Game of Thrones: What Could Have Been

Chapter 3 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Synopsis: With the war over; Tyrion decides to have his marriage to Sansa annulled and allow her and Podrick to be open in their feelings for each other.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Yeah; it sure is.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, so do I. I don't see how, she is safe from her people that want to kill her and she and Jon merely have to leave the Wall and go to Mole's Town or into the woods if they want to make love.
canonman89: Thanks; glad you enjoyed it; they certainly are.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
CadeTheSlowpoke1: Thanks; glad you enjoyed it :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 3: Sansa/Podrick

Tyrion Lannister sighed as he considered his current situation. The war was finally over; Stannis had won; yet remarkably he had lived and so too had Sansa.

'My marriage to Sansa was a mummer's farce.' He thought bitterly.

It was true; they had both been forced into that marriage; but as far as Tyrion was concerned, Sansa was the one who truly suffered. He had spoken to King Stannis about it and an agreement had been reached.

Tyrion's thoughts went to his family. As far as he knew, apart from the children, he was one of only three Lannisters left alive. With everyone dead, including his sister, it was therefore surprising that he was still alive.

'Jaime and Lancel have an excuse after all; along with that woman Brienne, they've escaped across the narrow sea.' He continued to ponder. 'I…I guess I am only alive because I turned on my sister and father. I only survived by joining King Stannis and because it would be too much trouble to deal with rioting Lords from the Westerlands. That's why he needs a Lannister.'

He sighed lamenting the fate of many in his family, with some exception. However despite everything that had happened; at least he was alive and at least finally he'd fix a great wrong that had been committed, on not one woman, but two.

Right on cue; there was a knock at the door.

"Enter." He called out.

The door opened and Sansa entered; looking more relaxed than she had in a long time. However that lingering look of sadness was still there in her eyes. Yet there was something else; something in the firm set of her jaw and shoulders; a new strength.

"You wanted to see me my Lord?" She said; her voice was calm and soft; yet there was an edge to it now.

Time had changed her; that was certain; yet there was still some of her usual self there too.

He nodded. "Yes Sansa, please, sit down."

She did so, looking confused, even somewhat awkward.

He sighed and then explained. "As you know; as we both know, our marriage is a false one. We were forced by my father into this."
"Yes; I know." Sansa replied; nodding sadly.

"I have spoken to King Stannis and the High Septon." Tyrion continued to explain. "With all this considered, including the fact the marriage wasn't consummated…I have had our marriage annulled."

Sansa started at that. "My Lord?"

Tyrion nodded; explaining in detail. "You were forced into this; we both were. I have no intention of leaving you trapped in this way."

He paused and then smirked as he added.

"Besides; I have seen the love between you and Pod."

Sansa froze, her face going bright red, matching her hair.

That was something he had noted for some time; it had been something which relieved him. Seeing that Sansa had ended up becoming attracted to his squire. It had given her some happiness during the bleak time she had spent stuck in marriage to Tyrion.

Although he had no doubt, knowing Sansa, that she felt guilt too. Still he felt it was remarkable, particularly since Pod clearly returned her feelings, despite how shy he was.

"My Lord." Sansa was talking quickly; clearly flustered. "I swear to you, nothing sinful happened between us."

Tyrion smiled gently. "I am aware of that, yet it's clear the both of you care for each other, deeply."

Sansa continued, not having realized right away what he had said.

"We…we only ever kissed once and…" She stopped as it finally hit her what he had said. "Wait; you know this, you already knew?"

Tyrion nodded. "Yes; don't worry about it, everything has been arranged. You are to return to the North, to go back to your family. I've arranged it for Pod to go with you."

Sansa bit her lip. "But, my Lord, in that case, you…?"

"Don't worry about me; I'm not alone." He informed her; thinking fondly of Shae who was waiting in the next room, listening in. "If anyone deserves happiness, it's you."

It was then there was another knock at the door which then opened and Pod entered.

Pod had arrived at his Lord's invitation; he was surprised to see Sansa there. He knew about the end of Sansa and Lord Tyrion's marriage; yet he couldn't help but think of Sansa and the times they had spent together.

Blushing he greeted them. "My Lord, my Lady."

Tyrion smiled at him. "Ah good, Pod, there you are…I have something important to tell you."

Pod was even more surprised by this and waited as Tyrion then revealed.

"You are being released from my service."

Pod froze, stunned by this; stammering. "M-my lord; why, have I done something wrong?"

Tyrion shook his head. "No, but you can hardly serve me; when you'll be accompanying Sansa back home."

Pod blushed; as did Sansa; as they both understood what Tyrion meant. Pod even realized now that Tyrion knew about their relationship. Yet he supported them; finally he smiled and turned to Sansa.

"Do you need any help packing, My Lady?"

She laughed lightly and smiled. "Yes; thank you; shall we."

They left together; Tyrion watched them with a smile. He turned as Shae entered, also grinning. The negotiations had gone perfectly well, it was a relief that Stannis and Robb had agreed to this. Now there was a real chance for happiness for those that truly deserved it.

Later; with all their belongings packed, Podrick and Sansa were getting ready to leave.

"My Lady I…" Pod began; nervously. "So we are to go to your home…do you think your brother will; accept us?"

Sansa smiled. "Yes; I'm sure he will; Tyrion knew about us and, he's happy for us. Knowing him; he's already spoken to King Stannis and my brother about us. He wouldn't have sent us away together, unless they accepted it."

Pod smiled, relieved and; no longer worried, he stepped closer to her. She smiled back and immediately wrapped her arms around him as they kissed.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.