A Holiday by Decree

~~ Day 6 ~~

Sansa started slowly. "Thank you for explaining, madam. Queen Daenerys' did not explain anything else, correct?"

When Jesa shook her head "no", Sansa continued, "I believe the Queen was concerned, as Lord Tyrion and I have a complicated past: I was made a child bride to him as political spoils before another man eventually took me captive as his own," Sansa explained.

Sansa noticed Jesa's eyes widened although she remained quiet, so Sansa proceeded. "Our story is shocking, but in it, Lord Tyrion eventually turned out to be the hero. He was only kind and caring toward me in spite of my youthful angst and the cruelty of our enemies. Still, our union was short and never truly went anywhere. Years later, we have survived those who hurt us and find ourselves under much better, freer circumstances. The chance for us to meet here was unpredicted but is turning out to be very special for us," Sansa finished warmly.

"My Lady, I should thank you for explaining to me. Under the circumstances, is all well as is then?" Jesa asked.

"Indeed, Lord Tyrion and I are finding a fondness between us others would not guess at. I think this place is finally giving us the chance to explore that, where under normal circumstances we could not do so easily," Sansa confirmed.

Tension visibly seeped out of Jesa. "My Lady, I cannot tell you how glad I am to hear it." When Sansa looked at her curiously, she continued. "If you'll allow it, my Lady, Lord Tyrion does seem as singular and kind as you've said. With the way he looks at you, I did not believe he would desire not to have your company. Of course it was foremost to me to heed the word of Our Queen and ensure the comfort of you both. In confirming with you though, I feared I could bring grave unhappiness down on the Lord if you were not satisfied with his company."

Sansa was sure she had flushed right down to her bust, thinking of the way Tyrion apparently looked at her. Composing herself, she smiled up at Jesa. "I feel more cared for than you can imagine. You are loyal and attentive, Jesa. Thank you so much."

:

At ease, Jesa excused herself soon after, and Sansa left for the drawing room. She and Tyrion were meeting there for iced mint tea, a make-up for the night he had not joined her.

When Sansa approached, a servant opened the door for her. As she entered, she was instantly treated to the sight of Tyrion's face brightening, looking up from a book at the sight of her.

"My Lady, you look ravishing in every dress, but as I am a Lannister, please forgive me for thinking you make this one in a shade of red look the best," Tyrion announced.

However, Sansa hardly heard. Instead, she was focused entirely on how her heart filled at the way he looked at her.