A Holiday by Decree

~~ Day 8 ~~

Sansa looked to be enjoying their practice, so Tyrion did not hurry them, but eventually, they both stopped to admire the sparkling ocean view. Tyrion only suggested they get out when he feared Sansa might sunburn; however, he probably could have stayed there forever with her, burning away…

With her already increased confidence in the water, Sansa was the first to emerge, and rivulets of water trailed down her. Tyrion ascended the pool steps a short distance away, where she had her back to him.

How the cling of her clothes revealed the beautiful shape of her body –

At a pang of guilt, one that he had rarely felt for any woman to whom he had been attracted, Tyrion tore his eyes from the curves of her backside.

Tyrion had always cared for Sansa, and now that she had matured, he found her very attractive. Yet, with all that he knew Sansa had survived and accomplished over the years, he was realizing that she had reached a different level in his mind – even compared to Tysha and Shae combined. He also couldn't forget that Sansa had always deserved better than what she got, so naturally, he still doubted his own worthiness in that regard. This made him hesitant to make advances she could see as too quick or unwelcome, even in light of their "courtship".

However, one unbidden moment later, he clearly imagined a crude, all too familiar voice - that was definitely not his own: "You know, if neither of you two cunts eventually get up the courage to break the ice, you might as well go home as if nothing happened at all between you."

Tyrion cringed and was glad that he had gotten out and thrown the towel over his wet hair. He heaved a sigh at the fact that he could apparently manifest Bronn's obnoxious voice. That it was complete with taunting remarks, like some kind of messed up representation of his own darker subconscious, meant he had spent far too much time with the former mercenary over the years.

"Tyrion, would you like to eat together in the grand dining area– are you alright?" he suddenly heard Sansa ask. She had started to speak at the same moment he had sighed.

He quickly pushed down Bronn's bad influence. Tyrion smiled up at her, as he lowered his damp towel to his shoulders. "Certainly - it's still plenty hot too, so no need to even change," he commented, to which she agreed.

A moment later he followed her up the steps to dinner, silently talking back to imaginary Bronn as much as himself.

He reminded himself of his old vow to Sansa that he would never pressure her to do anything before she wanted it.

Things will happen if they happen – and if not, then you'll appreciate what you've had.

Still, he quietly hoped the Queen in the North had more courage than him to 'break the ice'.