Chapter 90

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The moment the islands of Lys became visible on the horizon, Sansa had felt a flutter of excitement. Though she couldn't discern more than several green dots in the distance, Jaime and Tommen had their map out and the captain assured them that it was Lys. This was the land she had dreamed of visiting as a young girl. The land that she always believed would be sunny and beautiful and perfect. And now it was to be her home. This was where she and Jaime would be safe and allowed to raise their family in peace. It was where their new baby – and any other children they had – would be born.

As the crew busied themselves with preparations to dock the ship and unload all that they had brought from Casterly Rock, Sansa sat on the deck of the ship with Tommen and Julianna, taking in the beauty of Essos as more and more of it came into view. She'd continued to be ill with mother's sickness, and was looking forward to getting off the ship and onto solid ground once again.

When they finally reached Lys, slowly sailing past the largest island, the beauty took Sansa's breath away. The island rose from the water, which was such a crystal clear blue that Sansa could see almost to the ocean floor. Most of the smaller islands were behind the main island, and couldn't be seen from where they were, but Sansa was already captivated with her new home.

She had never seen anything like Lys. Though the island had a sandy beach, it was topped with several large mountains that were covered in houses that almost appeared to be stacked one on top of the other. Sansa had never seen so many homes. She wondered how the Lysene lived so close to one another – she was used to large castles and huge plots of land. I suppose this is what it is like in a city. All of the houses on the mountainside were painted a pure white that made them appear to almost sparkle in the bright sunlight. The doors and roofs were painted a blue as bright as the sea. Sansa felt her heart beating faster and hugged Julianna in excitement. She'd never seen anything so beautiful before.

"Is that where we're going to live?" Tommen asked pointing at the houses on the mountainside, his eyes bright with curiosity.

"We're going to live somewhere on that island," Jaime answered from behind Sansa, wrapping his arms around her and Julianna at once. "Remember, I told you that some of my soldiers were traveling ahead of us? They were to find us somewhere to live. I'm certain you'll approve of our new home, Tommen."

That seemed to satisfy the boy, who nodded and turned back to look at Lys. Sansa looked up at Jaime, meeting his eyes. "That's our new life," she whispered. His eyes moved from hers to Julianna and back again.

"Our new life," he agreed, kissing Sansa first and then kissing the babe's head. She saw his eyes move to Tommen, an expression she could read on his face as he considered his young son, and Sansa wondered if he was thinking about the many times he had asked Cersei to run away with him to the Free Cities. She could have had this life with him, if she had not wanted the Iron Throne more than Jaime. She knew how much it had hurt him that Cersei did not love him enough to choose him over her desire for power. Sansa turned toward Jaime and hugged him, knowing he might need comfort, caging Julianna between them, who began giggling happily.

"I love you. And I will always choose you, over everything," she whispered, stroking his now clean-shaven face. It had grown quite warm once they neared Essos. Jaime had shaved his beard and Sansa had begun to wear some of her summer dresses from King's Landing, in an effort to keep cool.

He seemed to know that she was thinking about his past with Cersei. "Sansa, there's no one I would rather be here with. No one I would rather share this life with." She nodded against his chest.

"Look!" Tommen called out, pointing at the brightly-colored tents that stretched out into the distance, past the beaches and the harbor. Sansa knew that was the marketplace where smugglers and traders sold their wares from Westeros and the rest of Essos. Jaime had said she would be able to visit the markets, and the prospect excited her. She had wanted to shop in the markets in King's Landing, but she had not been allowed – first her father thought it too dangerous and then she was a hostage and not permitted to leave the Red Keep.

Jaime took Julianna from her arms and Sansa knelt beside Tommen at the railing, knowing he was just as enchanted as she was by what they saw. She and Tommen pointed things out to one another and made plans to explore the island. The beauty of the southern isles far exceeded Sansa's imagination. While they had left a cold and frozen land, Lys was warm and shining, with bright colors everywhere. The Lysene were not hidden inside their homes to keep warm, but lounging on the beaches, or trading in the busy marketplace. Sansa looked over and saw Pia and Gendry gaping in amazement from the side of the ship. They may not have even imagined a place so beautiful.

As they sailed past the harbor, Sansa noticed a rowboat moving towards them. There were four slaves rowing the boat and a man that Sansa recognized as a Lannister soldier was waving at Jaime as they approached. He had sent four of his men ahead to Lys before the Dragon Queen even arrived at the Rock. Though, he had not intended for them to be quite so far ahead, as he and Sansa had been delayed by several weeks, dealing with the Queen's siege. Jaime's soldiers had been tasked with finding a home for them and it appeared they had been successful, as the soldier beckoned for their large ship to follow the small rowboat. Sansa felt the excitement of a little girl on her nameday, wondering what awaited them.

They followed the rowboat past the busy port and market, and Sansa noticed that they were reaching a quieter area, with fewer houses and people. The rowboat finally turned and stopped beside a small dock. Tommen had loaded his kittens into their cage and was jumping up and down in excitement as they waited for the ramp to be lowered, allowed them to disembark and for the cargo to be unloaded from the ship.

"My lord, my lady. Welcome to Lys," the Captain proclaimed, waiving his arm grandly to indicate that they could leave the ship.

Tommen led the way down the ramp, with Sansa following him. Jaime carried Julianna, who she could hear chattering nonsense to him. It felt strange to finally stand on solid ground, after so long at sea, and Sansa gripped Jaime's arm to steady herself.

"Sansa, Uncle Jaime, look!" Sansa took Julianna back from Jaime, holding her as she turned and took in the sight of their new home.

The large villa was just as the other homes in Lys – a sparkling white with a bright blue roof and blue doors and shutters on the windows. Large trees that looked like none Sansa had ever seen in Westeros shaded the villa, and she saw that the soldiers Jaime had sent ahead were lined up in front of the house, along with several servants. The villa was built into a hillside, at the far end of the island, and Sansa could see the ocean and many of the smaller islands beyond it. It was so quiet and peaceful. This is a paradise.

"Look, sweetling, at the home your father found for us. And here I was putting jewelry in my pockets to sell for food," she murmured to herself. She heard Jaime chuckle beside her.

"Selling jewelry for food would not suit a Lannister. My father would never approve. Tyrion sent us with plenty of gold and all of the trunks you packed. We'll be quite comfortable here."

"Lady Lannister, Ser Jaime, welcome to Lys."

Sansa stood, Tommen beside her, staring at their house, even as Jaime's soldiers streamed past her carrying trunks and crates. She'd never seen anywhere so beautiful. Now she noticed brightly colored flowers everywhere, in addition to the large trees that shaded their home. An elaborate metal gate surrounded the villa, though the gates were open now, allowing the soldiers to stream through with their many trunks and belongings.

Sansa kissed Julianna's forehead and followed beside Jaime as his men welcomed them. Tommen clung to her hand, looking at everything and everyone in wonder.

"It's hot here," Tommen said, looking up at her.

"It will be cooler inside Tommen," Jaime assured him.

Sansa noticed that the men Jaime sent ahead were dressed in light trousers and tunics, rather than the armor that was favored in Westeros. They still had their swords at their sides. There was no sigil on their clothes – she supposed that was so they could live in Lys without drawing attention – but she noticed a small embossing of a lion on their sword belts.

They finally entered the villa and, as Jaime had predicted, it was pleasantly cool after the heat of the outside. The floors and walls were covered in white marble and the furnishings were unusual, made of exotic woods and woven vines. The fabrics were lighter than the heavy velvets and brocades that were favored in Westeros. Large doors covered the back wall and all were thrown open, with thin linen curtains waving in the breeze. Sansa saw a glimpse of the blue ocean through the curtains.

"Is it too hot for my kittens?" Tommen asked when Pia carried their cage into the villa.

"They'll be fine, Tommen," Jaime said. "Pia will help you get them some cold water to drink, and find a nice spot to make a bed for them." He turned to one of his men. "Escort the boy to his chamber." The man nodded and led Pia and Tommen down a long marble hallway.

Another soldier led Jaime and Sansa to their own bedchamber. "Isn't it pretty here, sweetling?" she asked Julianna, who was pointing at everything they passed and chattering happily.

"Your chambers, my lord. My lady."

The men waited for Sansa to enter before following with several trunks of clothes and jewels. "The rest can be stacked outside the doors for now," Jaime said, no doubt recalling how many trunks Sansa had packed and knowing it would take quite a while for all of them to be unloaded from the ship and carried to their chambers. "If the boy wishes to join us, he may. Otherwise, we don't wish to be disturbed."

"Of course, my lord. Ser Jaime we are…very glad that your journey was a safe one."

"As am I. Lady Lannister and I are both appreciate the loyalty all of you have shown to us and to House Lannister."

Sansa smiled at the pleased expression on the soldier's face as he bowed and left them, closing the large double doors behind him. She wandered through the large bedchamber, which was furnished I the same fashion as the rest of the villa. There was a massive four-poster bed, which was draped with a sheer white netting and the bedding was made of a light linen. The bedchamber also had a wall of doors, and Sansa opened one and gasped at the sight before her. There were several large stone terraces, with a chaise lounge nearly as large as their bed, other large chairs for sunbathing and a table and chairs which would allow them to dine outside. Sansa could see the small, uninhabited islands Jaime had spoken of, rising sharply from the water in a sea of lush, green vegetation.

She heard Jaime call out from inside their bedchamber that there were clothes more suited to the weather inside, but she was far too distracted by the beauty before her. The terrace nearest the sea ended in several steps that led right into the water. Sansa knelt at the top of the steps and held Julianna, letting the babe splash her hand in the water. She laughed and looked up at Sansa for approval, a happy smile on her face.

I love her so much. It was worth leaving everything behind, to see her happy. "Perhaps your father will take you swimming later, Sweetling," Sansa said, reaching her own hand into the cool water.

"I'll take the both of you," Jaime said from behind her. She turned and smiled, noticing that he had changed his clothes and was wearing nothing but light linen trousers. Her eyes traveled over his chest and she suddenly felt warmer. The way the sun lit his hair and skin, she was struck by how beautiful he was – her brave knight. His golden skin and fair hair made him seem quite well-suited to the island paradise he had brought them to. Jaime seemed to notice her admiration, as his smile widened and he sauntered over, sitting beside her. Jaime hiked up the legs of his trousers and put his feet in the water. He held his hands out to Julianna who smiled and reached toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck once she was in his arms.

"You must be warm in that – even if it is your summer gown, Sansa. One of the maids purchased a few gowns for you at the market. I left one on the bed for you." Sansa smiled happily, and scurried toward their bedchamber, excited at the prospect of seeing the gowns Lysene women wore. She stood in the doorway for a moment and watched Jaime remove Julianna's little dress and shoes, leaving her in only her diaper as he kept her upright and let her splash her feet in the water. Sansa watched Julianna look up and catch his eye. Father and daughter both smiled at each other and he kissed her forehead before she returned to playing. Sansa rested her hand on her stomach, excited for the new babe that would join their little family.

Her sentimental emotions faded once she saw the…scrap of fabric on the bed. It was skimpier than anything Margaery Tyrell had ever worn, of that Sansa was certain. Certainly this is not what he's calling a gown. Sansa owned shawls made of more fabric than what was before her on their bed. He can't actually think I'll walk around in this. In front of his men? In front of Tommen?

She supposed it was all right to wear it now, in the privacy of their bedchamber. It is awfully hot in this gown and I suppose this Lysene…dress…is simply a decided shorter nightshift. Sansa sighed and unlaced her gown, frowning as she picked up the scrap of fabric in front of her, and realized that she could not wear her shift with it. Sansa removed her shift, finally feeling cool as the breeze from outside hit her bare skin. She slipped the silk dress over her head and pulled at it, realizing it covered as much as it was going to cover. She walked over to the mirror and gasped at her reflection. I look so…improper. What would Mother say if she saw me in this?

She turned around, her eyes taking in how the thin silk slid over the curves of her body. Though it dipped low in front and showed a scandalous amount of her legs and arms, her back was mostly covered, concealing the scars that marred the skin there. She bit back a smile, thinking she did look quite pretty. Jaime will like me in this.

Sansa walked uncertainly over to the open doors and saw that he and Julianna had moved to the large chaise that covered by a large white canopy. Jaime was lounging in the shade, with little Julianna seated beside him. He looked up at Sansa's approach and she took some satisfaction that she managed to make words escape him for a moment.

"Julianna," he said quietly to their babe, who turned at the sound of her name, "It's not fair to the rest of the world, that your mother is so beautiful." She felt herself blush and went to him when he patted the cushion on the other side of Julianna. As she sat down, Sansa was horrified at the way her skirt became even shorter as she sat, riding up on her hips and tried to pull at it to keep it somewhat decent. "You look lovely, Sansa. You have nothing to be uncomfortable about."

She looked at him uncertainly and then forced herself to forget her attire – Jaime had seen her in far less – and curled up on her side, facing Jaime and Julianna.

"Mama," Julianna squealed, moving to cuddle with her.

"I pity the young man who comes asking for Julianna's hand." Sansa looked at him in question and saw that he was gazing at the two of them, looking as peaceful and happy as she had ever seen him. "She's so like you…I don't know that I'll ever be able to let her go."

"That won't be for some time, Jaime." Sansa smiled, watching as Julianna rested her back on the cushions, mimicking Jaime's posture. "Do you think our new babe will be a sweet little boy this time, like Tommen?" she asked, smoothing Julianna's russet curls.

"Perhaps. Though, I'd be satisfied with another little girl. Another little Sansa." Sansa giggled as Jaime reached for her ankles, pulling her legs over to rest across his lap. He ran his hands over her bare legs. "I rather like it here. You are…quite suited this Lysene garb."

Julianna patted Sansa's leg with her little hands. "Mama's leg," she said, laughing as if it were the funniest thing she'd ever heard.

"Silly girl," Sansa said, pulling her babe into her arms. She yawned before resting her head on her mother's chest, her eyes watching Jaime as he moved closer to lay beside Sansa, one of her legs still draped across his hip. "Jaime, you can't honestly expect me to wear something so…scandalous outside our bedchamber."

"Not in Westeros but…we're in Lys now. This garb is quite appropriate. It's not scandalous in the least," he said, even as his hand trailed higher and higher up her thigh, creeping beneath the hem of her dress.

Sansa looked at his hand pointedly. "You're proving my point. You can't wish for your men to see me like this. Or Tommen."

Jaime rolled his eyes, leaning over to kiss her forehead. He reached out and twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "My men already know how fortunate I am…how gorgeous you are. And they'd never dare touch you," he murmured, kissing her passionately.

"Me kiss, dada," Julianna said, reaching for him. Sansa laughed as Jaime gave their daughter a little kiss. "Love…you."

"I love you, little lioness."

She giggled happily and settled her little body in Sansa's arms again. "I'd still like to go to the market tomorrow and find…more appropriate clothing. The women here can't possibly all dress like this." Jaime chuckled and moved closer to Sansa, wrapping his arms around her and Julianna.

"Welcome home, sweet girl," he whispered, kissing her temple.

…

I know this was mostly fluff, but there will be some drama coming up for Jaime and Sansa soon. It may be obvious, but I somewhat modeled Lys on Greece, since it is not described very much in the books.

As always, thank you for the comments and encouragement. I appreciate every single review that I receive for this story. (I can't believe that there are over 1400 reviews and over 500 followers – you guys are great!) I'm glad that you are enjoying the portions that don't directly involve Jaime and Sansa. I didn't want to resort to them reading letters to keep up on what was going on in Westeros, since I'm trying to tie the other characters into this story so I can get everyone where they need to be by the end. I do have an ending in mind, so rest assured, the story is not wandering aimlessly ;) But, I'm not in a rush to end it either.

Next chapter: We'll check in with the Northerners and see how the battle for Winterfell is going