Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sandor hated every moment of this. Ever since he had decided to return to the battle instead of leaving this city, he had told himself he had done it for her.

That had been a lie.

He had done it for himself. To stay with her. See her. Be around her.

And now he was standing in the great sept of Baelor in one of the last rows behind every one of importance and noble blood and had to watch the little bird walk down the stairway towards her future husband.

The Imp…he thought bitterly. Not nice to look upon in the first place, but since Ser Mandon Moore had tried to kill him, he looked even uglier than before with his half-missing nose.

He heard gossip within the Red Keep of how this incident had played out and that the Imp had been wounded during the fight, but Sandor knew better. The Imps sellsword had told him the true story that Moore had tried to kill him but had been put down by that Payne boy.

Sandor had known immediately that this had to be Joffrey’s doing. Only the bastard king had the power to order a knight of the kingsguard to kill someone.

Be it as it may. The imp was alive and by some cruel joke of the gods, he was now marrying Sansa Stark. While Sansa walked past them he could not stop thinking about how beautiful she looked.

He noticed how barely anything in her dress showed a connection to her house.

They have made her into a Lannister before she is even married, he thought bitterly.

He overheard some tittering between some minor ladies mocking Sansa when she had to kneel for the Imp to put his cloak over her shoulders, but Lord Tywin shut them up by turning around.

The eyes of the Lord of the Westerlands found him and Sandor cast down his eyes.

Better not provoke the lion, Sandor thought.

Sandor was lucky enough that he was alive. Way too many people had heard him insult the king on the battlements before he had left the battle to head to the Red Keep. Many witnesses had testified this more than willingly and Joffrey had openly taken in the words of Pycelle that suggested his behavior to be treason and that he had to be punished by death.

Only Lord Tywin had spoken up to argue that Sandor had shown his value many times and protected Joffrey’s life more than once before. While Joffrey was still the king, even that little blond shit knew that he only could call himself king because his grandfather had saved his crown. So he had given in and agreed to spare his life.

Completely unpunished he had not been allowed to leave. He had been stripped of his position in the Kingsguard. They had wanted to strip him publicly of his white cloak, but they had not been able to find it. He must have lost it in the night when the Blackwater had burned.

He had not been sad to be out of this position. The current knights of the kingsguard were nothing compared to the great knights of the past. They were just a bunch of drunk perverts who liked to beat and humiliate young girls and in the case of Meryn Trant even more…

Yet besides that Joffrey had insisted that he had to be flogged like a dog to learn his place. He had endured the lashes in silence. The pain had been nothing compared to the pain he had felt when his brother had burned his face. During his punishment in the courtyard, he had seen the little bird within the watching crowd. She had taken no joy in his public humiliation, unlike most others of the court.

That evening when he had tried to rest in his chamber as good as he could with his raw back, he had been woken up by a knock on his door.

When he had opened it the whore the Imp had put into Sansa’s service had stood on the other side and told him that Lady Sansa had asked her to bring him some ointments for his back. The ointments had burned as fire when he had put it on, but after the first pain it cooled his back and he had been able to find rest. Sansa’s servant had brought him more ointments in the coming days and his wounds had healed quicker than he had expected and he had been able to return to his former position as Joffrey’s shield.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the septon said and ripped Sandor from his memories. Sandor cast his eyes down. He did not want to see this. When the crown started to applaud, he joined the applause and had to swallow.

The little bird was now a Lannister.

Sandor was glad that the celebration had allowed him to drink enough cups of wine to make the evening endurable without being too drunk to do his guarding duty. All attention was on the imp anyway who by now was so drunk that Sandor was impressed that he had not fallen off his chair yet.

Lord Tywin got more annoyed with every minute that passed. Sandor was a little amused by it. Lady Olenna had just at length explained how they would all be related as soon as her granddaughter would marry Joffrey and Cersei would marry Ser Loras.

The high nobles and the marriages…Sandor thought. No wonder they are so related that at some point some madman like Joffrey has to appear.

The little bird had raised from her seat and strolled around a little and as Lord Tywin had raised from his chair to put his son into place Joffrey took the chance to go after Sansa.

“Congratulations, my lady,” Joffrey said as soon as he caught up with Sansa.

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Sansa said quietly.

“Well, you've done it. You've married a Lannister. Soon you'll have a Lannister baby,” Joffrey continued and Sandor felt his stomach turn at these words. He could only assume how Sansa must feel at this moment.

“It's a dream come true for you, isn't it? What a glorious day.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” she said, and Sandor was still impressed by how much she was able to hold back her true feelings.

“I suppose it doesn't really matter which Lannister puts the baby into you,” Joffrey said in the hope to get a reaction from her. “Maybe I'll pay you a visit tonight after my uncle passes out,” he added. “How'd you like that?”

Sansa flinched a little.

“You wouldn't? That's all right. Ser Meryn and Ser Boros will hold you down. Or maybe I let the Hound fuck you.”

He smirked cruelly at her.

“Time for the bedding ceremony!” Joffrey announced excitedly.

“There will be no bedding ceremony...” the imp murmured loudly.

Where's your respect for tradition, Uncle? Come, everyone. Pick her up and carry her to her wedding bed. Get rid of her gown. She won't be needing it any longer.”

Joffrey tried to encourage the guests.

“Ladies, attend to my uncle. He's not heavy.”

“There will be no bedding ceremony.”

“There will be if I command it.”

The imp rammed the dining knife into the table.

“Then you'll be fucking your own bride with a wooden cock…”

Sandor had to focus on not to start laughing, while the gathered people had turned dead quiet.

“What did you say? What did you say?!”

“I believe we can dispense with the bedding, Your Grace. I'm sure Tyrion did not mean to threaten the king,” Lord Tywin relieved the tension and luckily the Imp went with it.

“A bad joke, Your Grace. Made out of envy of your own royal manhood. Mine is so small. My poor wife won't even know I'm there,” Tyrion japed.

“Your uncle is clearly quite drunk, Your Grace,” Tywin continued.

“I am. Guilty. But…” he said as he got up from his chair and nearly fell down. “But it is my wedding night. My tiny drunk cock and I have a job to do. Come, wife,” he said as he pulled Sansa with him. Sansa looked back once to the guests before she turned her back to them as they left.

Shortly after the music started to play again and Joffrey sat down again to drink another cup of wine.

Sandor would have killed someone to drown his senses in dornish red right now… his thoughts were with the little bird…who was now alone with the imp…during her wedding night…her bloody wedding night who she had probably imagined like in the bloody stories with some handsome knight and not some drunken dwarf…

Sandor tried to banish the thoughts from his mind, but it was difficult since Joffrey enjoyed exchanging bets about what things the Imp was now doing with the Sansa in his chamber…

He should have taken her with him and left the city when he had the chance…but now it was too late…

“Your grace, do you really intend to visit the lady Sansa tonight?” Trant asked amused.

“Of course not,” Joffrey said. “Do you really think I would touch her after my uncle had his way with her? I can have her whenever I want.” He took another deep gulp of his cup.

“Maybe I should have her examined by Pycelle in the morning…” he said amused. “If my uncle could not do the deed and she is still unstained, I will have her tomorrow. And if my uncle managed to fuck her, I will order her to better be with child after this night or else I will have her head or do the deed myself…no matter what that Stark bitch will have no pleasure in any of this,” he said and laughed to himself.

You little blond shit…Sandor thought. Big mouth but has probably no idea where he has to put his cock during his own wedding night.

Sandor also doubted that Joffrey would notice that his future wife for sure would not come as a maiden to his bedroom. The knights of the Reach who had come to the capital with her were talking with no end when drunk.

“Alright…” Joffrey said as he emptied his cup with one last gulp before he took his leave for the night. Sandor and the other knights were dismissed for the night and Sandor got himself the largest pitcher of wine he could find. He needed the wine to forget today or else he might do something stupid…

Chapter Text

Sansa woke up from a fresh breeze coming through the curtains of the balcony and the rough opening of the door by whom she thought had to be Shae. Sansa took in a breath of fresh air and stretched herself under the blanket.

She pressed her thighs together and noticed how she felt a little sore between her legs.

It has to be normal, Sansa thought. It had been her wedding night after all. Besides that, she did not feel different from yesterday. Sansa had not known what to expect. He had been pretty drunk yesterday after the celebration, but he had done his best to make her bedding comfortable. It had not been like she had thought it would be, but what had she known in the first place of the act?

Nobody had ever told her the details. Her mother had never mentioned it, Septa Mordane had told her that everything regarding the bedding would be left to her husband and she had to go along with it, and the stories she had loved so much with Jeyne had also left it out completely, besides always saying that it would be magical.

Magical was not exactly the word she would use to describe yesterday’s experience. In truth, she had no idea how to describe it. He had assured her he would not take long and that she did not have to look at him, but she had not turned away her eyes. What he had done had not felt bad, but it had not been satisfying either. Pleasant, would probably be the most fitting description Sansa could come up with.  

She had done what was expected of her and she was just glad that Joffrey had not come to their room yesterday. She was sure it would not have been pleasant at all with him.

Sansa sat up in bed when Shae slammed down the tray for breakfast on the table. She had no idea why her handmaiden was doing this, but the loud noise caused Lord Tyrion to stir.

Shae unpleasantly took Sansa’s morning gown from beneath Lord Tyrion’s head and helped her inside.

Sansa walked over to the table and took some grapes, while her handmaiden took care of the sheets. Shae really seemed to be in a bad mood this morning, since she ripped the sheets off the bed and stormed out without any further word. Sansa would ask her later if something happened.

Lord Tyrion got up and noticed that he was lacking breaches and Sansa turned her eyes to the window and the Blackwater Bay in the morning sun while trying not to smirk at her husband's attempts to find his breeches.

My husband, Sansa thought. There was no way to undo this now. She was officially a Lannister, but she would stay a Stark at heart forever. She asked herself if her mother and brother had already heard of her wedding. Would they still fight to get her back, or was she now a lost cause?

Tyrion had finally managed to put on his breeches and slumped down on the chair at the table.

“Good morning, lord husband,” Sansa said. “Are you feeling well?”

“I only remember that we married…but after we left the feast there is a gap…and I feel like my head is double in size…”

“Maybe some breakfast will help you,” Sansa suggested.

“Yes maybe…what happened after we left the feast?” he asked.

Sansa felt her face warm up and before she could answer there was a knock on the door.

“Come in…” Tyrion said.

One of Cersei’s handmaidens, the one who had caught her and Shae when they had been trying to hide her flowering, entered the room. Shae had told her that she was definitely telling Cersei everything she saw. That’s why Sansa never spoke much around her. She was accompanied by two members of the Kingsguard who waited outside.

“Lady Sansa, I am to bring you to Grandmaester Pycelle,” she said.

“To what purpose?” Sansa asked carefully.

“To check whether the marriage was consummated or not,” the handmaiden plainly said.

“Who ordered this?” Tyrion asked outraged.

“The King, my lord.”

Sansa sight and got up from the table.

“Can you at least help me to dress?” she asked and the handmaiden quickly helped her into a simple dress before she left the room. Tyrion tried to protest, but he was held back by the Kingsguard.

Sansa hated how everybody they walked past stared at her like she was some attraction to see.

She had no idea why she was accompanied to Pycell's rooms. She had already been here before.

The handmaiden knocked on the door of the Grandmaester and held open the door for Sansa.

She entered the room and then entered with handmaiden closed the door behind them.

“Ah, Lady Sansa,” Pycelle said as he came from an adjacent room. “Did you have a good night?”

“Yes, thank you,” Sansa said not looking at him.

“The King ordered me to confirm whether you and your husband consummated your bond,” he said. “It is of the highest importance to the King whether his uncle has claimed your maidenhead.”

“I am sure of that…” Sansa murmured.

“If you would please lie down on the bed and remove your small clothes,” he said as he walked over to the other room again.

Sansa sight and was at least glad that there was a dressing screen where she could remove her small clothes without him watching her.

She laid down on the edge of the bed as she had already done before when Pycelle had been ordered to check her maidenhead after the attack in Flee Bottom when the Hound had saved her.

She wished he would save her now again. She should have left with him, she thought as the handmaiden was lifting the skirts of her dress.

Pycelle returned and Sansa just plainly stared at the ceiling of the room, ignoring his cold fingers and lusting eyes on her body and private parts.

After some time that felt like it had been way longer than necessary, Pycelle finally lowered her skirts and turned to the handmaiden.

“I can confirm to the King that Lady Sansa is no maiden any longer and that the marriage has been consummated.”

The handmaiden left without any further word and Pycelle returned to the other room after telling her she should close the door behind her.

Sansa quickly got up and put on her small clothes before she left the room. The knights had also left. Sansa was glad about it. She just wanted to be left alone and so she took a path through the Red Keep, that would allow her to return to her rooms without having to face anyone. She was sure that word of this incident was already making its way through court and be the hot topic of the coming days.

She did not need to hear the snickering and laughing behind her back. Maybe she would manage to spend the next few days away from the public eye.

Sansa stopped for a moment at a window and took a deep breath of fresh air and calm herself. She felt a tear run down her cheek and she quickly wiped it off.

“You alright, little bird?” she suddenly heard behind her and she jumped a little. She had not expected his presence. “I have already heard that you have been sent to Pycelle.”

“Word spreads quickly,” she said.

“That does not answer my question,” he said. “Are you all right, or did that disgusting old shit hurt you?”

No one would hurt you again, or I’d kill them. She still remembered his words.

“No, he did not hurt me. I am just glad that it is done.”

“What about yesterday?” he asked in a rasp.

“It alright. I was not hurt.”

Sandor only nodded.

“How is your back?” Sansa asked. She had seen how badly they had flogged him and that’s why she had sent Shae with ointments to him. She felt like he was her only in that situation because of her since she had refused to leave with him.

“It is fine. It's nearly healed,” he said. “Thank you…”

She felt like he was looking for the right words.

“You’re welcome,” she said and he nodded again.

“I should leave now, and your husband is probably missing you,” he said.

“Yes.” Sansa sight. “I am glad you are here.”

Before the Hound could say anything, Sansa took her leave.

As she reached the corridor where her new shared room with her husband was located, she could already hear the yelling from inside.

“How could you do that!? She is just six and ten.”

“I have no idea what…”

“Do you think me stupid?! I saw the bloody sheets! You are a monster!”

“I had no idea. I don’t remember anything from last night…the wine…”

“Do you think this is an excuse?!”

Sansa entered the room and saw Shae and Tyrion. Shae just shook her head and left the room after a short curtsy in front of Sansa, shutting the door shut.

“I apologize,” Sansa said. “I have no idea what is going on with her today. She usually does not overstep her boundaries like this. I will talk with her.”

“I understand why she is angry. She wants to protect you,” Tyrion said. “Can you tell me what happened last night between us? I don’t recall anything.”

Sansa wrung her hands.

“I did what was expected of me during my wedding night and gave away my maiden's gift,” Sansa said truthfully.

“Then I am indeed a monster as Shae said,” Tyrion said. “I am sorry my lady. It seems like I was so drunk that I did not know what I did anymore. I promise you that will not happen again. I will not share your bed unless you ask me to. I am sorry if I hurt you.”

“No need to apologize, my lord,” Sansa said. “You did nothing wrong and I was not hurt.”

“Good. Good. Still…I apologize, my lady,” he said. “Is there something I can do for you?”

“Maybe we could dine alone today…” she said. “I don’t want to see anyone today.”

“Of course, my lady. I recall you like lemon cakes. I will make sure the kitchen makes some for you tonight.”

“Thank you, that would be nice.”

“Alright. I have some meeting with my father, see you tonight my lady.”

“My lord,” Sansa said and curtsied before Tyrion took his leave.

Originally she had planned to stay in her room for the rest of the day, but she urgently needed to find and talk to Shae before her handmaiden would do something stupid.

Chapter Text

The next weeks went by without any major incidents. The young wolf was still in the Westerlands according to the last reports, while for unknown reason the Northmen in Harrenhal had tried to advance into the Crownlands, only to be swiftly crushed by Lord Tywin’s forces.

Sandor had no idea why the Northmen should suddenly be so careless. The young wolf had won every battle he had fought by outsmarting his foes, so why should he suddenly become careless? Especially now that Robb Stark had not only the Lannisters against him but also the Tyrells and most houses of the Stormlands since they had lost at the Blackwater.

It did not fit together in his head, but what did he know about the workings in the heads of the high lords anyway…

Sandor had to deal with his daily life guarding the blond shit of the King.

At least he had left the little bird alone. Ever since she had married and Pycelle had announced in public that the marriage had been consummated he had not used too much time to harass her.

It seemed like the little bird finally had at least some protection of Joffrey now that she was married.

Nevertheless, yesterday during a royal dinner, the future queen Margaery had asked Sansa if she hoped to be with a child soon. The little bird had smartly maneuvered around the question and answered by telling her it was in the hands of the gods, but Joffrey had japed that if his uncle was not able to father a child, he would be more than willing to assist since his father had been known for fathering bastards and so he would be willing to put a bastard in her belly if his uncle was not able to do it.

The imp had been just moments away from jumping over the table to strange his nephew, but Lord Tywin had luckily been able to calm the situation by saying the King would be busy with his own wife soon enough.

The preparations for the royal wedding had already begun, but since so many resources were spent on the war, it was unlikely that the wedding would happen soon.

Sandor had just finished his night shift at the king’s side and wanted nothing more than to numb himself with wine and go to sleep…

He walked the corridors of the Red Keep and ignored how all the new people in the court that had come with the Tyrells went silent and stared at him when he passed by.

He finally reached his corridor. He was not been allowed to stay at the quarters of the Kingsguard any longer, but he was glad for it. At least he wouldn’t have to hear his “brother” anymore bringing whores into the tower every night.

Sandor finally reached his room and already saw Sansa’s handmaiden waiting for him.

“About time…I am waiting for ages already…” she said annoyed.

“What do you want woman…? It’s been a long night…”

“Too much wine and whores?” she asked.

“Fuck off…I don’t do that anymore…”

“Alright…if you say so. I have no idea why Sansa is trusting you, but she probably knows you more than I am…”

“That is the first smart thing that came out of your mouth since we talk…what do you want I am tired and want to sleep…”

“My lady needs your help.”

Sandor sighed. He could not deny Sansa anything.

“What does she need?” he asked.

“She needs you to go to the city.”

“That does not answer my question. Say what she wants from me…”

The handmaiden opened the door after looking if someone could see them and gestured for him to get inside before she closed the door behind her.

“Alright,” she said annoyed. “She is still not with child and people start to talk…”

“And now she wants me to find her a child in the city, or what?”

“Shut up…she needs you to go to a certain lady that sells all kinds of herbs…I can not go, if someone sees Lady Sansa’s handmaiden at such a place, they will think I get her something to prevent getting with child…”

“But if I go, they will only see a guy who gets something for his whore to get rid of what he seeded in her belly…”

“Exactly. But you will get something to put someone to sleep.”

“I see…is that all she needs from me?” he asked.

“You know exactly that it is not…she asks you to help her just like the last time…”

“Alright, you got a street name where I can get what is needed?”

“No, but there is a shabby ale house…the ‘Ale Fountain’ or something along the line. The other handmaidens always go there if they need moon tea to get rid of the bastards the noble knights of the court plant into them…” she said with disdain in her voice.

Sandor hummed.

“Why do you look so sour?” she asked. “You can help Lady Sansa with this delicate task. She could have chosen anyone to help her, but she chose you for some reason. So, you have nothing to complain about.”

I have nothing to complain about, Sandor thought. But he would like to be so much more for her than just the person to help her.

“Come here before the dinner and I give you the herbs,” he said and Shae left his room.

He closed the door and quickly washed his face.

He should be more than happy to help Sansa. Every young knight at the court would kill for that chance, but he hated how much risk was involved for everyone. Especially since Sansa had told her handmaiden what he had done for her.

Still…the little bird had put her trust in him and he could not let her down.

He got a few coins from his trunk under his bed, where he kept some of his tourney winnings, and went through the corridors of the Red Keep outside to the stables. Some Lannister soldiers were sparing against some of House Tyrell and so no one cared that he went inside and swiftly saddled Stranger, before he rode out of the gate down into the city, still buzzing with life at this time of the day.

The place Sansa’s handmaiden had described had not been hard to find. He just had to follow the drunken people from tavern to tavern until he found the one Shae had named. And on the other side of the street was a small store with herbs hanging from the ceiling in bundles.

Sandor entered and was surrounded by the smell of countless plants.

“Hello?” he asked and some small lady in her middle years appeared from the back room.

“Hello, ser, what can I do for you?”

“No ser, but I need some herbs from you.”

“Then you came to the right place. What do you need? Put some baby into a belly where it should not be?”

“I need something to sleep.”

“For yourself or someone else?”

“Someone else.”

“Just for a few hours or forever?”

“If I had to decide forever, but the one who asked this of me wants just to put someone to sleep for a few hours. Overnight at best and it should be a heavy sleep. He should not notice anything around him or worse wake up.”

“I see. I have exactly the right plant for you,” she said and disappeared into the back room.

“Is the one you want to put to sleep a large or small person,”

“Small…”

“Alright.”

It took the woman maybe a minute before she returned from the back room of her store.

“Here,” she said putting a small bundle of leaves on the table. “Crush these and add them to wine.”

“How quickly does it work?”

“It will take a while, but the one drinking will slowly feel become tired, so he won’t even notice that there was something in the wine, since it also does not leave a bitter taste or anything.”

“I see. How much?”

“Two silver stacks.”

Sandor handed her the money.

“If anyone ever asks, I have never been here,” he said.

“That’s the request of every customer I have and they have never been disappointed by my service,” the woman said.

“Good.”

Sandor left the store and returned to the Red Keep.

In the late afternoon, Sansa’s handmaiden came to his door again and he handed her the small bag with the herbs.

“Just crush them and put them into the wine. It will take a while, but he will fall asleep without noticing anything.”

“And he will wake up again?” she asked.

“Yes, your lover will wake up the next day and he won’t remember anything.”

Sandor saw that she was taken aback that he knew about her relation to the Imp.

“Don’t be so shocked. Everybody with eyes knew it even before he married the lady, he arranged you to serve.”

“You can never tell Sansa. She will think I spied on her the whole time. I just want to protect that poor girl.”

“As do I…”

“Why?”

“Probably the same reason why you want the Imp to wake up tomorrow.”

She seemed to understand.

“I will get you when your help is needed later,” she said he nodded before she left.

Until then he decided he would get the sleep he craved.

Chapter Text

Sansa was nervously pacing around in her room, while Lord Tyrion was peacefully sleeping with his head on the table. What she did here was against everything she had been taught her whole life, by her septa and mother. It was against everything the Book of the Seven said. And if it ever came out would not only mean her death but probably the most painful death for everyone involved.

Yet, she had no choice. It was the best for her and her house should she ever manage to escape the lion’s den in the capital.

Luckily, whatever Shae had put into the wine had worked quickly due to the number of cups he had drunk and Tyrion had passed out soon enough and so Sansa had time to calm herself.

She had hoped that she would be by a child after her wedding night like her mother had, but her moonblood had proven her otherwise. That had brought her into a dilemma. If she wouldn’t carry a child under her heart soon, it would make her life more dangerous and Joffrey had already spoken openly that he would put a child in her if Tyrion was able to do it. On the other hand, she couldn’t ask Tyrion to do it. He might be her husband and she respected him, especially due to his promise not to touch her without her consent, but she had no romantic feelings for him.

On her wedding night, when Tyrion had passed away on the couch, after telling her he could not consummate the marriage until she wanted him, she had thought that this could work out, by being married without sharing the bed, but then Sandor had knocked on her door later that evening.

He had been drunk, but not as drunk as he had been during the night of the battle. He had not scared her. He had looked sad and asked if she was alright and if the Imp had hurt her.

Sansa had asked him to come inside and when he had seen the sleeping form of her husband she had told him that they had not consummated their bond.

“Little bird…the Imp has some honor after all it seems…” he had rasped.

Sansa had asked him why he had come.

“To see if the Imp had hurt you…and to warn you…that you have to be no maiden any longer in the morning.”

When she had asked him what he meant, he told her everything that Joffrey had said.

“You need to wake him up somehow and make him…” Sandor had started, but he could not finish the sentence.

“I can’t,” Sansa had said. “I just can not do it…he is a Lannister…the family that murdered my father.”

“I cannot protect you against Joffrey if he finds out you are still a maiden,” Sandor had warned her.

Sansa had felt fear arise in her and she suddenly remembered her father’s words

Brave. Gentle. Strong. They were all matching with Sandor.

“Then you must do it,” she had told him. “I will give you my maiden's gift.”

“Little bird, do not be foolish. They will kill you if they find out.”

“I’d rather be dead than have to be the mother to a Lannister,” she said determined. “And while I have barely any control over my life, I will at least decide whom I give my maidenhead to.”

“You have no idea what you are saying and asking of me,” he had said.

“I know exactly what I ask of you. You saved me before,” she had said and stepped closer to him. “You saved me from killing Joffrey on the battlements and dying the most painful death at the hands of his mother. You saved me from being defiled and killed during the bread riots. You always call me a little bird chirping my words and stupid stories but I think you think more for me than just being an annoyance to you.”

Sandor had said nothing and looking back she felt the wine had made her brave but she had gotten on her toes and lightly brushed her lips against his.

She had felt him freeze when their lips met.

“Please Sandor,” she had whispered as their lips parted. “I need you to do this.”

“Alright little bird…alright…for you…everything…” he had said close a whisper in his raspy voice.

She had sat on the bed and not known how to continue; she had no idea how all of this was done. She had learned her husband would take the lead. She only knew that she had to get rid of her clothes, but when she had wanted to unlace her gown, he had told her to stop.

“Don’t,” he had said. “That won’t take long I will do what you ask of me and then I leave. If you change your mind, say a word and I will stop, alright?”

Sansa had nodded.

“Lie down on your back,” he had said and shot one last glance over to Tyrion to make sure he was asleep. “I will have to remove your small clothes.”

Sansa had nodded again and he had let his hands travel under her gown and slowly pulled down her small clothes. His fingers had a rough texture as they were touching her thighs, but they still felt gentle.

“You do not have to look at me,” he had said. “Better think of the knight of flowers or someone more handsome.”

She had not looked away as he had just lifted her gown a little and gestured for her to open her legs. She had heard him untie his laces and her heart had sped up when she had felt something she assume was his manhood at her lady bits.

He had not dared to look at her as he had slowly entered her. There was a tiny moment of discomfort but then she relaxed and watched him. It had all been so new and foreign to her, but to watch Sandor made her feel something deep inside her. Some longing to be closer to him. To see him without his clothes and have him see her without her gown. Have her touch and explore her just like she wanted to explore him.

He had not lied to her. It had only taken him a few minutes and she had heard him groan her name lightly before she had felt him leave her body follows by something sticky running out of her.

He had turned around to tie up his laces again and she had just stayed on the bed not knowing what to do now.

“It’s done little bird,” he had said.

“Thank you,” she had answered a little awkwardly not knowing what to say overwhelmed by the whole situation.

“Get up,” he had said and as she had left the bed, he had returned with a knife from the fruit bowl.

Sansa had been unsure what he wanted until he cut his finger and streaked some bloodstains on the sheets.

“Just to make sure,” Sandor had said. “You should sleep now.”

“What about him?” she had asked and pointed to Tyrion who had slept through all events.

“What about him.”

“We need to get rid of his breeches or it will not be believable…” she had said.

Sandor sighed and quickly removed Tyrion’s breeches and threw them on the ground.

“I will leave now, little bird…” he had said and Sansa had approached him and quickly brushed her lips against his once more. It had felt right to do that at that very moment.

“Thank you, for tonight, my kind non-ser,” she had said and for a tiny moment, she had thought to see him blush, before he had quickly turned around and swiftly but quietly left the room.

Sansa was ripped from her memories by the knock on the door.

She opened it and Sandor was at the other door. Shae had brought him here as she had promised.

They quickly went inside again and locked the door.

She quickly brushed her lips against his and took his hand leading him to the bed.

“You sure you want to do this again, little bird?” he asked.

Sansa laid down on the bed and lifted her skirts and smirked shyly at him.

“You will be the death of both of us, little bird,” he said. “But I am ready to die for you.”

Chapter Text

The last few weeks had passed without any major incidents. Joffrey had been busy spending time with his future bride and her family, while his grandfather ruled the kingdom in his name.

Sandor had not heard much, but it seemed like the young wolf was roaming around the Westerlands without any clear goal ever since the battle at some mill had occurred. The Northerners though had a series of unsuccessful attempts to attack the Crownlands which had been repelled under heavy losses.

For now, the old lion seemed to be in a comfortable position to just wait for his enemies to make their next steps. The young wolf was in the West, while half of his army was holding Harrenhal. Stannis Baratheon had dug in at Dragonstone and was still licking his wounds, while troops of the Tyrells along with houses that changed their side after the battle of the Blackwater were now besieging the last castles loyal to Stannis in the Stormlands. The North was occupied by the Ironborn and Winterfell lay in ruins, while the lady of the Vale was not taking any side.

It nearly seemed like the old lion did not care that the young wolf was roaming his lands, but Sandor could not make any sense of why he would not care. The lord who had destroyed two whole houses for just attempting to challenge the Lannister rule, was now allowing the Northerners to put the West to torch.

A few days ago, he had heard that a raiding party of the young wolf had apparently burned down Clegane Keep in the hope to provoke his brother to follow them into a trap, but unfortunately, his brother had not been around. It seemed like Sandor would have to deal with his brother himself at some point still.

Sandor could not think of any way this war could be ended if all parties were refusing to meet in battle. But if someone would find a way it was probably Lord Tywin.

Today the court was more busy than usual. All the noble shits were rushing through the corridors to get the best places in the throne room.

The whispers were going around that something was to be announced today, but Sandor imagined it had something to do with Joffrey’s wedding. Maybe finally a date. If that blond shit was finally busy putting his offspring into his wife, he would hopefully stop to tease the little bird all the time.

That blond shit will never stop, Sandor corrected himself as he entered the throne room to take his place beside the iron throne to protect the blond bastard.

The blond shit appeared with Trant at his side and sat down on the throne. The members of his small council followed behind. The Tyrells stood within the gathered crowd. Sandor could spot the little bird next to the imp. He had not seen much of her since ever since the last time she had asked him to help her.

After they had been done, they made it look like Sansa had shared the bed with her husband. Sandor was sure he would never forget the memories of having to help the imp out of his breeches and carrying him from the table to the bed.

Sandor had no idea what could be the reason for this gathering, but when he noticed how the little bird rested her hands on her lower belly and was giving him a tiny nod and a small smile, he immediately understood what was going to be announced.

Chapter Text

Sansa pushed her food around on the plate with her fork as if the food would magically disappear by that.

Ever since it had been announced that she was with child she had been forced to finish her plates no matter how hungry she had been. She also had not been allowed to leave her rooms much anymore as soon as it had been announced.

The maester pretended that it could harm the child if she moved too much. She had only been allowed to leave for dinner with the royal family every evening, where she had to endure endless questioning if she already knew if it would be a boy and if it would have the Lannister features by Joffrey.

Sansa could not wait for it to be over. Her feet were hurting all the time and she needed to find the chamber pod every few hours. At least the vomiting had stopped after a few moons.

Still, she could barely get into her dresses anymore and Shae had to work hard to get them tied up.

Soon her time would come. She was already carrying the child for more than eight moons and Maester Pycelle had said it would come soon.

“The king asked you a question,” Cersei said from over the table ripping Sansa from her thought.

“I am sorry. I do not know if it will have a fur like a wolf…” Sansa said.

“It will probably be a monster just like its father. I mean what can be the outcome if an Imp mates with a wolf,” Joffrey said and nearly choked on his wine laughing at his own joke.

The only one laughing though was Margaery, but she was laughing at everything Joffrey said.

“That was so funny your grace,” she said.

“You should eat, little dove,” Cersei kindly reminded her.

Sansa picked up another piece of carrot with her fork and forced herself to eat it.

She strangely wished that Tyrion would be here. Two months ago he had been sent to Braavos to deal with the Iron Bank, but he had yet to return. At least she would not feel completely alone at this table right now. Lord Tywin had also left the capital. Nobody had told Sansa why, but Shae had heard that he was either going to the Westerlands or Riverrun. But nobody had told Shae any details and Sansa had not been told anything anyway.

It had become quiet about the war in the last months. She had not heard anything about her brother’s whereabouts or of the other participants of this war.

At least she had Shae left. Sansa sighed as she finally forced the last bit of food down.

“See was that so hard?” Cersei said refilling her cup again. Sometimes Sansa thought the cup was stuck to Cersei’s hand. Since Joffrey had engaged himself with Margaery it seemed like she was drinking wine continuously.

Sansa did not bother to answer.

“You should rest little dove,” Cersei suggested.

“Yes, your grace,” Sansa said and got up and suddenly felt something wet run down her leg. Sansa felt her face warm up as the others noticed too.

“Call for the maesters and midwives,” Cersei ordered, while Joffrey looked disgusted.

“Get her out of here,” Joffrey said and left with Margaery.

“It will pray for you,” Margaery said while leaving.

Shae arrived with some other servants and Cersei told them to bring her to her room.

“I’ll be with you the whole time,” Shae whispered to her holding her hand as they left the room.

“Thank you,” Sansa whispered back as she squeezed Shae’s hand and got anxious about what awaited her.

She wished her mother was here.

When the first light of the next day hit the horizon, it was finally coming to an end.

“One more time my lady,” the midwife said.

Finally, the screams of a newborn filled the room.

Sansa started to sob now that it was finally over.

“You did great,” Shae assured her kneeling next to her bed.

“What is it, Shae?” Sansa asked.

“It is a healthy baby girl, my lady,” the midwife said from the other side of the room where she was just washing the child in a bowl of warm water before wrapping her in a towel.

The midwives had just finished taking care of her covering her legs with a blanket when the door flew open and Joffrey entered followed by Cersei, Margaery, and Pycelle.

“We just heard,” Margaery said. “Congratulation you must be so exhausted after this long night.”

Before Sansa could answer Joffrey spoke up.

“So, what is it?”

“A girl, your grace,” the midwife answered putting.

“Useless, now I am just glad again that I did not marry you. You probably are only capable of producing girls,” Joffrey said arrogantly. “Is it normal or an abnormality like its father?”

“It is normal and healthy your grace,” Sansa said.

Pycelle put a huge book Sansa had not noticed before on the table.

“Bring me the child,” he asked and Cersei took the child from Sansa’s arms before she had the chance to protest.

“Does she have a name already?” he asked.

“Yes…” Sansa just wanted to say, but Cersei cut her off.

“Joanna,” Cersei said and stared daggers at Sansa. “Her name will be Joanna.”

That’s not her name, Sansa thought.

“Alright…” Pycelle said and started to write in the book after inspecting Sansa’s child. “Joanna Lannister…grey of eyes…red of hair…”

“Not even the Lannister looks, but nothing else was expected if you water down the Lannister blood,” Joffrey said. “That will not happen with Margaery and me.”

Joffrey took his leave with Margaery.

“Can I get my child back?” Sansa asked quietly.

Cersei reluctantly handed back the little girl before she turned to the midwives.

“Explain to her everything she needs to know so she can take care of my brother’s offspring. It might not be the boy my father wanted for his plans, but it will do.”

Cersei turned to her.

“You better take care of that child and let no harm come to it or you will regret it…” she warned Sansa who held onto her daughter more tightly.

“Why would I harm my child?”

“I can only imagine what is going on in your wicked Stark mind…I warn you.”

With that Cersei left the room followed by Pycelle.

Sansa was able to relax a little.

The eldest of the midwives stayed as everyone else left to explain everything to her she might need to know now that she was a mother.

“My lady you should drink something,” Shae said as the old midwife had also left.

“Yes…you are right,” Sansa said tiredly and took the cup to take a sip of water before she pressed her lips to the head of her daughter.

“You should also try to sleep. It has been a long night for you.”

“Yes…some sleep sounds nice.”

“Do not worry I will stay here and hold the little one.”

“Thank you, Shae.”

 There was a knock on the door and Shae opened the door.

“What do you want?” Shae asked

“Just wanted to check on her,” she heard a raspy voice and immediately knew who he was.

“Shae let him in,” she said and Sandor entered.

“Little bird…how are you?” he asked.

“Tired…but I am fine…” she said and removed the towel a little to allow Sandor to have a look at the child.

“Say hello to our daughter.”

Chapter Text

Even after nearly six months Sandor still could not believe that he actually was a father. Maybe because he had never expected someone to be willing to have him father a child, on the other hand, because he had barely seen his child after it has been born.

He had only held her once directly after her birth when he had visited Sansa. The little bird had looked exhausted but happier than he had seen ever since her father had been executed.

That joy had not lasted for long though. When he had left Sansa and the little one to rest, he had found Joffrey on his way. The blond shit had been beside himself with joy for some reason.

Sandor had asked him what brought him this joy and Joffrey had told him that now that the child was out, he could finally make the news public that his grandfather had forced him to keep a secret for the time being.

“What news, your grace?” Sandor had asked.

“Robb Stark is dead,” he had declared with excitement in his voice. “And his whore of mother. All of them dead along their army slaughtered at the Twins during the wedding of that traitor Edmure Tully.”

Sandor had been able to contain his shock about the news. He had asked himself why there had been barely any news about the war the last couple of months, but now he understood. The old lion had wanted to keep it a secret so his potential heir through Lord Tyrion was not at risk if the mother received the horrible news that her family had been reduced even more.

“Unfortunately, the Blackfish had been able to escape, that’s why my grandfather is besieging Riverrun. He is hiding there. But finally, another pretender is dead and only my uncle Stannis remains, but he will be dealt with in time.”

“Who will get the North now?” Sandor had asked. “The Imp?”

“For the time being my grandfather suggested to have the Boltons rule the North.”

“The Boltons?”

“Aye, they were really helpful in organizing the events that played out at the Twins. Roose Bolton was the one who drove his dagger into Robb Starks heart.”

“I see.”

“And when the time is right, I might marry the little bastard of Sansa and the Imp to the bastard of Roose Bolton, who demanded a royal letter to make him a legitimate heir. My grandfather thinks that might be a good thing to keep the other Lords of the North in line if some Stark blood is in the ruler of the North…”

Sandor had felt his stomach twist at these words.

“What are you doing here anyway Hound?”

“I was trying to find out if the Imps child is normal or a monster,” Sandor lied making Joffrey laugh like a fool.

“Good one, but it's just a girl. Absolutely useless like her mother.”

Sandor forced himself to say nothing.

“Anyway, take your leave hound. I waited so long to tell Sansa the good news, I just cannot wait any longer.”

Sandor just nodded and left. He wished he could be there for Sansa when Joffrey would give her the news, but he could not risk raising suspicion.

Ever since that day, Sansa had barely been seen outside of her rooms. Lord Tyrion still had not returned to the capital. It seemed like the negotiation with the Iron Bank were more difficult than anticipated.

Lord Tywin also still besieged Riverrun. The Blackfish had managed to stock up enough supplies to last for maybe years.

It did not help that the first signs of the coming winter were showing. They had received word that the North already had some snowfall, while the Riverlands northern Riverlands were plagued with rain. The Kingswood south of the Blackwater had begun to lose its green and instead started to show the red and yellow of the autumn.

While he had not been able to Sansa or their child, he had had a lot of time at hand to have a thought grow in his min over the course of the months. He hoped it would soon grow into an idea that would finally become a plan. At least Shae kept him updated about the little bird’s whereabouts and that by now she was at least slowly starting to feel better.

This day had been pretty boring so far. He spent most of the morning with Joffrey and him getting more annoyed with his future bride at every moment, due to her babbling about all the things she wanted for their wedding. That Tyrell girl really seemed to want her wedding to find its place in the history books, by making it the most expensive and most luxurious one that has ever been there.

Sandor sensed the Tyrell girl was smarter than she showed, but she definitely had to learn when to not push a topic too far. And today Margaery was pushing it very far by asking if Sansa could sit at the high table since she was the king's aunt by marriage.

“We will see…” Joffrey said through his teeth. “But enough for now. Why don’t we have lunch dear.”

“That would be fantastic.”

“Good go ahead I have to talk to the Hound for a moment. Take Ser Meryn with you.”

“As you wish,” she said and left with the knight walking behind her.

Joffrey looked after them and only turned towards Sandor when Margaery had passed the corner of the next corridor.

“Hound listen, I have a task for you. I am fed up with Margaery talking about the Stark bitch all the time. She has no use for us anymore. The war is over. Further, she fulfilled her sole purpose in this world by pushing the Imps bastard into this world and my mother said the bastard will soon be weaned off. Take her and bring her outside the city into the forest.”

“And then?” Sandor asked already knowing the answer.

“You send her to the rest of her damn family,” he plainly said. “This will be the proof of your loyalty after your action during the battle. And bring me something to prove that Stark bitch is dead. Make it today, my grandfather and uncle are on their way back for the wedding and I want this dealt with before anyone else annoys me with it.”

“Understood.”

“Good. And the official news will be that I generously allowed her to spend some time outside the city with you as her guard and she tried to escape, fell, and broke her neck.”

Sandor nodded.

“Good. And now do as ordered,” Joffrey said and left for lunch with his bride-to-be.

Sandor felt sick. He knew what he had to do. If he did not do it, he would be executed. Joffrey would not let misbehavior slip again. He was on the way to the little bird's room. He had hoped to have more time, but he knew what he had to do.

Sandor knocked on the door and entered as the handmaiden opened the door.

Sansa sat at the window, gently rooking their daughter in her arms.

“What do you want?” Shae asked.

“I am here on the order of the King.”

“What does he want of her?” Shae asked and Sandor turned to the handmaiden and whispered a few words into her ear.

“The king says it is time for you to meet your family,” Sandor said and could see that it dawned on the little bird's face what that meant. Tears started to well in her eyes and she kissed the crown of their daughter’s head.

“What about my little girl?” she asked.

“Worry not, my lady. I will take care of her,” Shae said.

Sansa nodded and handed the small bundle over to Shae.

“Alright. Time to go little bird,” Sandor gently said and Sansa took a deep breath to keep her emotions in control before she left the room with Sandor holding her head high.

They went to the stables and on their way, Sansa did not say a single word and ignored the curious looks of the people they met on the way, of which some, had not seen her ever since she got her child.

Stranger awaited them already prepared in the stables and Sandor lifted her onto the back of his black beast before he mounted his stallion himself.

Sandor took a deep breath before he rode out of the gates towards the northern city gate. There was no turning back now. He knew what he had to do.

It did not take them long to reach the edge of the forest. Sansa had not spoken a single word. Sandor understood what must go on in her right now. He would have liked to calm her, but he knew what had to be done.

He considered doing it right here, but Joffrey maybe sends someone after them to watch them. He decided to ride deeper into the forest and did some turns to ensure he would spot anyone following them.

After he was sure they were alone he stopped his horse and got down. He tied his horse up at the closest tree and held out his hand for Sansa to help her down.

She took his hand and their eyes met for a moment. It pained him to see the fear in her eyes.

“Alright, it is easier if you kneel,” he said and Sansa knelt down shaking.

Sandor drew his sword and took her braid in his free hand to expose her neck.

“I don’t want to die!” she sobbed. “I don’t want to…please…please Sandor…”

“Everything will be fine, little bird,” he gently said before he made a quick cut with his sword.

Chapter Text

Sansa felt tears run down her cheek waiting for the cold kiss of Sandor’s blade. At least I will see my parents and siblings again she thought.

“Everything will be fine, little bird,” she heard him say and suddenly she felt how his sword cut through her braid making her yelp.

Sansa turned around in confusion, but Sandor had already dropped his sword and the cutoff part of her braid and hugged her closely.

“It will all be fine,” he said as the emotions just broke out of her. “It will all be fine little bird. I could never harm you.”

“What is going on Sandor?” she sobbed.

“Joffrey ordered me to kill you to get rid of you and show him that I am loyal to him,” he explained. “But I could never do that…not to you. Fuck him.”

“What about our daughter?” she asked. Her daughter was the only family she had… “What about you Sandor?”

“Don’t worry I planned all of this…or at least I thought it through…I will get our little girl out of the city and then I bring you wherever you want.”

“And what about you?” she asked. “Joffrey will not spare you again.”

“I don’t matter little bird. I love you and I want you and the little one to be safe,” he said and she felt him freeze at the words he had just spoken.

“You love me?” she asked.

“Aye…I do…I don’t know how it happened…I understand if you do not feel similar…I mean I was just meant to be your helper to conceive a child…” he said.

“I think I love you too…” Sansa softly said. “It was not just to conceive a child…it was also to be close to you…I liked it. You are my family now. You and our little girl.”

Sansa cupped his cheek.

“So, tell me what is your plan?”

“Joffrey demanded evidence that I killed you, that’s why I had to cut your beautiful hair. I will add some blood to it from the market to make it believable. By the time I am back, Shae should already have packed a few things for you, that is what I whispered into her ear earlier to play along and pack some things. I don’t know how yet, but I will take our daughter and leave the keep.”

“And what shall I do?” Sansa asked.

“Wait here. I will come back. I promise. Do you believe me?”

“I do,” Sansa said with confidence.

“Good,” he said and got up from the ground.

“Sandor…” she asked and when Sandor turned around, she pressed her lips against his. “I wanted to do this properly since the night when you kissed me during the battle.”

Sandor pulled his dagger from his belt.

“Here take this. Just in case,” he said.

“Please be careful.”

“I will.”

Sandor got back onto his horse's back and Sansa looked after him until she could not hear the sound of hooves anymore. Sansa sighed. She had not been outside the walls of Kings Landing for years now. She had nearly forgotten how nice nature could be. She sat down at the nearest tree and tried to calm herself not trying to think what she would do if Sandor would not return to her. He had never let her down.

It had only been a few hours, but it had felt like an eternity. The silence of the forest was deafening so Sansa immediately got up when she heard the sound of hooves coming closer.

Sansa hid behind the tree and prayed.

“Little bird?” she heard and she breathed out. She had not noticed that she had held her breath.

“I am here,” she said and stepped around the tree and felt a wave of relief run over her seeing him alive and well again. She also immediately saw the little bundle he held in his arms. Sansa took the little bundle from his arms and immediately smiled up at the grey eyes brightening at seeing her.

Sandor got off his horse and embraced her.

“She behaved like a little angel during the whole ride,” Sandor said. “She is a little lady like her mother after all.”

“Aye she is and now that we are rid of Cersei and the others, we can finally call you by your real name little one,” Sansa said. “You are no Joanna…you are our Serena. Serena Stark.”

They had not stayed at this place, but Sandor had ridden deeper into the forest for a few more hours before he had decided they should make camp for the night.

Sansa was glad about it. She was exhausted and Serena also had started to become unruly. It was time for her to be fed.

Sandor tied up his horse before he helped Sansa down. She sat down at a nearby tree and unlaced her dress to be able to nurse Serena. In the meantime, Sandor started to collect some wood before building a small fire. Sansa was glad for it since it was starting to become dark and the wind was colder every night.

Winter is coming.

She had to deny her true identity for so long that she felt a shiver run down her spine at recalling these words her father had spoken so often.

“Sandor, can I ask you something? I need you to be completely honest with me…” she said.

“Alright,” he said while piling up the wood for the fire.

“Did you know long before me that my mother and brother have been murdered?” she asked.

“No. Nobody knew besides the small council probably. I heard it from Joffrey as he was on the way to tell you.”

“I see.”

“I wanted to be there for you, but I did not want to raise suspicion.”

“I know. It's alright. It cannot be changed anyway. They are dead. We are alive.”

“I think Shae put a few lemon cakes for you,” Sandor said and Sansa had to smile.

Shae had packed them a few loaves of bread, some dry sausages, and cheese, along with a few apples and a few skins of water. She also had packed a few more additional things she might need, like an extra pair of socks, small clothes, and one shift to change. Also, a handful of diapers. She had also packed Sansa’s brush and the doll her father had gifted to her.

“Do you think they will follow us?” Sansa asked.

“Who knows... Shae said she took care to make Serena's disappearance the work of a different servant. Apparently, she knows one very close to Cersei, who could do something as crazy as abduct and kill a baby. I don’t want to know how she will do it, but it seems she has a contact in Flee Bottom. She also said she would tell Tyrion the truth as soon as he was back. She thinks he will understand, but by then we will be long gone. And for me…well Joffrey might notice in a few days that I am not around.”

Sandor managed to start the fire and quickly started to brush down his horse.

“Where will we go now?” she asked.

“I don’t know yet. I think we should stay on the run nevertheless in case our plan fails and they start to search for us.”

“I see,” she said while lacing her dress back up after finishing feeding Serena.

“We might go west first. Everything between the Ruby Ford and Riverrun is still a warzone, and we have to expect roaming soldiers.”

“We could try to go to the Vale…”

“To your crazy aunt who is way too close to Littlefinger? Better not,” he interrupted her.

“Then North. My brother Jon is at the Wall and some of the Houses might still be loyal to us.”

“Aye…north it might be. But first, we have to gain some distance to the capital.”

Sandor finished brushing his horse and scratched his horse behind the ear.

“I also brought you this,” Sandor said pulling something big from beneath his saddlebags and laying it down in front of Sansa.

“My father’s sword…” Sansa said in awe.

“Aye…I stole it from Ilyn Payne. I heard rumors that the old Lion intended to melt it down and have it reforged into new swords for House Lannister.”

Sansa touched the blade. “Thank you, Sandor. Thank you.”

Sandor put the horse blanked on the ground at the fire along with a few furs.

“Tomorrow I can try to catch us a rabbit or something, but for now this will do,” he said and handed her a piece of bread and sausage.

He sat down next to her and she rested her head against his shoulder, while Serena was happily babbling wrapped into a blanket and it did not take long until their little girl fell asleep.

“Sandor, can I ask you something again?” she carefully started.

“Yes, little bird?” he said adding another piece of wood to the fire.

“I…You…I don’t know how to say it,” she said embarrassed.

“Tell me.”

“I want to be with you…and everything that comes with being together…” She felt her face warm up. “You know…I only have been with you…and I know that you have been with other women before me, but…”

“But what, little bird?”

“…but I need to know if you have been…”

“I have not been with any women besides you since you married and I don’t want anyone else but you.”

“I…it’s not that I don’t trust you I just…”

“I know…too many men can't be loyal…”

“I love you,” Sansa whispered not to wake up the little one.

“I love you too,” he said poking the fire.

“Are you still afraid of fire?” she asked and immediately realized that was a stupid thing to ask. “I am sorry.”

“No, I can deal with it by now. I still don’t like it, but if I have to deal with it, I just imagine I deal with it for you, and it's fine.”

Sandor’s words warmed her heart and she felt the warmth spread to other parts of her body.

“So you have not been with anyone since last time you have been with me?” she asked and put her hand on his leg.

“Not with a single one,” he whispered and Sansa let her hand travel a bit further up until she could feel him harden under her hand.

“In King’s Landing we always had to hurry and were at risk of being caught…here we are alone…” she said and felt his member twitch in his breeches.

“Aye…but…”

Sansa became braver with every moment and she started to slowly open the top laces of Sandor’s breeches until she could slide her hand inside.

“But was Sandor?” she asked while letting her hand slide in deeper.

“Is it save for you…after giving birth and all…” he asked.

“It is fine. It has been long enough,” she said. “And I might sound wanton, but I want to explore you and I want you to explore me.”

It was so strange to her. They had shared the bed twice, gods, they had a child together, but yet they have not seen each other without clothes.

“I don’t think you wanton…you are the perfect lady for me,” he said. “And do you like what you explored so far?” he added in a raspy tone since her fingertips were ghosting over member.

“Well,” Sansa said with a smirk. “I know your…”

“Cock,” he helped her.

“…cock…felt quite nice the last time.”

She had no idea where her sudden confidence came from, but she removed her hand from his breeches and took his, and placed it over her breast.

He gently started to let his thumb brush over it and Sansa hummed at the feeling. His hand started to loosen up the laces of her dress and soon she pushed it off her shoulders.

Sansa felt her face warm up at Sandor seeing more of her for the first time.

“What do you think?” she asked a bit awkward.

“They are beautiful,” he said before he started to pepper them with a series of kisses only interrupted by his tongue teasing her nipples for a moment.

Sansa wriggled out of her dress and formed a little nest out of it, before placing Serena in it, who was still sleeping safe and sound.

Sansa got rid of her remaining clothes and goosebumps formed over her body at the idea of being completely bare in the forest with the man she loved.

Sandor got rid of his tunic before he followed her lead with his remaining clothes and Sansa’s eyes roamed over his body, now that she could finally see him for the first time.

He moved closer and kissed her gently.

“Lie down,” he told her and Sansa laid down. She could see the stars above her through the crowns of the trees.

Sandor kissed his way down her throat over her chest and continued to kiss way further down her belly, sparking her curiosity about what he intended to do.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Something I would have done already the last two times if we would have had more time.”

He reached the edge of her auburn curls, but he just continued to kiss his way down. She felt his breath on her lady bits and the mere idea of his face being this close to her most private areas send a wave of warmth down her body to the heat that was already starting to pool between her legs.

That feeling only intensified, when Sandor started to let his tongue explore her folds. Sansa’s hums soon turned into moans as she felt things she had never felt before.

The warmth of their campfire made her skin start to become damp, nevertheless, she shivered as his tongue brought her over the edge of her peak.

She still tried to calm her breathing when Sandor kissed his way back up her body till he reached her face. She could taste a musky taste on his lips she assumed must be hers.

“You sing the sweetest songs,” he said. “I would have loved to make you sing in the past.”

“You can now try to make me sing once more, while I try to make you sing,” she said and pulled how closer, feeling his hard cock press against her leg.

“I try my best,” he rasped into her ear as she felt him at her entrance. He slowly let himself slide in watching her closely for her reaction.

This is so much better than before, Sansa thought as he slowly started to move. His weight pushing her down…his body meeting hers…this was better than the mere act of putting his seed in her as she had asked of him before.

Sansa threw a short glance over to her dress and saw Serena still asleep. She pulled Sandor’s face down for another long kiss before he buried his face in the crook of her neck again. Sansa’s hand was lightly ghosting over Sandor’s back and she noticed his skin also starting to become damp.

Besides the cracking sound of the wood in the fire, only Sansa’s soft moans disturbed the silence of the forest, but she did not care. She had kept what she felt for so long and now she would moan as freely and wantonly as she wanted.

“Yes…Sandor…like this…” she moaned as she felt a new peak building up and Sandor continued as he had before, though she noticed how his breathing got heavier as he was also approaching his peak trying to keep himself from spilling his seed too early.

He managed though to bring her right over the edge and while she was riding out her last waves of pleasure, she heard him groan her name as she felt his cock fill her with several strong spurts of his seed.

He rolled off her and she snuggled up to his side.

The cooler evening breeze in combination with her dampened skin let a shiver run over her body and Sandor took one of the furs and put it over them as they snuggled up closer together. Sansa took Serena’s sleeping form from the nest she had made out of her dress and placed it closer to her and Sandor.

Sandor’s large arms encircled them both and even though they were in the middle of the forest, Sansa felt safe and sound like she had wished ever since she had left Winterfell.

“Sleep little bird,” Sandor whispered into her ear from behind. “I will watch over you and our little wolf.”

With Sandor reassuring words it did not take long for Sansa to drift off to sleep.

Chapter Text

The last couple of weeks had been mostly uneventful, yet it had been the best of his life. Just to be with his little girl and the little bird made his life feel complete.

They had been careful to stay away from the roads in case they were searched for, but they had not run into anyone since they had left the capital.

Most of the evenings he had managed to catch something to eat, but a few days ago they had stayed at an inn for the night. That day they had spent mostly trying to find a crossing over the Blackwater Rush coming from the Godseye. Luckily, they had finally found a ferryman in a small village who has been willing to carry them over the river that had grown in size due to the rain of the last weeks.

After that day they had been soaked and tired and had just wanted to warm up with a roof over their head for one night and the ferryman had recommended an inn to them.

At first, Sandor had been unsure if they should risk it. After all his face was quite recognizable, but seeing how Sansa had shivered in her wet clothes had made the decision easy for him.

It had been nice to sleep for once in a real bed instead of the ground in the forest. It had even been nice to warm up a hot bathtub before. While Sansa had taken her turn in the tub, Sandor had taken care of Serena.

It was still so strange to him to hold this tiny human in his large hands. At first, he had been nervous to handle her alone, but Sansa had assured him that he would not hurt their little girl. By now he was confident in himself handling their child.

He was glad now that they had decided to stay in the inn. During dinner, the innkeeper had asked him if he also had heard the news from the capital.

At first, he had thought the news was about them, but instead, it had been something he and Sansa had not expected.

As it seemed Cersei and Joffrey had been murdered by Tyrion after he returned to the capital. Apparently, he had already gotten word that his wife had been executed by order of the King and that his daughter had disappeared and the rumors said that Cersei had ordered to have her killed out of spite.

It seemed that Shae had not been able to tell him the truth beforehand, Sandor had thought and honestly felt bad for the Imp for once.

Lord Tywin used that change and crowned Tommen as the new king and put Tyrion on trial. He hardly had a defense for himself and so he had put his faith into the hands of the gods and demanded a trial by combat.

Lord Tywin of course had chosen the Mountain as their champion, but luckily for Tyrion the Prince of Dorne had stepped up taking that opportunity to kill the murder and rapist of his dear sister Ellia.

The innkeeper had talked about the fight as if he had been there himself, saying how epic the fight must have been, but ultimately the prince had driven his spear into the skull of the mountain, winning the fight and Tyrion’s freedom alike.

What happened afterward the innkeeper could not say for sure, but he believed the rumors that Prince Oberyn had returned to Dorne taking Tyrion and some lover of his as guests of Prince Doran.

This news calmed Sansa's guilty conscience that she had lied to Tyrion about her child. For Sandor, this also helped him decide what to do.

His brother was dead and that meant Cleganekeep had no lord. It was such a small and unimportant place that they could be safe there.

Later that night he told Sansa about his thoughts and she suggested that they could stay there until they could make their way North or at least send word to Jon about their whereabouts.

“So, this is your home?” Sansa asked as Cleganekeep appeared in front of them.

“It never has been truly my home. It was just the place I’ve grown up in,” he said. “We need to be careful. We don’t know if the men of my brother are still around.”

Sandor got off the horse and tied it up.

“Stay here little bird,” he said. “I will scout the keep. If it is safe I will get you, elsewise take all the coin we have a try to get a ship North to reach your brother or if that is not working consider going to Dorne…”

Sansa nodded.

Sandor carefully walked the remaining mile to the keep and tried to find signs that Gregor’s men were around.

He relaxed a little when he saw some farmers on the field and children playing on the road. If Gregor’s men were around their mother would keep them inside their houses.

As he reached the keep he was approached by an elderly man. Sandor recognized him from his childhood.

“Sandor…is that you?” he asked.

“Aye…are any of my brother's men around?” he asked.

“No…we have not seen any of them for years since the war began…”

“Good…my brother is dead…”

“Thank the gods…”

“Aye…”

“What brings you here?” the man asked. “You have not been here once since you left to serve Lord Tywin.”

“I need shelter for a while.”

“Then come in,” the man said. “You are the lord now if I am not mistaken.”

“I will come back in a moment I need to get someone,” Sandor said and quickly returned to Sansa.

“It is safe little bird,” he told her. “There are just a few servants in the keep.”

“Thank the gods,” Sansa said relived.

Sandor got back onto Stranger’s back and they rode back to Cleganeskeep.

“Who is this?” the old man asked curiously. “We did not have such a fine lady in this place since your late mother passed Lord Clegane,” he japed.

“That is my wife and my daughter,” Sandor said proudly.

“Congrats, my lord,” he said. “I am Thomaz, I know Lord Sandor since he was a boy. It is good to know he found such a nice lady at his side.”

“Thank you,” Sansa said.

“Then let's go inside, Leyna already started cooking,” Thomaz said and disappeared into the keep.

Sandor let his horse to the stable and got off its back before he helped Sansa down.

“Well, well I am your wife now?” Sansa asked him smirking.

“I had to improvise. I could hardly say that you are the wife of a Lannister who has a child with me,” he said amused.

“Yes, that would be strange. But I would like to be your wife, and since Tyrion and I never shared the bed in truth I was no man’s wife by the time to claim my maidenhood. So, in the eyes of the gods, I am more your wife than I have ever been Tyrion’s,” she said. “But we can marry in truth as soon as we find a weirwood.”

“I’d like that,” Sandor said. “But for now, we should head inside. We are safe here. Maybe we can even stay the winter here.”

“Yes,” Sansa said. “Winter is coming.”

As they walked from the stables to the keep Sandor noticed the first flakes of snow falling from the sky.

Winter indeed, Sandor thought. But at least he had his little bird and his little daughter.

Both red of hair.

The End.