SANSA
"Once I had you all to myself I allowed Lysa and her sniveling son to live for two more years before discarding of them too," Petyr said.
Sansa gasped. "You started the fire? But how? You were at the movies with me."
"A candle was left burning in one of the guest rooms, left at the edge of the table. It tilted as it burned and melted. I knew it was only a matter of time before the candle tipped over onto the bed. I left the house with you as soon as I lit the candle. Lysa loved her candles and always left them burning everywhere, any guest could attest to that.
"With Lysa out of the picture and Benjen Stark missing in action, I was in charge of managing the inheritance your parents left behind until you and your siblings reached the appointed age.
"Unfortunately," Petyr smirked, "Your siblings lost any claim to their inheritance when they were adopted."
Her heart stopped as his words sank in.
"I hate you, Petyr," it was low but he heard her. Sansa stood and turned her back on him, signaling to leave. Uncle Benjen was quickly at her side and they were led out. As soon as the door closed behind them she buried her face into his chest and dissolved into tears.
"What did that bastard say?" Uncle Benjen demanded. "Did he threaten you?"
Sansa shook her head.
Uncle Benjen hugged her until she took a deep breath and straightened up. "I want to press charges," she told him, wiping away her tears and bracing her shoulders, "for the rape."
When they arrived home, Sansa immediately sank into bed exhausted. She fell asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow.
"My special girl." The sharp pain made her whimper. And his touches made her choke. His kisses were smothering. Another sharp jab tore through her, causing her to cry out. She just wanted it to be over...
Sansa woke with a start, snatching up her hound and clutching it against her chest until the dream dissolved.
She checked the time, noting that she had been asleep for a few hours, before climbing out of bed and leaving her room in search of her uncle.
"Uncle Benjen?" she called out. She found him out on the terrace looking down at the city below.
"Sansa, what happened?" he demanded, noticing her distress.
"Don't ever let him take me away," Sansa whimpered.
"He can't. He's locked up," Uncle Benjen countered.
"He knows people. What if he has one of them come hurt me?" Her fear was real, pumping through her and causing her to tremble from head to toe.
"I'm going to make damn sure that doesn't happen," Uncle Benjen promised.
"Petyr can do anything," Sansa whispered. For the first time that idea terrified her. "Please don't let him get me," she moaned.
Her uncle led her to one of the lounge chairs to sit on and seated himself beside her, Sansa immediately snuggled into his side.
"Petyr said that Bran, Arya, and Jon lost their inheritance as soon as they were adopted." Sansa's eyes were panicked. "Is that true?"
"That's usually the case if there isn't a will. But your parents had a will," Uncle Benjen said.
"Petyr was the executor of the will. He probably destroyed it," Sansa told him.
Uncle Benjen shrugged. "There are several safeguarded copies. I have one. Important documents should have multiple copies. Just in case."
His statement was a huge relief for Sansa and she sagged against him nearly faint with the news.
Later that evening, Sansa fired up the computer eager to write to Sandor. A routine that was quickly becoming a daily one.
Dear Sandor,
You won't believe how brave I was today. I confronted Petyr in jail. I'm glad that I did it because I really needed that weight lifted. You wouldn't believe the horrible things that he has done. I'm going to testify against him for everything that I can. I hope that they lock him away forever —
(A tear dropped onto the keyboard)
— I hate him, Sansa typed, Baelish is a monster.
Your brave,
Little Bird
She sent the email, logged out, and shut down the computer before picking up the wooden toy waiting for her on the desk.
"I wish Sandor was here," Sansa whispered to the hound. He was big and strong and tough. I bet he could rip Petyr apart with his bare hands.