So, this is the second half of the last chapter that I couldn't finish in time. Since it was already in the working, I updated a bit earlier than usual and try to post another chapter on Sunday or Monday.

In the warm, candle-lit study of Winterfell's Great Keep, Sansa sat at her desk poring over a stack of parchments when her steward announced the arrival of her guests. She took a deep breath and straightened her spine, reminding herself to remain cautious. Lord Gwayne Massey stood before Sansa with his head bowed, his nervousness palpable. Sansa couldn't help but notice how handsome he was, with his light brown hair and sharp jawline, but she reminded herself to remain cautious She had been burned before by men who appeared trustworthy on the surface but had ulterior motives lurking beneath.

Ser Manderly, on the other hand, was completely at ease, nodding. Behind Sansa stood Meera Reed, spear in hand, carefully watching the two guests. Sansa studied Lord Massey for a moment before speaking again, her tone cool and professional.

"I understand that you were instrumental in rescuing Lady Mira Forrester. I thank you for your service to House Stark," Sansa said, her gaze flicking between Ser Manderly and Lord Massey.

Lord Massey finally looked up at her, a glimmer of pride in his emerald coloured eyes. "It was my honour, Your Grace. House Forrester has always been a loyal ally to House Stark, and I could not let one of their own fall into the hands of the enemy."

"I see," Sansa said, nodding thoughtfully. "And what qualifications do you have to be here as a potential member of my council?"

Ser Manderly cleared his throat and interjected, "Your Grace, if I may speak? I have chosen Lord Massey as my stand-in because, as you know, I have reached an age where travelling frequently to Winterfell takes a toll on my health. Furthermore, with the construction of more ships and the increased trade between White Harbor and Essos, my duties have only increased."

Sansa nodded understandingly. "I see. You have my gratitude, Ser Manderly. But why Lord Massey? I hardly know him."

"Your Grace," Lord Massey spoke up, "I have pledged my loyalty to House Stark and to you. I have proven myself in the past by rescuing Lady Mira Forrester, and I will do whatever is necessary to help you and the North. Also, I am well-versed in matters of trade and shipbuilding, and I would be honored to serve as your master of ships' stand-in."

Sansa nodded, accepting the explanation. "Very well. Now, Lord Massey, I must ask: what is your loyalty to House Stark?"

Lord Massey straightened up, a hint of steel entering his voice. "My loyalty to House Stark is unwavering, Your Grace. My family has served the North and House Stark for generations, and I will continue to do so until my dying breath."

Sansa couldn't help but be impressed by Lord Massey's conviction. "I see. And what of your loyalty to me, as Queen in the North?"

Lord Massey looked at her, his expression serious. "My loyalty to you, Your Grace, is just as strong. You have shown yourself to be a capable leader, and I believe that you are the best hope for the North in these troubled times."

Sansa studied Lord Massey, trying to gauge his sincerity. "I appreciate your loyalty, Lord Massey. However, as you can imagine, I am cautious about trusting men, especially those who express interest in me. You understand my concerns, I'm sure."

Lord Massey nodded. "Of course, Your Grace. But please understand that my loyalty to House Stark and the North goes beyond any personal interest I might have."

Ser Manderly added, "Lord Massey's loyalty is unwavering, Your Grace. I trust him completely and I believe he can be an asset to your council."

Sansa mulled over their words, considering their arguments. "Very well, Lord Massey. I will trust in your loyalty, but I must insist that you prove yourself through your actions. The North is facing many challenges. I need all of my vassals to work together to overcome these obstacles."

"I understand, Your Grace. You can count on me," Lord Massey assured her.

Ser Manderly nodded in agreement. "We are here to serve you, Your Grace."

Sansa allowed herself a small smile. "Thank you, both of you. But forgive me for being skeptical. I have had...difficult experiences with men in the past. I you will understand that I must be cautious; despite your passionate vows of loyality."

Lord Massey nodded, his eyes downcast. "Of course, Your Grace. I understand completely. But I promise you, my intentions are pure. I wish only to serve you and House Stark to the best of my ability."

Sansa regarded him for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Lord Massey. I believe you for now. But I must ask you to be patient, my trust is not earned easily. Serve me well and stay true to your word and your loyalty will be rewarded."

Lord Massey's face lit up with a small smile. "Of course, Your Grace. I will be patient. And I will continue to prove my loyalty to you in any way that I can."

Sansa couldn't help but feel a twinge of something in her chest at Lord Massey's words. Was it...hope? She quickly quashed the feeling, reminding herself that she had to be careful. But there was something about Lord Massey that she found herself drawn to, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Ser Manderly, you are dismissed and the next time you think about changing a decision I made, you will ask me first; or be removed from court." she said, her voice cold as ice.

Ser Manderly still too relaxed in her opinion bowed, "Of course Your Grace, I understand." and left.

Sansa sighed and for a moment massaged her aching temples, the audacity some men at her court had to question her decisions and act on their own, undermining her was nerve-wracking. If Lord Massey indeed was as loyal as he had so fiercely proclaimed, he would be very welcome at her court. She looked at him, he still seemed a bit nervous. "Tell me Lord Massey who was the other man that had been on your side when you visited?"

His lit up with a hint of pride, "That was Ser Bedwyr, my most trusted knight and friend. He is like a brother to me, despite us not being of the same blood."

Sansa nodded. "He sounds like a valuable ally to have."

"He is, Your Grace," Lord Massey said. "He has always been at my side when I needed him. He's a skilled fighter, too – the best fighter I know, in fact."

"Really?" Sansa said, unimpressed. "He must be quite a formidable opponent. We never heard of his name, has he never fought in a tournament?"

Lord Massey shook his head, "He has never been in a tournament, the noble knight don't like it to share the tourney grounds with a low-born, especially when he has the blood of the free folk in his veins."

"Well, if he is interested in joining a tournament, a tournament will be held in Winterfell due in a few weeks. We'll make sure he will be enlisted if he desires so." Sansa said a bit more warmly.

Gwayne's face lit up at her words. "I am honoured to hear you say that, Your Grace."

As the conversation between them continued, Sansa began to feel more at ease with Lord Massey. His nervousness slowly dissipated as they discussed matters of state and even joked around a bit. Sansa found herself enjoying his company more than she had expected. The two of them continued to talk for a while longer, discussing the current state of the North and the challenges that lay ahead. As they spoke, Sansa couldn't help but notice the way Lord Massey looked at her. There was something in his eyes that she couldn't quite read, and it made her feel both uneasy and intrigued.

Eventually, their conversation began to wind down, and Sansa realized that they had been talking for much longer than she had intended. "I'm afraid I must bring this meeting to a close, Lord Massey. I have other matters that require my attention."

Lord Massey nodded, a regretful look on his face. "Of course, Your Grace. It has been an honour to speak with you."

"The honour has been mine, Lord Massey," Sansa replied graciously. "Thank you for your service to House Stark, and for rescuing Lady Forrester."

Lord Massey bowed once more, a pleased smile on his face. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace. I will take my leave now, but I hope to speak with you again soon."

As Lord Massey turned to leave, Sansa watched him go, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She couldn't deny that she found him attractive, but at the same time, she was wary of his intentions. She knew all too well the dangers of trusting the wrong people, and she couldn't afford to make that mistake again. But despite her reservations, there was something about Gwayne Massey that made her want to know him better.

After he had left the study, Sansa looked at Meera; the two women had grown close during their time together, and Sansa trusted her implicitly.

"Well?" Sansa asked, turning to her friend. "What did you think of Lord Massey?"

Meera shrugged nonchalantly. "Seems like a loyal enough vassal, Your Grace. And he did rescue Lady Forrester, which is certainly commendable."

Sansa nodded, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Meera wasn't telling her everything. "But?" she prompted.

Meera hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know, Your Grace. There's just something about him that doesn't sit right with me."

"What do you mean?" Sansa asked, frowning.

"I can't put my finger on it," Meera admitted. "It's just a feeling I have. Like he's hiding something."

Sansa's frown deepened. "That's exactly what I was thinking," she said, feeling a sense of unease settle in her stomach.

Meera nodded sympathetically. "I'll keep an eye on him, Your Grace. Just in case."

"Thank you, Meera," Sansa said gratefully. "I knew I could count on you."

As they made their way out of the room, Sansa couldn't help but wonder what secrets Lord Massey was keeping from her. She knew she needed to be cautious, but at the same time, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.

Gwayne stepped out of the room and let out a deep breath he didn't know he had been holding. He couldn't believe he had just spent so much time with the Queen in the North. He had been nervous about the meeting, afraid that he might say or do something wrong, but the longer they talked, the more at ease he had become.

Gwayne walked down the hallway, his mind racing with thoughts of Sansa Stark. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined, with her fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes. But it wasn't just her looks that had captured his attention; it was her intelligence, her strength, and her unwavering commitment to her people.

He couldn't deny the feelings that were stirring inside him; Gwayne had been drawn to Sansa since he saw her the very first time all these years ago, but ever since House Stark had retaken Winterfell, and she had become the Queen in the North these feelings had grown. He admired her courage and her determination, and he had always dreamed of being by her side, supporting her in any way he could.

But now that he had finally spoken to her, he wasn't sure what to think. There had been a tension between them, an unspoken connection that he couldn't quite define. He had tried his best to hide his feelings, to act the part of a loyal vassal, but he couldn't help feeling like there was something more there, something that went beyond duty and honour.

As he walked out of the Great Keep, Gwayne couldn't shake the feeling that he was falling for Sansa Stark, and he wasn't sure what he was going to do about it. He knew that he could never betray his loyalty to House Stark, but at the same time, he couldn't deny the feelings that were growing inside him. He would have to tread carefully, to keep his emotions in check and his intentions pure, but he knew that he would do whatever it took to prove himself to the woman who had captured his heart.

These chapters hurt, as you might have realized, I really struggle to write a proper dialogue with a naturally flowing conversation.

Leave a comment if you like, I really appreciate feedback.