TYRION

He walked towards the Queen's chambers in the morning, thinking about the conversation he'd had with Sansa the night before. If she wants children with me that obviously means she's planning on sharing my bed at some point. But when? He was under no illusions. He knew that she was not in love with him, and she was certainly not ready for sex. But she did say she wished it were me instead of Ramsay. He thought hopefully. He wouldn't rush her and he knew it. But perhaps there was a way he could ease the idea into her mind. Just as his thoughts started to take a pleasant turn, he was greeted at the doorway of the Queen's chambers by Varys. "Good morning, Lord Tyrion" he said, smiling cheekily. Tyrion rolled his eyes and made to move past him.

"The Queen is not quite ready to receive you yet. But tell me, what's going on with you and Sansa in that bedchamber?" What? Your birds can't find their way in there? "I assure you that it is none of your concern." He knocked on the Queen's door. A handmaiden opened the door and told Tyrion that the Queen would be ready in a few minutes, and to please wait outside. Varys gave him a "told you so" kind of look before continuing with his questions. "Has she spoken to you more about her motives?" Tyrion was confused for a moment. Her motives for what? Varys saw that he was puzzled and specified: "Her motives for seeking Daenerys? Why is it that she wants to help her?" Oh yes, that. "We haven't discussed it, but I'm sure you and I can put the pieces of that puzzle together quite easily. Her entire family was lost at the hands of the Lannister's; clearly she won't side with them in the war to come."

Varys seemed satisfied with his answer. "That was my theory also, old friend. I am sure you have noticed that our young Sansa Stark's demeanor has changed drastically since we saw her last." Of course I've noticed. Who wouldn't? "Can you please get to the point?" Tyrion asked, exasperated. "I believe there are other motivations behind your wife's arrival to serve our Queen. She wants to spill the blood that killed her family." Varys concluded confidently. Of course she wants Cersei dead, who doesn't? "Is that not the point of this whole war, to overthrow the king? Sansa's family will be avenged." Varys shook his head. "You are missing the point, my Lord. Sansa does not simply want their heads served on a silver platter for her. She wants to be holding the dagger that makes the cut." That is not going to happen.

Before the conversation could continue, the door opened and Varys took his leave. There is no way Sansa would want to go into battle for revenge, would she? She was raised to be a proper lady, to wait for her husband while he fights in battle. But Sansa was no longer a fragile creature, to be left to sit aside. Tyrion sighed before joining the Queen. This is going to be a pleasant conversation.

"Lord Tyrion! Do sit down. How was your reunion with Sansa?" Daenerys asked. Tyrion helped himself to a glass of wine and sat opposite his Queen. He smiled and took a sit of the delicious golden liquid before answering. "Better than expected, your grace. I believe ours will be a solid union." He replied formally. She smiled widely. "You're in love with your wife." Tyrion choked on his wine and it splattered all over his vest. He was sopping it up with a cloth when she continued. "I do apologize for being so blunt, but it has been rather obvious since I saw you together in this room. I could see it in your face when she spoke of her tortures the past two years. You smiled when she spoke highly of you. Yes, you care what happens to her, more than that; you're in love with her." Tyrion was gobsmacked and all he could do was stare unbelievingly back at her. Is it really that obvious? He hoped Sansa didn't know how desperately true this was. The last thing she wants is a lust-filled fool to admit that he is in love with her. One day, maybe. The truth was that he did not want to be pitied by her on a count of his unrequited love. He said nothing and continued to clean his mess.

"She loves you too" She added, as though the point was obvious. His head shot up and he stared right into her eyes. She was smiling warmly. "She may not know it on the surface just yet, but trust me. Deeply, she loves you. Take care of her. Treat her like a queen and show her romance. Court her and compliment her and show her that men can be gentle and kind. Do not be in a rush to push your physical relationship further until she is ready. Trust me, Tyrion" she said, taking his hand and holding his gaze. "She will ask for it when she is ready. Until then, do as I have counselled you and continue to court her. Is she comfortable with her sleeping arrangements?" He was too stunned to answer right away. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. "Y-yes your grace; she nearly demanded them." This made her smile. "That young woman certainly knows what she wants". If what Varys was right, he would need to broach the subject now.

"Speaking of her wilfulness, I'm told that she wishes to join in on the battle when the time comes."

"Yes, I'm afraid I've been told the same. A little bird, was it?"

"Your grace, I cannot – I will not have her hurt, or worse, killed."

"The siege is not for some time yet. This is not something we need to discuss today. I understand your fears and I share them. However, the Sansa Stark you knew in Westeros is not the Sansa we have with us now. If she wants to be there, something tells me she will find a way. We can discuss it another time."

"Lannister."

"I'm sorry?" She asked, confused. "Sansa Lannister". Daenerys smiled. "Of course, my mistake; Sansa Lannister will be a discussion for another day. For now, I have a full day in court. Take the day off, spend time with your wife, woo her, and be happy." She got up and motioned for Tyrion to leave.

She is the strangest ruler I have ever served. But he happily took her advice, and made his way back to his chambers. Then he remembered: What am I supposed to do with all this new information?