and about how best to rule it's people. He had given his opinion, always ensuring that she did not feel he was telling her what to do. She is proud. And a Queen. Tyrion knew that she had to make her own decisions - she would not like to be told what to do. Though he had every intention of guiding her to the correct decision. The night before their arrival in King's Landing she had asked if he would consider serving as her Hand and he had quickly accepted.

The trip from Casterly Rock back to the Red Keep had taken some time. Though, that was by Tyrion's design. He had encouraged the Queen to stop at most every keep along the way so that her subjects could swear fealty, and it resulted in a rather long and meandering trip. Tyrion wanted Daenerys to meet the lesser lords and realize that she need not overthrow every noble house in order to sit on the Iron Throne. She had to learn that all of Westeros was not the enemy, even if they had been loyal to Robert Baratheon.

Ser Barristan and Jorah Mormont both seemed to approve of Tyrion's suggestion, and voiced their support to the Queen. The lords they visited all allowed them entrance, though they were wary. They must know how she gained access to the Rock. They're right not to trust us. Tyrion also knew that they would have heard what she'd done to "Tommen" and that she had put a price on Jaime and Littlefinger's heads. It made every man in the Realm wary of their new Queen. Her entourage of the Dragons and Unsullied did little to put their fears to rest. Everything about the royal party was designed to intimidate.

Jon Snow had departed ways with them rather quickly after their departure from Casterly Rock, as the Night's Watch did not need to travel any farther South, thanks to Jaime's efforts against the White Walkers. He told the Queen that he and his men were required back in the North, at the Wall. Tyrion almost wondered if Lady Stark and her daughter traveled with the Night's Watch – he had left so abruptly.

They had been traveling for little more than a month, but Ser Addam had wasted no time in dispatching every singer in the Westerlands throughout the Realm. Some of the songs written about Jaime and Sansa were horrid…but there were some gems, which began to catch on. Daenerys had not yet heard any of them, and Tyrion was beginning to wonder if his chosen course was the correct one. She'll likely fly into a rage.

As he walked along beside the Queen, Tyrion saw that the little Baratheon girl was in the throne room, studying the dragon skulls intently, her sworn shield standing beside her. The Queen had spared the life of Ser Davos, only after he swore loyalty to her and to the child. Tyrion recalled how fiercely Ser Davos had spoken of his devotion to the girl, swearing that he would protect her with his life, now that Stannis Baratheon and his own son were dead. "The girl is all I have," he had said. Daenerys did not trust him completely – four Unsullied shadowed them at all times, lest he get the idea to flee with the girl – but the child's tears and pleas had touched her.

Lady Shireen turned suddenly at the sound of their footsteps, and fell into a deep curtsey. The Queen smiled with genuine affection, bidding the child to rise. "You've returned, your grace," she said happily, no doubt bored with only Varys, Ser Davos and the Unsullied for company. "Did Lady Sansa and Ser Jaime come to King's Landing with you?"

Tyrion looked at the girl sharply and he could see that Daenerys was puzzled by the girl's question. She looked at Ser Davos. "I thought the child was kept away from Court. How would she know the Kingslayer?"

"She's never met him, your grace," Ser Davos assured her, clearly concerned that the Queen was angry with the child. "She wanted to go to the market, and there were singers there…they sang a song about the Kingslayer and his lady wife that Lady Shireen enjoyed very much."

"I'm sorry, your grace. Please forgive me," the child said, her hand shaking in fear at Dany's expression.

The Queen knelt before the child and took her hand. "You have nothing to fear, Lady Shireen. I always feared my brother's temper. I don't want you to fear me." The girl smiled, nodding her head.

"Ser Davos, please escort Lady Shireen to her chamber. I have some business with my advisors and then we'll have supper." She smiled at the girl. "I want to hear all about what you done during the time that we were gone." Ser Davos bowed his head and escorted the child to her room. "Lord Tyrion, Lord Varys…please join me. I believe I'd like to visit the markets. And perhaps hear a song." This may just cost me my head.

Tyrion exchanged a glance with Varys, who had greeted them when they arrived, though the both of them dutifully followed the Queen from the Throne Room. They walked several steps behind her, as she spoke to Ser Barristan, enabling them to speak privately.

"It seems Littlefinger did not fare well in his quest to take Ser Jaime's wife from him." Tyrion glanced over at the Master of Whispers, wondering how he could possibly know what went on at Casterly Rock. Lord Tywin always took great pains to ensure that his servants did not have loose lips. "Don't worry, I have no intention of damaging your relationship with the Queen. It is beneficial to us both that certain…bad influences have been removed."

The both of them joined the Queen in her litter and she immediately questioned Lord Varys about what news he had for her, since their last communication. Varys had been sending messages to her by raven and, when a matter was sensitive, by rider. Though she only shared some of the contents with Tyrion – he did not know the entirety of their communications.

"Your grace, I cannot find a trace of Littlefinger or the Kingslayer. It is as if they both vanished." Tyrion found it curious that Varys was unwilling to confirm Baelish's death. If he truly had spies at the Rock, he must know that Littlefinger did nothing to help Jaime and Sansa escape. He must know the man is dead – though perhaps not how he perished. Perhaps he thinks it better that she believe Littlefinger is a traitor. "Though, as of this morning, I may have some idea where Baelish has gone."

Tyrion looked at the man curiously. "Really? Where is that?"

"A siege has only just been mounted against the Twins. By Ser Brynden Tully and his nephew, Lord Edmure. My sources report that Lady Stark and her daughter are also present in the war camp. Not Lady Lannister. The younger daughter. I expect they found the Twins to be an easier target than Riverrun, which is protected by far more troops. And…there was also the lure of revenge. The attack on the Twins has been mounted from both North and South, with all northerners not sworn to House Bolton joining the effort. The Starks will be avenged and The Twins will fall."

Tyrion was not terribly surprised. He had experienced for himself how protective Catelyn Stark was of her children. And how vengeful she could be toward someone she believed had hurt one of them. The brutal way Walder Frey had murdered Robb Stark – in violation of the sacred guest right – had certainly earned him a place in hell. Perhaps House Stark is not nearing extinction as Lord Tywin had thought. His father had meant to crush House Stark, as he had crushed House Reyne. But the Starks were not a minor house, as the Reynes were. The North would band together and unite behind the remaining Starks. Tyrion almost pitied Roose Bolton.

The Queen cleared her throat. "I suppose there is no need to send men after Lady Stark and her brother. I had never intended for them to be prisoners of the crown. Though if they helped the Kingslayer to escape…they are traitors."

Varys responded before Tyrion could. "Your grace, it may be best to allow the Northerners to fight amongst themselves, and then deal with whomever wins the North. Lady Stark will not stop at the Twins. I expect she will want to reclaim Winterfell. Though, the Tullys may decide to take Riverrun back from the Lannisters. Either option will save the crown a great deal of effort."

The Queen nodded. "But make no mistake - the North is part of the Seven Kingdoms, and it will remain so. I'll not allow the Starks or anyone else to call themselves King. If they were to take the Twins, Riverrun and Winterfell…I could not allow that. They would have far too much of the Realm under their control." Tyrion thought it ridiculous that she worried Lady Stark would try to take thethrone, but he kept his thoughts to himself. "Lord Varys, I trust you will ensure that all of the Realm knows that Lord Tyrion has been granted a full pardon for any part he may have played in the death of the Usurper, Joffrey Baratheon. Once they hear that, they will forget how your family maligned you and accept you as Hand of the Queen."

"I expect you are correct, your grace," Lord Varys said, pleased that he was once again part of the Queen's inner-circle, with Baelish gone. "There are none who mourn King Joffrey. Though, King Tommen did not inspire the…hatred and fear that his brother did. He was but a child."

The Queen's eyes darkened, but there was no other indication that she regretted her actions toward the boy presented to her as Tommen Baratheon. "I will not apologize for doing what is necessary to take my throne," she said stubbornly.

As they continued through the market, a singer's voice began to filter into the litter, though as they progressed through the market, Tyrion discerned that there were several songs about Jaime and Sansa being performed throughout the marketplace. Tyrion was impressed that the minstrels had traveled from the Westerlands so quickly.

The Kingslayer was captured, though bravely did he fight
Into a cell, the young Wolf said, and forward did he march
In darkness did the Lion Knight lay, his mind did drift away
To a fair Wolf maiden – with hair of red and eyes of green
Enemies they may be – her house and his at war
But love began to grow

Tyrion chanced a look at the Queen, who was listening intently to the words being sung. She quietly ordered the men carrying them to wait.

Joffrey the Wicked did spurn her and Ser Jaime took a chance
The gods themselves knew of his love, and freed him of his vows
When the shy Lady Sansa met his eyes, true love did she see
His cloak of crimson did protect her from the claws of his pride
The wolf and the lion found true love
And Casterly Rock did shine like the gold beneath

When the singer began to tell of the Dragon Queen condemning Jaime to death, and ripping Sansa from his arms, Tyrion dared not look at her. Perhaps she'll throw me to the crowd and allow them to tear me to pieces. He had not expected the songs to be so merciless about the Queen's treatment of Jaime and Sansa.

He carefully glanced her way and saw that Daenerys was visibly displeased by what she heard. Tyrion prepared himself for the Queen to have the singer's tongue removed, or something equally grotesque. "I suppose I understand why Shireen wished to meet the Kingslayer and Lady Sansa," she said tightly.

"We can have them stop singing –"

"No. I'm not afraid of words. I know that…my father had men's tongues ripped out for saying words he did not like. As did Joffrey the Usurper. The smallfolk will see that I am their Queen, and that the Kingslayer - an oathbreaker with no honor - is not a hero." She suddenly focused on Tyrion. "Lord Tyrion, if you are to be my Hand, you must marry. I want stability throughout the Realm and my small council. And there are many Houses in the Realm that must be brought to heel."

He nodded with resignation. "I shall…begin searching for a bride with all haste that my office allows."

Lord Varys smiled in a way that Tyrion did not like. "I already have a lady in mind, and I believe the Queen and I are in agreement that the young lady will make an ideal lady wife for you."

Seven hells…

…

Sansa sat on the edge of Tommen's little bed, holding Julianna on her lap. It had been pouring rain for hours and the thunder had not let up. Julianna was whining fearfully as she covered her ears and huddled against Sansa.

"It's all right, sweetling," Sansa cooed, rubbing her back in comfort. She had made Tommen put the kittens in their cage, because the boat was being tossed around so much and she worried they would get hurt. She'd also put away everything that was not secured. Luckily the beds, chairs and tables were bolted to the floor.

"The boat won't sink, will it?" Tommen asked, looking up at her with wide green eyes.

"Of course not, Tommen. All of Jaime's men are sailing the ship. They won't allow that to happen. The captain said that we're safe. I know it's scary," Sansa said soothingly, even as she had to grip the bed as a particularly violent wave hit the ship, shaking the room.

"Where's Uncle Jaime?" Good question, she thought, wishing that Jaime were with them. He said he would join us, but it's been hours.

"He's helping all of his men. Lie back and try to close your eyes and when you wake up, the storm will have passed." They both looked scared, and Sansa wanted them to feel safe. "Would you like Julianna to sleep with you tonight? So she doesn't get scared?"

He nodded, though she knew it would also comfort Tommen to have the babe next to him. Sansa looked at Julianna. "Do you want to sleep here with Tommen?" Sansa patted the bed beside him, hoping Julianna understood, and she crawled onto the bed beside him, curling up next to him in a little ball. He put his arm protectively over the baby, holding her close to his chest. Sansa kissed both of them on the cheek, and smoothed her hands over their hair, softly humming a song until they both closed their eyes. I hope they stay asleep.

She pulled the blanket up over them, smiling at the sight of Tommen and Julianna asleep in each other's arms. The room was dark, since she was afraid to leave a candle unattended in such conditions, but there was a soft glow from the wood burning stove in the room. She carefully closed the door and wrapped her cape around her shoulders, carefully making her way up to the deck of the ship.

Sansa grimaced and raised her hood to keep some of the rain off of her head, though the storm was fierce and rain was falling in sheets. She could barely see, the rain was so heavy, and she held onto the railing as she tried to spot Jaime. It appeared that most of the men were up on the deck, trying to maintain control of the ship as the wind howled and rain battered the vessel.

Sansa finally spotted Jaime, working with Gendry to tie down one of the larger sails. They both appeared to be soaked to the bone – as was every other man on board. He always has to serve alongside his men.

She turned her head as she felt Pia lay a hand on her back. "Lord Lannister would not want you up here, m'lady. It's most dangerous ."

"It's dangerous for him as well," she said defiantly, having no intention of sitting alone below while Jaime was struggling so. "I'm out of the way here. I just want to watch him…make certain he's safe." As much as she feared for him, it still made her proud to see Jaime working alongside his men. He doesn't allow the loss of a hand to slow him down. Nor does he act as an imperious lord, who is above serving with his men.

The sky rumbled again with thunder and she saw lightning streak across the sky, far in the distance. Sansa's eyes widened in horror and she gripped the railing tightly as a huge wave began to rise above the ship and crash down onto the deck. The wave threw several men against the rails and snapped one of the huge wooden masts and sending it plummeting towards Jaime and Gendry.

"Jaime!"

…

I know, another cliffhanger. But it keeps all of you interested :)

Almost 1300 reviews! Thank you all so much for reading, reviewing and encouraging me to continue this story. There have been a few questions about my thoughts on Dany & if she is OOC. I think that book/show Dany has a sense of entitlement that she needs to get over. There are times I like the character, then she'll show up in some random city and expect everyone to treat her as queen & give her anything she wants just because she has dragons. She needs to learn some diplomacy, instead of relying on brute force if she actually wants to rule, rather than conquer. (Even if her house words are fire & blood.) Just my thoughts

We just had a hint of what Catelyn and Arya are up to, but this chapter would have been massive if they were in it, so I had to move them to the next one. And…Tyrion's bride will be revealed.