Sansa I
Sansa sat in her dimly lit chambers, the weight of her brother Robb's recent marriage to Roslin Frey heavy on her heart. The news of her family's decisions in the North had left her feeling isolated and troubled, but she knew better than to succumb to despair. In King's Landing, where every word and gesture could be a weapon, she had begun to learn the importance of caution and strategy.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, there was a soft knock on the door. Straightening her posture with a practised composure, Sansa called out, "Come in."
The door swung open, and Cersei Lannister glided into the room, her presence a commanding force. The Queen Regent's regal attire and poised demeanour instantly filled the space with an air of authority. Sansa rose from her seat, her eyes locking with Cersei's as she sought any clue to the queen's intentions.
"Sansa," Cersei greeted, her smile edged with a condescending glimmer. "I trust you've heard about your brother's hasty choice of bride."
"Yes, Your Grace," Sansa replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I received the news earlier today."
Cersei's gaze lingered on Sansa, her eyes calculating as though weighing Sansa's every reaction. "It seems your future in the North has become rather uncertain. However, I have a proposal that will secure your position and ensure your interests are safeguarded."
Sansa's curiosity was piqued, but she masked her anticipation with a cautious demeanour. "What solution do you suggest, Your Grace?"
A sly smile crept across Cersei's lips. "Your betrothal to my son, Joffrey, remains intact. Despite your brother's reckless decisions, this union will ensure your safety and maintain the alliance between House Stark and House Lannister."
At the mention of Joffrey, Sansa's heart skipped a beat. Once, the prospect of marrying the future king had filled her with dreams of grandeur. Now, those dreams were tainted by the cruelty she had witnessed.
"Your Grace," Sansa began hesitantly, "I understand the importance of our alliance, but considering the circumstances, shouldn't we—"
Cersei's expression hardened, her voice turning icy. "Do not mistake your position, little bird. The betrothal has been agreed upon by both our houses, endorsed by your father. It will not be broken. Your duty is to marry Joffrey and fulfil your role as queen."
Sansa's shoulders slumped slightly under the weight of her resignation. She knew she had little choice but to comply with Cersei's plans for now.
"As you wish, Your Grace," she said, her voice carrying a note of resigned acceptance. "I will fulfil my duties and marry King Joffrey."
Cersei's eyes softened, a flicker of satisfaction glimmering within. "Good. I'm pleased to see you understand the gravity of your situation. I will ensure that the necessary arrangements for your wedding are made promptly."
Sansa nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of the road the treacherous landscape of King's Landing would demand all her strength and cunning. She steeled herself for the challenges to come, determined to endure for the sake of her family.
Once Cersei had departed, leaving the room with an air of finality, Sansa was left alone with her thoughts. She stared out of the window at the city beyond, the shadows of the Red Keep stretching across the horizon.
Sansa sat at her desk in her chamber, a sense of urgency driving her to pick up her quill and parchment. Her heart felt heavy with the weight of the decisions being made on her behalf, decisions that seemed to shape her future without her consent. She took a deep breath and began to write, her words flowing from her heart onto the parchment.
My Beloved Robb,
With every word I pen in this letter, my heart aches and yearns for your presence, for your protection. I beseech you, my dear brother, to hear my plea and save me from the impending doom that awaits me. I find myself trapped in the clutches of King's Landing, where the Lannisters hold sway and my fate hangs by a thread. The news of my betrothal to Joffrey, the cruel and unpredictable boy who sits upon the Iron Throne, weighs heavily upon me. The thought of a life bound to him fills me with profound dread.
I beg you to seek an alliance with the Tyrells, I know House Tyrell to be honourable and just, a far cry from the treachery and cruelty of the Lannisters.
Willas Tyrell is known for his kindness and wisdom, and I believe that a union between our houses would not only strengthen the North but also shield me from the horrors that await me here. The Tyrells have shown their loyalty to the crown, and by aligning with them, we could forge an alliance against the tyranny that surrounds us. Though I am but a girl, and know little of the intricacies of lordly thoughts, I know that as long as I remain in King's Landing, I will be under Joffrey and his mother's control.
Robb, you are my beacon in this storm. I plead with you to rally our forces and march upon King's Landing with the Tyrells to rescue me from this betrothal.
I understand the gravity of this request and the sacrifices it entails, but I beg you to consider the alternative—a life of torment beside Joffrey. The thought of the cruelty that awaits me chills my very soul. Save me, dear brother, for I am drowning in despair.
With unwavering love and faith in your strength,
Sansa
Sansa's hands trembled as she folded the letter with meticulous care, sealing it with a heavy heart. The danger of her predicament loomed large, and she knew she had to act swiftly to ensure her message made it out of King's Landing.
As she prepared to leave her chambers, her steps were light yet urgent. The shadows of the Red Keep seemed to close in around her as she navigated the passages, her heart racing with each echoing footfall. She could not afford another confrontation, especially with Cersei's spies ever vigilant.
Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps froze her in place. Instinctively, she pressed against the wall, blending into the darkness. Her pulse quickened as Cersei appeared, flanked by her guards, her piercing gaze scanning the corridor with predatory precision.
"Lady Sansa," Cersei's voice oozed with disdain, "what brings you to this shadowed corner of the castle?"
Sansa's heart sank, realizing her carefully guarded secret was at risk. Summoning her courage, she met Cersei's gaze with a semblance of calm. "I sought a moment of solitude, Your Grace," she replied, her tone measured.
Cersei's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "In these perilous times, one must be cautious even in solitude. Secrets, after all, have a way of coming to light."
Desperation flickered in Sansa's mind as she sought to divert Cersei's attention. "I beg your pardon, Your Grace, I was on my way to the Sept for a moment of prayer," she said, feigning confusion.
Cersei's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident. "And yet, you clutch something tightly in your hands, Lady Sansa."
Sansa's heart raced, but she swiftly concealed the letter within the folds of her gown. "It is but a trinket, Your Grace," she said, striving to sound nonchalant.
Cersei's curiosity was piqued. "A trinket? Show me."
With trembling hands, Sansa pulled out a delicate necklace adorned with a sparkling gem, holding it up for Cersei to examine.
"An exquisite piece, Lady Sansa," Cersei said, her tone tinged with disappointment. "But do take care little bird, we wouldn't want you to lose such a beautiful jewel."
Sansa nodded, her heart pounding with the narrow escape. "Thank you for your advice, Your Grace. I will heed your words."
Cersei's gaze lingered a moment longer before she turned on her heel, her guards following her departure. As they disappeared down the corridor, Sansa exhaled a shaky breath, her relief mingled with renewed anxiety.
The danger was far from over, and Sansa knew she needed to find a safer way to get her letter to Robb. Determined, she set her mind to devising a plan, knowing that her future was at stake.
Back in her chambers, Sansa's thoughts turned to Myrtle, one of her maids. Unassuming and reliable, Myrtle was the perfect candidate for this dangerous task and Sansa truly felt like she could trust her. Sansa approached her with a mixture of hope and apprehension.
"Myrtle," Sansa said softly, beckoning the maid closer. "I need your help with something of utmost importance. I trust you will carry this out discreetly."
Myrtle's eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. "Of course, my lady. What can I do for you?"
Sansa took a deep breath, her hands trembling. "I have a letter for my brother Robb. I need you to deliver it, but it must remain hidden from prying eyes."
Myrtle's expression shifted from shock to worry. "But, my lady, if I am caught…"
Sansa's hand found Myrtle's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "I understand the dangers, Myrtle," she said softly. "But you are the only one I trust. Your discretion and loyalty are my only hope. Please, help me."
Seeing the earnest plea in Sansa's eyes, Myrtle's resolve hardened. "I will do it, my lady. I will find a way to get your letter safely to Lord Robb."
Relief washed over Sansa with Myrtle's commitment, she felt a glimmer of hope amidst her fears. They quickly devised a plan: Myrtle would conceal the letter within the lining of her gown, meticulously stitched inside to avoid suspicion and would pay someone in the city to take it to the Stark army.
As the day wore on, Sansa watched Myrtle with a mixture of anxiety and hope. The maid moved about her duties with a newfound resolve, her eyes darting nervously around the bustling corridors. Sansa knew the success of their plan depended entirely on Myrtle's ability to evade detection. When evening arrived, Sansa bid her maid a silent, anxious farewell.
As Myrtle approached Cersei's chambers, her hands trembled with a mix of anticipation and fear. She knocked softly, and after a moment's pause, the door swung open. Cersei's gaze was sharp and calculating. "What brings you here?" she asked with a cunning smile.
Myrtle's voice quivered as she presented the letter to Cersei, her palms slick with sweat. "I have something you might find of interest, my queen," she said, eyes averted.
Cersei's eyes glittered with a predatory mix of curiosity and triumph as she took the letter. She broke the seal and began to read Sansa's heartfelt plea. Her expression shifted from intrigue to a satisfied smirk. "So, the little bird is calling for her brother's aid," Cersei mused with malicious delight. "How very convenient."
"Now," Cersei's voice turned cold and commanding, "you will continue to serve as my eyes and ears within Sansa's chambers. The moment you hear anything more, you will report to me." Myrtle nodded, unable to meet Cersei's piercing gaze.
Cersei's mind was already at work, Sansa needed to be removed from Joffrey's gaze and from King's Landing altogether, she had given the girl a chance but she had shown herself to have too much resolve, too much agency, to ensure she was no longer a threat the girl needed to be broken.