Chapter Text
Lady Sansa Stark was a young woman in possession of a good fortune and in need of a husband.
Long gone was the naive and romantic girl who had made her debut two seasons ago and longed for a whirlwind romance. She now hoped for companionship, perhaps love in the long run, but most importantly, she needed a solid excuse to decline Lord Petyr Baelish’s marriage proposals for a third (and hopefully last) time.
She had met Lord Baelish during her first season in London. He had introduced himself as an old acquaintance of her mother’s at a ball and she had not paid much attention to him since shortly she had met Lord Joffrey Baratheon, Marquis of Evenfall. Their courtship had been like a fairytale, full of flowers and dances at balls and letters full of longing, and with the implicit approval of their fathers, who had known each other for years through their work at Parliament. His Grace, the Duke of Stormlands had wished for an union between the Baratheon and Stark families for years, ever since Lady Lyanna Stark had spurned him and had caused a scandal by running away with a knight and becoming pregnant months later.
The betrothal had soured after a few months, however. They’d been attending a dinner party at Storm’s End, the ancestral Baratheon state, when Joffrey had offered to show her the house. They’d been in the library when Lord Joffrey’s attentions became more physical and forceful rather than the chaste kisses she had allowed, and it would’ve ended up in her ruin if Lord Stannis, the Duke’s younger brother, hadn’t heard her pleas and entered the library in time to stop Joffrey from doing more than tearing the bustline of her dress.
Her father and Lord Stannis had been furious and had made threats against him and Duchess Baratheon kept insinuating that Sansa led Lord Joffrey on, but the Duke assured that no word of this would leave the halls of Storm’s End and Sansa’s reputation would be preserved.
Her father had wished to send her back to Winterfell with her younger brothers, but she insisted that would only cause more people to talk and speculate about a scandal, so she carried on with the season.
Of course Duchess Baratheon and the Marquis would not make things any easier for her and at the next ball she had attended, they made it loud and clear she had been cast aside. The Duchess gave her the cold shoulder all night and Lord Joffrey had immediately directed his attention to one of Lord Redwyne’s daughters. The other ladies her age who had seen her as a rival and their shrewd mamas were all too happy to take advantage of the situation.
She felt all eyes on her and was prepared to be politely ignored all night when Lord Oberyn Martell, brother of the Duke of Sunspear, asked for her first dance. Sansa had been courteous and kind to his daughters, who were often looked down upon since none of them were daughters of nobility and to his wife, who had been a regular opera singer before marrying him. The ton did not like it when people rose above their stations.
The ball thankfully proceeded with no other hiccups, and potential suitors like Lord Brynden Blackwood and Lord Waymar Royce were pleased she was free to be courted once again and other acquaintances did not shun her. Unfortunately, this included Lord Baelish, the happiest of them all.
Of course, gossip was a form of currency in her society and the next day she received calls from Lady Myranda Royce and Lady Arianne Martell, all but begging to know what had happened between her and Lord Joffrey. She could not divulge what had really happened and simply told the visiting ladies that during their visit to Storm’s End they had discovered their characters were not suitable at all and she had already returned Lord Joffrey’s courting gifts.
In the next weeks she made the acquaintance of Lord Renly Baratheon, the Duke’s youngest brother and his new bride, Lady Margaery, daughter of the Earl of Reach and her brother, Lord Loras Tyrell. The newlywed couple had been on their honeymoon when the incident at Storm’s End had happened and during a visit she had paid to Lady Margaery, the young lord interrupted to tell her that they knew that whatever had happened wasn’t her fault. Apparently Lord Joffrey was well disliked by both of his uncles.
Lady Margaery became a frequent companion and was happy to serve as chaperone to allow Sansa to experience some freedom away from her hovering mama, protective brother and dour Ms. Mordane. She had taken a liking to the younger girl, so she was often asked for dinners, became a regular at their theater box and practically memorized the gardens at St. James’ Park they visited during their walks.
During a ball Lady Margaery had hosted a ball at their place, and while trying to escape Lord Baelish’s attention, she wandered into one of the rooms of the house and found Lord Renly and Captain Tyrell in a very improper embrace.
She couldn’t stop the “Oh Goodness!” that escaped from her mouth and that alerted the two men of her presence. They stood in awkward silence for some seconds and that’s when she found her voice again, “Have you no consideration of your poor sister, Lord Loras?” She was outraged on behalf of the woman who had become a dear friend.
Right then, said lady entered the room and quickly surmised the couple had been seen. She put a hand on Sansa’s shoulder and when she noticed who it was she simply exclaimed, “Oh, Lady Margaery!”
“Please take a seat, dear. We will explain it all.”
She was still blushing from having seen the lovers in such a passionate embrace and avoided eye contact with the two men she had grown to call friends.
Margaery began, “Lady Sansa, you love your siblings, correct?” she nodded and she continued, “Would you say you’d do anything to help them? Anything to guarantee their happiness?”
Sansa thought about it briefly and yes, she’d help her siblings in a heartbeat, even Arya. She nodded to the other woman.
Loras spoke this time, “Margaery discovered my …preferences when she was four and ten. She discovered me and the son of another lord back home but she was able to remain unseen. Later when our parents were asking about our day she provided cover for me and I realized she knew.”
“Of course, I knew that Loras would never take a wife or have children but once he met Renly the answer was quite clear for the three of us.” Margaery explained without a care in the world, “Loras and Renly can be together without raising suspicions and I can take as many lovers as I desire. This arrangement works for us all.”
Sansa knew she was still blushing, but now it was thanks to her friend’s salacious confession. She looked at the three of them, who were expecting her reaction with bated breath. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her pulse down “And you’re fine, really with this? You’re not heartbroken or offended or anything of the sort?”
“Yes. I’d do anything for Loras and he would do anything for me.”
She still couldn’t maintain eye contact with the two men, deeply embarrassed about the whole situation. “Oh, Goodness,” she exclaimed between giggles. She had seen illustrations in one of her father’s multiple Greek books but it was still a shock to see two men act like lovers. “Very well, Lady Margaery. If your trust hasn’t been broken I don’t see why this should be an issue for me.”
“Please, after all this I insist you call me Margaery.”
“She was ready to defend your honor, dear sister,” she finally looked at the man who seemed to be relaxed again, “and you must call me Loras, Lady Sansa.”
“And please call me Renly, my lady.”
She looked at the three and smiled, “Alright, you may use my name as well. I’m very embarrassed about all this, I was simply trying to hide from Lord Baelish, who has been quite insistent this evening.”
The three rolled their eyes and once they returned, Margaery made a show of introducing her to a bunch of her friends and saved Sansa from having to deal with Baelish for most of the night. However, her luck ran out by the end of the evening. He cornered her in one of the balconies as she took some air and refreshed herself from the crowded ballroom.
She hadn’t heard him walk in and only realized he was there when he talked. “My lady Sansa.”
“Lord Baelish. I was about to return to the ball.”
“Please allow me some minutes of your time, my lady.”
She looked around but there was no one nearby, “Lord Baelish, this is hardly appropriate.”
He grabbed one of her hands and it took everything in her not to recoil, “Certainly you must know how much I admire you, Sansa.”
She managed to extract her hand from his hold and tried to think of the best way to word her response, “I am sorry if I made you believe I feel anything other than respect for you my Lord, but your affections are not returned,” she stood straighter, her eyes hardening, “and you forget yourself Lord Baelish, since we are not so intimate you may refer to myself by my Christian name!”
His eyes had darkened and his enamored façade dropped, “Is this your final response, my lady?”
Lord Loras had seen them and he was approaching them. Sansa felt the relief washing all over her.
“Yes, my Lord.”
She started walking towards Loras when Lord Baelish took a hold of her arm. It was not a forceful grasp like Joffrey’s had been but enough to make her pause and whisper, “You will be mine, Sansa.”
He left abruptly but she stood rooted to the spot she was in. Loras asked her if she was unharmed and she nodded, but she knew Lord Baelish wasn’t making an empty threat. She would need to get married and it would need to be soon.
The next season began with a promising start. She met Lord Harrold Hardyng, heir of Count Hardyng of the Vale and nephew of Lady Anya Waynwood, who was giving him patronage. He was tall and blonde as Joffrey was, but she liked his sandy hair and blue eyes better than Joffrey’s lighter hair and green eyes. Lord Harrold was also wittier and more well read than the Baratheon heir and Sansa decided his character suited hers more than Lord Joffrey’s ever did.
She was more careful to accept his courting, however, and avoided giving the impression she was seriously considering Lord Harrold. Her instincts had been right.
They’d been having dinner at the Stark house with Lord Harrold and Lady Anya. Sansa had decided to accept the Lord’s courting and would tell him so after dinner when there was a knock at the door. They heard Cassel, the family butler, arguing with someone and minutes later a distressed, but very pretty and visibly pregnant woman burst into the dining room.
“I apologize, my Lord,” said Cassel, as he tried to remove the woman, “Please, Miss, you cannot barge in–”
“Harry! What is this!”
All eyes turned to Lord Harrold, who seemed to have lost his capabilities of breathing. “Miss Saffron. I didn’t know you were in London.”
“Lord Harrold, do you know this woman?” asked Sansa.
“I’d dare say he knows me very well, m’lady,” replied the woman as she caressed her belly, but there was no anger directed at Sansa.
Sansa looked back and forth between Lord Harrold and Miss Saffron but the rest of the eyes were focused on Lord Harrold, between murderous rage from her father and brother, indignation from her mother and sister and embarrassment from Lady Waynwood.
“My lady,” pleaded Lord Harrold.
Sansa couldn’t stand it anymore. “Please excuse me,” she said as she stood up, “I’m not feeling quite well.” That wasn’t a lie. She felt lightheaded as she walked and before she knew it, she had fainted and Robb barely had time to catch her.
She later found that Lord Harrold had returned to the Vale with Lady Anya. She did not care to know what he and Miss Saffron did afterwards.
Since she hadn't accepted an official courting from Lord Harrold the whole thing could be dismissed as simply an embarrassing incident, but the gossip still found a way to mention how poor Lady Sansa seemed to be terribly unlucky when attracting suitors.
Lord Baelish made his way to her at Almack’s some days later, expressing how sorry he was about this unpleasantness, but he did not look regretful one bit.
“But of course, my lady, Lord Harrold’s proclivities are well known in the Vale. It’s even rumoured he already sired another bastard child,” he whispered to her, as if he was letting her in on a big secret. This finally caught her attention.
“Did you know about this, my lord?” She tried to remain calm, but she felt furious inside.
“I’m very sorry to admit I didn’t find the extent of it until it was too late,” he did his best to look contrite, “but it’s hardly an appropriate conversation to have with a lady.”
So Baelish had known and hadn’t cared to spare her from the humiliation. She wondered if he would’ve ever told her but she knew he wouldn’t have.
She decided she hated him then and there.
“My affections for you have not changed, my lady. You may be free from this circus if you simply accept my proposal.”
“And my sentiments have not changed either, Lord Baelish. Good night.”
She ran before he could get another word out. She was loath to admit it, but the encounter she’d had with him the previous year had left her rattled. She pretended to be indifferent to him now, not letting anything she did open to misconstruction, but she felt nervous anytime he was near and she wondered if he’d do anything himself to make good on his promise and make it impossible for her to refuse him.
Thankfully, none of her close acquaintances were fond of Lord Baelish and she felt secure whenever she spent time with them, but she was aware that only a husband would grant her the protection she needed.
The Tyrells and Lord Renly had decided to spend some days in their house in the Reach and extended an invitation to Sansa to help distract her from Harrold’s indiscretions and Lord Baelish’s accosting.
She suspected they had an ulterior motive since they’d spent a lot of time talking about their older brother, Lord Willas, Viscount Gardener, and her instincts were proven correct once she arrived at Highgarden. Lord Willas was a charming man and she could see herself falling in love with him but he had also guessed his siblings’ matchmaking intentions and told her in truth he had no desire to be a burden to a young woman such as her with his crippled leg. Her heart softened at his admission and extended her friendship to him. Perhaps their lonely souls would find some comfort in it.
The next season began with some changes.
They were joined by their cousin Jon, who had been away because of the war and had barely survived an attack by his own regiment, who had betrayed him for his punishment of the rape and murder of a group of civilians in a village in France.
Robb, on the other hand, had caused a minor scandal of his own by marrying the daughter of a Baronet in the Riverlands, as he visited their grandfather. He had laid with the young lady and married her to avoid her being disgraced. She had not become pregnant after all but luckily the young couple had fallen for each other and started their married life happily.
Still, scandals didn’t care about love, and Sansa was more aware than ever that she needed to find a husband of her own.
She entered Lady Stokeworth’s ball with Robb, Jeyne and Jon. Arya had dodged her introduction to society again arguing that while Sansa remained unmarried she needn’t take any attention from their mother, which only made Lady Catelyn fuss even more about Sansa’s suitors and how she ought to accept one of the young men wishing to court her. As if I weren’t painfully aware of this, mama.
She wore a white and satin dress with a layer of embossed gauze that fell below her bustline. The thin fabric was decorated with embroidered flower details at the bottom that matched with the peach color of her bust and sleeves, which were also decorated with more lace finishings.
She spotted Margaery, Renly and Loras and quickly made her way to them. Robb and Jon had been fuzzing over her more than usual and she needed a breather.
“Margaery, how happy I am to see you!” she said as she kissed her friend’s cheek.
“Sansa,” she returned her greeting and took a hold of her hands, “I must tell you, Lord Baelish is already here.”
“Oh! Has he seen me yet?” she replied as she ducked her head and tried to be less notable.
“I don’t think so, I saw him speaking with His Grace, Duke of Stormlands. Which brings me to my next point, Lord Joffrey is here as well,” Sansa groaned and made a pitiful sound, “but I saw him with his grandfather the Duke of Lannisport and he did not seem happy.”
Sansa knew it was only a matter of time until Joffrey found her and made one of his awful remarks but she hoped she was spared if she remained in company. It was then she noticed Loras far in the crowd and when she turned, she realized the man next to her wasn’t his friend but a man she didn’t know.
She gasped when she noticed how close they were and felt herself blushing as he smirked at her.
Renly seemed amused by this and decided it was time to make the introductions, “Lady Sansa, may I introduce Captain Theon Greyjoy. Lord Loras and I made his acquaintance on the continent some years ago and he has deemed us worthy to step down from his vessel. Captain, this is Lady Sansa Stark, eldest daughter of the Earl of Wintertown.”
“My lady,” he said as he bowed his head.
“Captain Greyjoy, I apologize for my previous outburst.”
“Pay no mind, Lady Sansa. You believed you were in the confidence of friends, I must be the one to apologize.”
“It’s alright, Captain.” She gave him a shy smile and there was a glint in his eye as he smirked at her again that made her pulse rush. How odd .
She missed the silent exchange between Margaery and Renly and when she looked back at the pair there was a stern look in both of their faces.
“Greyjoy,” Renly said, “Lady Sansa is a respectable woman and a dear friend. Don’t get any ideas.”
“And she’s looking for a husband, not a lover,” Margaery continued and Sansa knew she was fully blushing now, “Sansa, Captain Greyjoy is a delightful acquaintance but he’s an unrepented rake.”
She didn’t know what to say and she took a peek towards Captain Greyjoy who seemed genuinely stunned by their friends’ ambush and she had to stifle a giggle.
“Is this amusing to you, Lady Sansa?” he asked with no bite.
“A little,” she couldn’t contain her giggles now. What would prompt Margaery and Renly to say such things!
“You must know, I would not disrespect a lady such as yourself.”
“We’re serious.” Margaery said.
“So am I. You may trust me in the presence of Lady Sansa.”
She’d been so amused by the conversation that she almost missed the way Renly’s face dropped.
“Lady Sansa,” she heard the unmistakable voice of Lord Baelish and rolled her eyes before turning around.
“Lord Baelish. How do you do?”
“Very well, my lady. I come to ask for the honor of your first dance.”
She looked him straight in the eye and suddenly got an idea, “I’m so sorry my Lord, but Captain Greyjoy has already asked for my first set and I accepted.”
Baelish took notice of the unfamiliar man in the group who had perked up at hearing his name and was curious to know why the sweet lady he’d just met seemingly despised the man in front of him. Theon would try to ask her later.
Baelish looked like he’d just swallowed a lemon and simply replied, “Very well, my lady. I shall find you later,” and left.
Sansa faced back her group and noticed they were all looking at her, “Captain Greyjoy—“
“Lady Sansa. May I have the honor of your first set?”
Margaery snorted in a very unladylike way, but Sansa paid no attention, “Yes, you may.”
“What an interesting turn of events, don’t you think dear husband?” whispered Margaery out of earshot.
“Indeed,” replied Renly conspiratorially.
Theon was introduced to Robb, Jeyne and Jon before their dance and the group was able to enjoy some champagne before the first dance began. Sansa had missed the opportunity to ask Margaery if the Captain was an accomplished dancer but her fears were quelled as they began their first country dance.
“How do you find London, Captain Greyjoy?” she asked to break the ice as they waited for their turn down the line.
“I find the city suits me, my lady. However, I will confess it feels odd to not be at sea after so long.”
“I can only imagine. The closest I’ve been to the sea has been during a visit to the Stormlands,” she took a look at him and decided to ask the question in the back of her mind, “Please take no offense to my next question, Captain, but you seem quite young to be well, a Captain.”
“It’s no offense. I’m from the Iron Islands, my lady, I’ve spent more time on ships than I’ve known my homeland. I began my career when I was ten and I’m now eight and twenty. I captured two French vessels during the war and my Captain deemed me good enough to step up to the position.”
“I’m quite impressed, Captan Greyjoy!” Her admiration was sincere and she smiled at the man as they began the steps of the dance.
“May I ask, my lady, do you make it a habit to converse during dances?”
She did the required steps with one of the other couples of their group and looked at Captain Greyjoy as they paired up again, “Yes. I find it quite dull to remain silent during dances. Don’t you agree, Captain?”
He laughed a little and she thought he had a melodious laugh, “You are correct, my lady. I find that often the most pleasant dance partners are the ones who try to get to know their partner.”
They performed the steps again and once she returned to her partner she continued her interrogation.
“Is it true what Margaery and Renly mentioned? About you being a rake?”
Theon wasn’t expecting that question at all, but he was amused all the same, “Would this offend you, my lady?
She took some seconds to ponder her response but replied, “I’m not sure.”
He smiled at her, “I guess you could say I fit the description, Lady Sansa.”
There was a small frown on her forehead now and she seemed to be thinking over some things, so he didn’t interrupt her as he executed the figure of the dance with the other partner of the group.
Her eyes seemed determined once he paired up with her again and he was momentarily taken aback by her beauty. He’d found her unbearably beautiful when Margaery and Renly had introduced them, and if he was being honest with himself, he would’ve tried to get her into bed if she had been a mere acquaintance and not an esteemed friend of his friends. Her eyes were such a clear shade of blue that reminded him of the skies of a calm sea day that all he could do was stare at her.
“I appreciate your honesty, Captain Greyjoy.” she finally said, breaking him out of his daze, “I think that is an important element of friendship, so I thank you for not being deceitful.”
“Are we to be friends, my lady?”
“Only if you wish so. I do not like to impose myself on others.” Oh how he wished she imposed herself on him, but this was neither the time or place.
“May I confess, I don’t have too many female friends, my lady. I don’t really believe friendship between men and women is possible.” he replied, in the spirit of sincerity.
Her face dropped, “Oh but what a dreadful perspective! I must disagree with you, Captain.”
They reached the top of the line and with all eyes on them they began the steps to complete the progression down the line. Her elegant movements complimented his fluid ones and they attracted a lot of attention, seeing how the two of them executed the steps to perfection.
Theon couldn’t resist whispering as they got close in one of the steps, “Did I hear a challenge in your voice, my lady?”
She looked at him with a playful glint and smirked at him. Oh he quite liked that look on her.
“It is, Captain. Will you rise to the occasion?”
They reached the end of the line once more and as they heard the final notes of the dance and bowed to each other, he boldly grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it as he said, “As my lady demands.”
Her eyes darkened for a second as she looked at him but the spell was broken as Lord Oberyn walked over to them and asked “His favorite dance partner” for the next set.
The demure mask was back in place as she accepted and they got in position for the next dance of their set.
During this dance he learned that she was one and twenty and this was her third season in London. She talked of her siblings and parents and what it was like growing up in the North. She also confessed why she was so wary of Lord Baelish and he felt his anger rise as he looked around and spotted the man glaring at them. Thankfully Lady Sansa didn’t notice him and enjoyed the rest of their dance without having to worry about him and he felt a deep satisfaction when she gave him a big, bright smile after they were done and didn’t spare a look for Lord Baelish.
The next dance was a quadrille, which he danced with Lady Nymeria Sand as her father danced with Lady Sansa and the group was completed by Sansa’s cousin Jon (who looked quite uncomfortable) who danced with Lady Wynafryd Manderly and Margaery and Renly.
He felt a pang of jealousy when Lord Dickon Tarly asked for her next dance and had the good fortune to be seated next to her during dinner. She seemed engaged in the conversation she was having with the man but every so often she caught his eye and he couldn’t do anything but smirk at her, which only made her cheeks blush prettily.
After dinner she was occupied by conversation with more of her friends, the Mormonts, he seemed to recall Margaery mentioning and what seemed like a very amusing conversation with Lady Myranda Royce and Lady Myrcella Baratheon that had Sansa gasping in shock several times. He’d only made her acquaintance that evening so asking for another set would’ve been unseemly but was able to join her towards the end of the evening for a boulanger with her friends.
He really wished he hadn’t promised not to seduce Lady Sansa.
Sansa woke up the next day in high spirits. The evening had been a success in her eyes and she hoped this was a good omen for the rest of the season. She walked down towards the drawing room to check the flower arrangements she normally received after a ball. Waymar usually sent her pink roses and Brynden was partial to carnations. Baelish always sent red roses and she resented that they were now forever associated with him. This morning she saw the usual arrangements but there were two surprises. One was a pretty bouquet of white lilies from Dickon and the other one, a combination of moss roses, violets and white jasmines. She smiled when she saw the note, which simply said “ I welcome your challenge, my lady. TG ”
She smiled to herself and pocketed the note. Jeyne was waiting by the door, as she usually did, waiting for instructions about the flowers and she told her, “Jeyne, send these ones to my room, please.” The other girl looked at her with surprise since this was out of the norm for Sansa, so she simply avoided her eyes and unsuccessfully tried to hide the small smile on her face.
She had breakfast with her family and talked about the ball, grateful that neither Robb nor Jon mentioned anything about Theon and she didn’t have to answer any questions for now. Since she had avoided Baelish for most of the evening she knew it was very likely he’d make her a call that day, so she had planned to be out paying calls herself and Cassell wouldn’t be lying when he said she was not at home. She donned one of her day gowns, a comfortable muslin dress with white and light blue stripes and a blue bonnet and made her way out.
Her first visit was to Lady Arianne. The older woman was considered quite scandalous by her insistence of remaining unmarried and publicly taking lovers, but she’d become a fierce ally to Sansa after the incident with Joffrey and Cersei and Sansa had often wondered if perhaps she might follow in her footsteps if she didn’t find a suitable husband. Mama would need all the smelling salts from Essos.
Lady Arianne rang for tea and the two of them engaged in the usual polite conversation before the topic she was really curious about came up.
“So tell me, Lady Sansa, how did you make the acquaintance of Captain Greyjoy?”
Sansa wasn’t expecting that question and couldn’t really hide her surprise, “Oh. I was only introduced yesterday. Lord Renly and Lord Loras met him on the continent some years ago, apparently. He was a pleasant conversationalist and quite a good dancer, I’d say.”
“You know of his reputation, Lady Sansa?”
She blushed as she remembered her friends’ words, “Yes, Lady Margaery described him as a…” she looked at Lady Arianne who seemed very interested in her response, “a rake.”
Arianne nodded and took a sip of her tea, “His reputation precedes him. He’s quite a skilled lover, or so they say.”
Sansa didn’t know if the other woman was trying to shock her into revealing anything so she simply asked, “Have you…?”
Arianne laughed, “No. Or at least not yet.”
Sansa didn’t know what else to say and tried to steer the conversation to other topics. She asked if she had had word of Lord Gerold Dayne, who was still in the continent and if she’d be hosting her annual masquerade later in the season.
Her visit to Lady Myranda was also marked by salacious questions about Captain Greyjoy and for a change, Lady Wynafryd asked if she knew whether or not Theon was courting anyone.
She was pretty tired by the time she arrived at Margaery’s for her last call. Their visits often went past the expected time, so they tended to visit each other at the end of the morning. She was directed towards the drawing room by the butler and was greeted by the presence of the man she’d been talking about all morning.
“Captain Greyjoy!” he stood up, “How delightful to see you again.”
“Lady Sansa,” he said as he kissed the back of her hand, “I’m very pleased to see you as well.”
Sansa greeted her friend with a kiss on the cheek and she rang for tea and lemon cakes for her guest while walking out of the room for a moment to discuss the dinner menu with her cook. The butler walked in a few minutes later with the refreshments and Theon fixed her a cup of tea.
“I must thank you for the flowers, they were quite beautiful.”
“Oh? I’m- I’m glad my lady. I’ve never actually gone and sent anyone flowers, so I wasn’t sure what to send.”
“I loved them. Did you pick them yourself?” He nodded and Sansa’s heart roared at his attentiveness, “I tend to receive flowers, but they’re usually just the florist’s pick. Thank you for the lovely gift, Captain.”
Her eyes had softened as she spoke, perfectly conveying her sincerity and gratitude. There was something about them that made him feel completely exposed like a green boy and he wasn’t sure what to make of that feeling.
“I’m happy you liked them, my lady,” it was all he trusted himself to say.
She remembered the cup of tea in front of her and took some sips and grabbed one of the lemon cakes, the delight written all over her face. She took a bite and the sound she made was sure to make him go mad. How could he forget those ungodly noises and the pleasure on her face? Was he supposed to experience every emotion on Earth every time he interacted with Sansa Stark?
She finished her lemon cake, oblivious to the state of the man next to her. Theon saw her lick the little pieces of crumbs from her rosy lips and then she took her dainty fingers inside her mouth and licked them as well.
The reverie broke as she spoke again and asked him if he was not going to eat one but he told her he didn’t have a sweet tooth. It was the truth, but those cakes would be labeled as sinful from now on.
“That’s a shame, they’re my favorites!” She drank the rest of her tea and her face lit up as she remembered a lost thought, “You know, I had several inquiries about you, Captain Greyjoy.”
“Really? About what?”
“Oh, just asking me how I had made your acquaintance and such. There were some curious mamas wondering if I knew you were looking for a bride, so don’t be surprised if they pay you a call later this week, Captain.” She purposely didn’t mention Arianne and Myranda discussing the possibility of bedding him.
Theon laughed, “Please call me Theon, my lady. Did you not tell them I was a rake?”
She lifted an eyebrow, “They might think they can change your ways, Theon.”
He leaned in and replied, “Maybe the right person can.”
She didn’t get a chance to reply because Margaery returned to the room ready to talk about the birthday dinner they were hosting for her grandmama, Dowager Countess Olenna Tyrell in some weeks and told Sansa the Countess had expressed her wish to see her while she visited Kings’ Landing. Lord Willas would be in attendance as well. Apparently Margaery and Lady Olenna hadn’t given up on their scheme to set her up with the Tyrell heir and all Sansa could do was smile and accept the invitation.
The next few days went by in a blur. She had dinner with the Martells and her uncle Edmure, who had recently become betrothed to a lovely lady, daughter of Lord Frey called Roslin. She went to the theater with the Mormont sisters and spotted Captain Greyjoy on a date with a pretty brunette and she smirked at him once he noticed her. Her second visit to the theater with her family was ruined thanks to a run-in with Lord Baelish. Thankfully the entire group was present and she didn’t have to face him alone. She had expected his call the next day and knew that declining him again would only make him corner her the next time she saw him so she accepted his visit but made sure that Jeyne and Miss Mordane were present, and Cassel stood outside the door.
The Starks usually visited Vauxhall Gardens on Fridays with the whole family and since her mother had been more lax this season about not taking Miss Mordane as chaperone everywhere, she didn’t stay home as she wanted that day. She loved the gardens and their romantic atmosphere but she felt painfully single whenever she visited them now. She was never adventurous whenever Joffrey was courting her and she’d had her defenses up with Harry, which in hindsight had been the best decision because he probably wouldn’t have cared if she had been ruined. Who knows if he would’ve taken responsibility!
Yet, she always enjoyed seeing the light displays and different entertainments at the gardens, so she tried not to bring down the mood of the group. Rickon was making things difficult, however. They’d seen the hot air balloons already and were waiting for the fireworks and the cascade displays, but those would start later in the evening and her younger brother kept complaining about things not starting yet. They’d just had supper when she suddenly heard her name being called.
“Lady Sansa.” Oh she was so relieved to see Theon!
She turned around and smiled brightly, “Captain Greyjoy! How do you do?”
“Very well, my lady. Although I came here with my sister and it seems I’ve lost her.” His face looked more amused than worried so she didn’t suggest a search party or anything of the sort. And perhaps the lady got lost on purpose .
Robb walked up to where they were standing and greeted Theon and proceeded to make the introductions to the rest of their family. They chatted for a bit before Rickon got antsy again.
“Sansa! When is the cascade show starting?”
“I’ve told you, Rickon, it always starts at 10. You were the one who said you were a big boy and you wouldn’t have a problem waiting.”
Theon chuckled a bit and she gave him an annoyed look, but he took this opportunity to rescue her.
“Lord Stark, would you mind if I take Lady Sansa for a stroll while we wait for the cascade show to begin?”
Sansa knew they’d finished supper around 8:30 and it should be close to 9 now, which would give her a whole hour to take a break.
Lord Stark looked at Sansa and asked, “Would you like this, sweetling?”
She nodded and interlaced her arm with Theon’s. Lady Stark simply said, “Be prudent.”
Theon guided her to one of the roads and she noticed they were walking towards the Chinese Pavilion. She realized she was quite thirsty and was about to mention it when Theon asked her, “Do you want anything to drink, Lady Sansa?”
“Yes, some lemonade would be nice. And you can call me Sansa.”
He returned quickly with a glass of lemonade for her and a mug of beer for him. He grinned as he handed her the glass and she couldn’t help but grin back. They searched for a bench to sit as they sipped their drinks.
“Do you come to the gardens often, Theon?”
“It’s not really my scene. It’s too crowded, too many people might see me.”
“Are you hiding from someone, Captain?” she asked in a teasing tone, but curious if the man was in real trouble.
He blushed. Blushed! And thought about what to say, but simply settled on “Some angry husbands, my lady.”
Sansa gasped, half scandalized and half amused by his wry response.
“Did I offend you?”
He hadn’t really, so she told him that, and made sure to not look away, “No, it’s just that… well I’ve never been friends with a rake, so I don’t really know what to expect.”
He laughed loudly at her response, attracting a couple of looks their way. She didn’t laugh, but grinned at him, which only made him laugh again. He stood up and offered her his hand, which she took gladly, and smiled at him once she was standing.
They walked in comfortable silence, pausing to listen to the orchestra and appreciate the glass lanterns. Sansa looked particularly lovely under the lights and Theon had to admit to himself he was nurturing a bit of a crush towards her. He’d found her striking in her ball gown, but he thought most ladies look pretty at balls when they’re dressed their best. The simple muslin dress she wore when she visited Margaery had made her beauty stand out even more because there was nothing enhancing it, it was all her. Now as he saw her smile in delight he could understand why poets and artists dedicated themselves to their muses.
He felt dumbstruck for the first time in his life.
They had set up a row of games near the grove. There was dart throwing, a game with a wooden ball and some circles on a wall and another with some bottles and some wooden rings. He was about to walk past them when suddenly he heard Sansa yelling, “Oh my God! Are those kittens?”
“Yes, milady.”
There was more squealing from Sansa trying to peer at the sleeping cats. She asked the man what they were doing there and he replied that they were there to be given away as prices, which only caused Sansa to cry in anguish.
Before he knew it he was asking, “How much to play?”
“One shilling, sir.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Theon!”
“Yes, you should do that, Mister Theon.” replied the other man with amusement but Sansa didn’t put up too much of a fight.
He handed the coin to the man and he was given five wooden rings. The game was simple enough, he had five chances to toss the rings and land them on the bottles, three out of five times. He landed the first two with ease but missed the next two. Sansa was next to him clapping when he got one in and looked adorably nervous when it was time for the last one. He wished he could kiss the tip of her nose and make her stop biting her plump lip. Or bite it himself.
He tossed the last ring and saw the blasted thing bouncing then landing on the bottle behind it, accompanied by Sansa’s hopping and clapping next to him.
“Let’s see,” said the man as he turned around and looked at the kittens, “a lady for a lady,” and handed Sansa a pudgy white kitten with some specks of grey, still half asleep.
“Runt of the litter, but she’s the best behaved of her siblings.”
She was too busy cooing at the cat and talking to her like she would a baby, while petting her head and tummy. Theon was sure he looked absolutely besotted and was grateful neither his sister nor his crew were there to see him like this. However, he looked at the clerk and he was looking at him with amusement and a knowing grin. He nodded once to Theon, as if to say, You’re welcome , and he was sure his glare was pretty ineffective.
Sansa finally looked up and had the biggest smile on her face while telling him to look at the kitten in her hands, all while the clerk kept trying to contain his giggles.
“Any names for the kitten, my lady?”
“I think Lady suits her just fine, don’t you think?”
“Very well. Please hand her over for a minute, milady.”
She gave him the kitten and was returned some minutes later in a small wicker basket. Sansa made another high pitched sound and looked at the man, “Thank you, mister…?”
“You may call me Bronn, milady.”
She smiled at him sweetly and said, “Thank you Mister Bronn.” She directed the smile at Theon after that and threaded her arm with his, basically skipping away as they started making their way to the cascade. Sansa thought that if Theon were courting her she would be absolutely swooning and wondered what else he would do if he was trying to win her hand. It was obvious he was a sweet and considerate man and hoped he didn’t choose to stay as a bachelor forever because he could make someone very happy.
Lady Catelyn was the first one to spot them after they returned. She looked at the basket with confusion and Sansa couldn’t stop herself from screaming “Theon got me a kitten!” That got Arya, Bran and Rickon’s attention and Sansa pulled the little cat out and handed Theon the basket as she showed her around.
Theon stood there awkwardly. He’d never met any of his conquests’ parents since none of his preferred activities were appropriate and he wasn’t sure what to do since he wasn’t courting Sansa. Lady Stark shot him some glares, almost as if she knew the lustful thoughts he’d had about her daughter but Lord Eddard looked less mistrustful and started asking Theon some questions about his career in the navy and seemed genuinely impressed by his accomplishments. Robb joined them a few minutes later and he fell into a comfortable conversation with the two men.
The Starks left shortly after that and not before Sansa gifted him another one of his blinding smiles. He told himself it was probably just an infatuation, since sweet ladies such as her would never give him the time of day and once her fascination with him dropped he’d go back to normal. Maybe a visit to Ros is what I need.
Ros was one of many lady friends he kept in town but one he returned to mostly for the camaraderie they’d built over time. She was an actress who had a number of patrons who helped maintain her lifestyle. He was not one of them but a mere occasional lover but tonight he was not even that since the first thing on his mind when he saw her was, wrong shade of red . Still, her acting group was a jolly crowd and he drank himself away to not go into bed thinking of Sansa Stark.
They met at Almack’s some days later. Theon arrived well into the evening and he found Sansa dancing with Lord Baelish. She spotted him and there was a moment of connection between them despite the distance. He saw relief on her face and cursed himself for not being able to rescue her earlier. He quickly made his way over to the refreshments area and got one lemonade for her for the moment she finished her dance. She found him quickly and he was able to admire her look for the evening. It was a celestial blue frock, ornamented at the bottom with a deep border of lace and embroidered with satin. The short sleeves and the top of the dress were trimmed with the same lace as the bottom and she had her hair up in a grecian style, with flowers to finish off the look. If he could he would commission a portrait of her looking like this.
“Why were you dancing with Lord Baelish?”
“He cornered me as soon as I arrived. If I refused him I would’ve had to spend the rest of the evening sitting.” She didn’t sound angry at him but frustrated with the situation. She sipped her lemonade in silence and he let her calm down. “I’m dancing with Lord Quentyn next, but I saved you the next dance?” she asked shily and he wished he could cradle her face and pepper it with kisses.
He winked at her and enjoyed seeing her blush, “As my lady demands.”
The next dance began shortly after that and he made his way over to where Robb, Jeyne and Jon were standing. Sansa’s cousin didn’t seem to like him and he was always scowling when he was with Sansa but he’d found it easy to befriend Robb Stark.
Theon had to stop himself from grinning too hard when it was time to dance with Sansa and they announced it was a waltz.
Sansa tended to avoid waltzing since, despite all her flirting, it made her unbelievably shy to be so close to a man whilst dancing, but she felt comfortable with Theon and she knew he wouldn’t step on her toes. They got into position with her left hand interlacing with his behind her back and their right hands joined at the front. He was so close she almost missed the starting beat. They did the short march and then the pirouette that had her facing Theon with their hands joined up high and their other hands at each other’s waists.
She knew her feet were moving because she was twirling around the room, Theon’s eyes never leaving her. She remembered the advice she’d read a while ago that told young ladies to keep her partner at arm’s length, look at her feet and around her and not give undivided smiles to whoever she was dancing with, but she was doing the opposite of all those. She was so close to him she could almost feel her bosom pressing to his chest, she didn’t know if it was her getting closer or his hand on her waist pressing her close to him. She could not look away from his eyes, tonight more intense than ever and whenever he spinned her around she couldn’t stop the smile blossoming on her face.
For a split second she caught him staring at her lips. Did he want to kiss her? That brought her back to reality. She gave a shaky breath and forced herself to break eye contact with him. She saw a couple of people around her already gossiping but she looked at Theon again and the noise around her simply disappeared.
They finished their dance and quickly disentangled herself from Theon, her heart was racing. She was sure she had spotted Lord Stannis Baratheon and his daughter and she soon found the tall man, his wife and their shy, awkward daughter standing to one side and made her way over to them.
“Lord Stannis, it is good to see you. You as well, Lady Selise.” The man grunted a simple Lady Sansa and didn’t say anything else. Anyone else would be put off by his curt behavior but she was eternally grateful for what he had done for her over at Storm’s End, so she didn’t let her smile falter and greeted the young girl, “Lady Shireen! I didn’t know you had made your debut, what a pleasant surprise it is to encounter you here.”
She hoped that Lady Shireen could see she was being sincere. She remembered from the time Joffrey was courting her, that he didn’t really interact with his younger cousin and she had found the girl smart and polite. Later, she would realize it was probably Lord Stannis purposely keeping her away from Joffrey’s cruelty and silently commended the man for looking out for his daughter. Lady Shireen was born with a rather large birthmark that covered part of her face and she’d mentioned to Sansa once how she dreaded her debut and having to deal with the ton. Some years later, and here she was, standing to one side at Almack’s with no one but her parents.
At least she wasn’t denied a voucher, that would’ve been a social disaster for her , she thought and immediately chastised herself for being cruel. It is true though .
“Lady Sansa, I’m very happy to see you as well,” she replied in a low tone, almost as if she was avoiding being seen but her eyes suddenly lit up when she continued, “You danced so beautifully just now! I think all eyes were on you and that gentleman. Is he courting you?”
Sansa knew that Lady Shireen wasn’t asking her that with the malice someone else in the ton would, but she still felt like she had been splashed with a bucket of cold water. She tried to school her expression but she knew controlling her reddening cheeks was impossible. Oh God, is this what people are thinking of me and Theon? Surely not! Lady Shireen must simply be a romantic.
She gave the little laugh she had perfected over the years that was both shy but dismissive, “No, Captain Greyjoy and I are merely friends.” What does Lord Stannis think of me? First rescuing me from Joffrey in a secluded library and now watching me dance so intimately with a man who is not even courting me. She didn’t dare look at the man and his wife but continued smiling at Lady Shireen who looked disappointed and embarrassed for asking the question in the first place.
Lady Shireen tried to shake the awkwardness and carried on with the conversation, “Is Lady Arya here?”
Sansa was grateful for the change of topic, “No. My sister has successfully avoided polite society once more.”
That got a laugh out of the other girl, but she replied in a lower voice, “I almost envy her.”
She dared to look in Lord Stannis’ direction and she saw a scowl forming in the man’s face.
“Well, now that I know you’re in London I will insist that you pay me a call one of these days and perhaps we can go to Vauxhall together or take a ride. My friends have a younger sister, Lady Lyanna Mormont, who also debuted this season and I believe she’s your age. I will introduce you.” Sansa said animatedly and she saw the younger girl nodding with a grateful look on her face. She would be Lady Shireen’s ally in this nest of vipers.
Sansa’s interactions with Theon had become recurrent enough that the ton had noticed it. A sweet and courteous lady such as Sansa promenading and dancing while giving bedroom eyes to a rake? Well it was just prime for scandal! Or at least that’s what Lady Cersei is spreading.
Wymar and Brynden had known her long enough that they knew to brush away the gossip that surrounded her, but Dickon worriedly asked her if Theon was seriously courting her. She’d told him no and reassured him by telling her that Theon had made no mention of courting or matrimony and if he wanted to know about his thoughts on the whole matter he should ask him himself. She’d been harsher than intended but she had not accepted his offer to court her and he had no right to comment on her friendships.
Of course, Lord Baelish had also cornered her to express his concerns about the dreadful gossip circulating about her and how she ought to be more wary of her acquaintances, lest she get into a scandal.
“I’m a good judge of character, Lord Baelish, and whom I’m friends with shouldn’t concern you or the ton.”
Thankfully Dickon made up for his previous blunder by giving her an exit from her conversation with Lord Baelish to introduce her to his older brother, Lord Samwell, who had decided to renounce his title and join the clergy. This had made Lord Dickon the heir as his father had preferred all along, and why he felt more confident pursuing Sansa this season.
The gossip had, of course, made its way to the Stark household too, namely her mother. No doubt I have to thank Petyr Baelish for that.
She’d danced with him at every ball they’d attended together and besides their run-in at Vauxhall, he had only taken her out for a promenade at Hyde Park just once, so it’s not like this could be seriously misinterpreted as courting. Right? Theon had asked if she wanted to go on a carriage ride that afternoon and Catelyn took the opportunity to speak to Sansa while she got ready.
She sat in her vanity with Lady on her lap while her mother did her hair. It was a little thing they both still enjoyed so she indulged her mama.
“Are you sure you should be seen with Captain Greyjoy again? You know people say he’s a regular at some brothels, Sansa.”
“I’ve told you mama, he has been nothing but respectful and his private life doesn’t concern me. Besides, his sister Miss Asha, will be accompanying us, it would be impossible to confuse this for anything other than a friendly ride.”
“I just worry about you. You’re so sweet and beautiful I can’t help but fear someone will take advantage of your kindness.” Like Joffrey and Lord Baelish , Sansa thought bitterly. Her mother continued, “I really thought you’d be married by now.”
Sansa took a deep breath, not wanting to get into that conversation right now, so she just said with little enthusiasm, “Maybe being seen with Theon will spur some suitors into making a grand declaration.”
Sansa sounded as certain as Catelyn looked, but she decided not to get into an argument with her daughter right now. She looked at Sansa petting the cat and remembered she had never looked as bright as the night the young man had given it to her and how he looked at her, even if he didn’t realize it. Her daughter was so similar to her father, an expert at ignoring her emotions so she didn’t quite trust her when she said she only thought of Captain Greyjoy as a friend and hoped this didn’t blow up in Sansa’s face.
Cassel announced the arrival of Captain Greyjoy and Miss Asha Greyjoy and the two women went down to the drawing room. The siblings were waiting there and after he greeted the two ladies, Theon introduced his sister to Lady Stark. Sansa had met her some weeks ago during their promenade at Hyde Park and Theon was willing to put up with her teasing that day, if only because she gave them an excuse to ride in his carriage without Miss Mordane.
She wore a white muslin dress with a lace collar and other lace details placed over her skirt, with an emerald green satin spenser, that showed off the collar and a green bonnet with a feather on it. He had not seen her in anything green and thought it was very flattering on her.
It was a lovely May afternoon and the three of them made easy conversation during their ride. Asha had seemingly gotten all the teasing out of her system the day she met Sansa and engaged in carefree conversation with her, who seemingly didn’t mind his sister’s less than refined way of expressing herself.
Of course the day couldn't go out without a hitch.
The carriage had been parked as they decided if they should go for tea and some sandwiches, when Sansa’s sweet voice exclaimed, “Willas!”
A man a couple years older than him with the unmistakable Tyrell look turned to her and he saw how the man’s face softened as he replied, “Darling Sansa.”
His factions were a tad more severe than Loras and Garlan’s and he didn’t have the soft curls that Loras and Margaery had, but despite his crippled leg the man was undoubtedly handsome. Margaery often spoke with affection of her eldest brother and never failed to mention how kind and smart he was, and seeing the two of them now, Theon understood why people thought they would make a good match.
“I didn't know you had arrived already.”
“I got here just last night but grandmother arrives tomorrow morning.”
“Marge only mentioned Lady Olenna’s arrival, but you didn’t say anything about you coming to London early!”
“Knowing my sister, she intended for us to meet by chance, so she’ll be pleased to know her schemes have worked again.”
Sansa laughed softly and it was evident the two of them felt comfortable with each other. She should feel comfortable with her husband, shouldn’t she?
Lord Willas noticed her companions and introduced himself, “Willas Tyrell, at your service.”
“Captain Theon Greyjoy and this is my sister, Miss Asha Greyjoy.”
“Lovely meeting you. My brother speaks highly of you, Captain.” Theon simply gave him a nod at that, not expecting the man to compliment him. “I shall take my leave. I was actually on my way back, before my leg starts bothering me.”
“Oh.” Theon saw as Sansa’s eyes softened and he knew she’d want to offer the man a ride so he made him the offer before Sansa said anything.
Sansa looked at him with gratitude and Willas continued, “Thank you, Captain Greyjoy. Normally I’d walk but I really don’t want to spend this whole trip to London cursing my blasted leg.”
He took the seat next to Theon with Sansa in front of him. He first asked her about how the season was going and asked about her family. She didn’t go into too much detail about her suitors, but the quick mention of Lord Baelish made his eyes harden for a moment. She changed the topic quickly and asked him about his animals back home. She told the group a story about how Willas had taken her hawking when she visited Highgarden and how scared she had been but he replied that she had been a natural and his animals had loved her. He then talked to Theon about his career in the navy and asked Asha about her job as a bookkeeper at a local business. The conversation turned to Sansa again and Willas asked if Margaery had invited her to Lady Olenna’s birthday dinner.
“The Dowager Countess basically demanded my presence, I’ll have you know.”
“Of course she did.” They both laughed, unaware of the two pairs of eyes witnessing the two of them interact, or more like Theon watching the two of them and Asha going between Theon and the engrossed pair.
They finally arrived at the Baratheon’s house and Willas asked when he could pay her a call. They said their goodbyes with Willas kissing both of her hands and declaring that his visit to London was a success since he’d seen her.
She turned back on her seat pretending her cheeks weren’t aflame and simply exclaimed, “I’m so sorry about that, I didn’t mean for Willas to intrude on our ride.”
Asha waved it off, saying they were basically on their way back but Theon was quiet. He’d gotten greedy and realized he didn’t like seeing Sansa smile like that at another man, especially since he’d seen her with her other wannabe suitors and she didn’t act this way with them. He was no spurned lover and didn’t have the right to be jealous.
However, he couldn’t stop himself from saying, “It’s curious that Lord Willas hasn’t courted you. You seem perfectly suited for each other.” He hoped he didn’t sound as bitter as he did but knew he had failed. Asha was staring at him like he had grown another head but he retained his composure.
Sansa was clearly surprised by the comment and she couldn’t hide the flash of hurt from her eyes. She took a breath and straightened her spine and looked him straight in the eye, their previous warmth gone, “Willas hasn’t courted me because he has no desire to marry. We’re simply good friends.” She sounded more vulnerable than he had ever heard her and he realized that she didn’t say she had rejected him. Was she in love with him? Willas Tyrell might be the biggest fool he’d ever met.
Asha tried to cut through the tension and rekindle their easy going conversation to no avail. They arrived at the Stark’s house and Sansa stepped out of the carriage as soon as she could. She would not forget her courtesies, though, “I had a wonderful afternoon. Thank you for the ride Theon; and Asha, please pay me a call one of these days. Goodbye.”
Sansa couldn’t shake away Theon’s comment and his reactions. She could almost think he was jealous of Willas but he had shown no sign of being attracted to her or wishing to court her and she had determined that his gifts were just something he was doing for fun. She thought that with him being a rake and all, he would try to do something if he wanted her, be it attempt to seduce her or steal a kiss, but he’d done no such things so her logical conclusion had been that he simply wasn’t interested in her. Had she been wrong?
If Sansa was being honest with herself, she would’ve given in if Theon wanted to do whatever with her, her virtue be damned. She’d thought he was devilishly handsome the night she met him and there was a pull between the two of them that made her feel they were the only people in a room. She could understand why women let themselves be seduced by him and the things she had heard about him made her infinitely curious about what he could do.
There’d been moments where she thought that surely he… No. No. Thinking that way won’t do me any good.
Willas was another topic altogether.
They’d maintained a regular correspondence ever since they’d met and she’d harbored hope that he would change his mind about matrimony but nothing in his letters indicated that. It was part of the reason why she hadn’t agreed to anything concrete with neither Brynden nor Waymar nor Dickon. She felt wretched about it but Willas had captured her feelings and hopes in a way neither of her potential suitors had (and Theon had ignited something similar in her but she refused to think too much about that)
She finished getting ready for dinner and hoped she’d get some answers in the days Willas spent here. If she didn’t, she’d sit and ponder over her options and hopefully she’d be married before the season ended. This is fair for everyone.
She found herself at Lady Olenna’s birthday dinner some days later. She was directed to the drawing room to wait for the guest of honor and Lady Alerie greeted her warmly. She was happy to learn that Lord Garlan and Lady Leonette would be having their firstborn before the year was done. Willas will have reason to settle now if Garlan has a boy and the Tyrell legacy is secure , she thought, but neither of them were hiding well that they still wished something sprung between her and Willas. She felt oddly exposed.
Lady Olenna appeared some minutes later with her grandchildren and Lord Mace. Leonette had explained that she usually had a serious talk with her kin every birthday to settle any ongoing family affairs. Sansa didn’t know if she was supposed to know that but tried her best to pretend she didn’t know anything. “Your Grace,” she said as she finally greeted Lady Olenna, “You look splendid.”
“Lady Sansa, ever so courteous,” Lady Olenna kissed both of her cheeks and didn’t mince any of her next words, “Tell me girl, have you married yet?”
Everyone in the room looked aghast at Lady Olenna’s bluntness, but she had expected it so she fixed her smile and simply replied, “No, not yet your grace.”
“Hmm,” was the only answer she got before she moved to sit in one of the couches.
Willas moved to where she was standing with an apologetic smile and kissed the back of her hand, “Sansa, as usual, it’s lovely to see you. Besides grandmother, has my family been awful?”
“They’ve been lovely, as they always are,” she meant it, but Willas gave her a look that said I know what they’re like.
“I’d like you to give my apologies to Captain Greyjoy and Miss Asha for interrupting your carriage ride the other day.” Sansa started opening her mouth to reply but Willas continued, “Please, Sansa. You don’t have to spare my feelings, I recognize when I’m not wanted.”
“Willas! You’re completely misunderstanding things, I–” Her reply was interrupted by the butler announcing dinner was served. Willas offered her his arm and guided her to the dining room, and as expected, she was seated next to him. Just what did he mean earlier?
She didn’t have much time to ponder Willas’ words during dinner, since the Tyrells were usually an animated sort and she doubted he would give her any straight answers right then.
She laid in bed later that night with Lady cuddling to her side, her thoughts going over the events of the past few days. At least one of us is sleeping , she thought while looking at the kitten. She’d become a source of comfort lately, and it was inevitably tied to Theon. She thought of the different bouquets of flowers he sent her and his witty words. She thought of his grey and green eyes that followed her during balls, always so intense and passionate and the way they softened whenever he talked to her. She thought of the fleeting touches he got away with, that left goosebumps all over her skin.
She’d done her best to ignore this feeling when Shireen first brought it up but now with Willas… She knew her pulse was rushing and her breath had become more labored and the more she thought about it the more worked up she became.
Renly and Margaery had warned Theon not to seduce her and they had only mentioned he was a rake as a way to dissuade her from thinking of him as a serious prospect. She was sure they thought she wouldn’t be so stupid to actually fall in love with him.
No, it couldn’t be.
Willas being here is what is confusing me.
I need answers from him.
Theon doesn’t feel the same.
Chapter 2
Summary:
Well... I'm back! turns out that when you get a burst of manic inspiration it's better to keep writing rather than telling yourself you'll revisit a document later after you work on something else. You might've noticed that the chapter count went up by one since I thought this chapter had a pretty clear arc and we got a good setup for the final act of the story. For now I have some good numbers for the next chapter and I hope it doesn't take me 4 months to write it, but I'm giving this my undivided attention...
I've made an alt on twitter to shitpost random ASOIAF stuff here (I live in that swamp unfortunately) and my tumblr in case anyone wants to reach out (that might be on the slower side since I remember I still have that account every 4 months)
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Text
Sansa had a dreadful night. She lay for hours, overthinking things, and barely slept at all, but she had decided that all the thinking she did was pointless. She wasn’t in love with Theon and he certainly didn't have feelings for her. She was just confused because of what people had been saying about them and the stress was finally getting to her.
She spent a lot of time with the Tyrells those following weeks.
Margaery and Olenna paid her calls at her house and she went out to the theater and Vauxhall with them. They attended Daenerys Targaryen and Miranda Royce’s balls and she danced with Loras and Garlan and sat to the side with Willas, quietly chatting about everything and nothing. She knew the ton was already speculating about a betrothal between her and Willas and she wished she had an ounce of their certainty.
She barely saw Theon those weeks but she still saved him a dance, be it at Almack’s or any other private balls they attended. She felt tense around him now, the ease between them gone and she wished she could cage back her treacherous thoughts about Theon. If he noticed she was acting odd he didn’t mention anything.
She’d been informed of the departure date of the Tyrells. Lady Olenna did not like the city but Garlan and Leonette would remain in town for the rest of her pregnancy. Sansa knew this also meant that Willas would be leaving soon and she was still as unclear as she’d been before they arrived.
Willas had asked her to go on one last carriage ride before he left and Sansa was aware this would be her last chance to talk to him. She’d been avoiding the topic and wanted to remain calm for this conversation but couldn’t keep away the tremble in her voice.
“Willas, may I ask you something?”
“Anything you need, Sansa.”
“Have you– have you changed your mind?” she kept her eyes on her gloved hands as she asked, but forced herself to look up and see into his eyes when he replied. She hadn’t known Willas for a long time but she’d learned to read into his eyes, a quality she’d thought would be useful if they were to be married and–
“No. I will not lie to you, Sansa. I’ve spent countless hours rethinking my chosen path, wondering if I’m making the biggest mistake of my life by letting you go,” Sansa’s breath hitched, “but this visit has only made me certain this is the correct option.”
“Oh.” She felt the tears start gathering in her vision and looked away, doing her best to stop them.
Willas leaned in and grabbed her hands, “Sansa. I truly believe I’d be the happiest man on Earth with you by my side but I can’t be so selfish to keep you, even when I desperately want to. Not when you can be truly loved.”
She laughed humorlessly but didn't let go of Willas’ hands, “What does that even mean?”
Willas looked at her and despite her pout and glassy eyes, she looked genuinely confused. He didn’t know how to react, “Sansa, surely you must be aware–”
“What!” she replied in the same exasperated tone she used with her siblings sometimes.
It was his turn to be confused now, “Captain Greyjoy?”
“Oh, that again!” this time she snatched her hands back and reclined on the seat inelegantly. “Did you know this is the second time I’ve been on a carriage ride with a man talking to me about another man’s feelings?”
Willas had the courtesy to genuinely look taken aback but he let her continue.
“Theon! That day we ran into you, he asked me why weren’t you courting me and I informed him you had no interest in marriage,” he flinched but she didn’t care, “and now you! I will tell you the same thing I told Theon, he doesn’t want to marry. Not to me, not to anyone.”
“Has he told you that?”
“He’s a rake, obviously he doesn’t want to marry.”
“You don’t see what we see, Sansa.”
“I don’t think he does either,” she replied dejectedly. She was not in love with Theon, but she still didn’t want to deal with his rejection.
“You two need to talk to each other.”
She crossed her arms and she knew she was pouting in the bratty way that always annoyed Arya, but all Willas did was look at her with a fond look on his face.
“Fine, I will talk to Theon. But you shall take responsibility when this goes horribly.”
She did not want to talk to Theon, so she didn’t.
They’d been skirting around each other for weeks now. They still danced together, but their conversations were still and awkward now, and he barely sought her out outside of balls. She didn’t know how to fix things and she refused to show how much it hurt her that he’d discarded her so easily. She didn’t want to know if he’d been spending his time with lovers or whores or what have her but she was not interested in really finding out what he had been doing or whom.
Theon stopped visiting. He stopped sending letters. He stopped coming to balls. Sansa thought she could take a hint.
At her next ball, she was dancing with Lord Brynden Blackwood when she told him she’d happily accept to dance another set with him. His warm brown eyes lit up and she noticed he had a kind smile, so it was easy for her to return it.
Her reasoning had been simple. With Brynden she’d be in the Riverlands but she would have her uncles nearby. She’d be all alone in the Vale with Lord Waymar, since Aunt Lysa didn’t hide her disdain for her or any of her siblings, and she’d be too close for comfort to Lord Baelish. Lord Dickon was a gentleman and certainly the richest of the three, but she’d met Lord Randyll Tarly and she was absolutely certain she did not want to have that man as goodfather for the rest of her life. She shuddered at the thought of how he would treat her if she only had girls or a boy who was softer in character like Lord Samwell. She didn’t know if Dickon would turn like his father but she could never be too sure. Poor Dickon.
Her second set of dances with Brynden had the effect she expected. By the time the ball ended and he escorted her to her carriage, the ton was already spreading the word that Lady Sansa Stark might accept Lord Blackwood’s betrothal offer.
Theon did not want to admit he was wallowing in self-pity but there wasn’t another way to describe his current state. He started avoiding Sansa once he believed that Lord Willas would propose and then was embarrassed once he got word that part of the Tyrell party had left, including Lord Willas. Then, he was informed that Sansa’s betrothal to Lord Blackwood was imminent and his state of seclusion was validated once more.
He thought he’d be ready to face Sansa after his self-imposed weeks away from her but he was terribly wrong, for the distance hadn’t hardened his heart to her smiles and he certainly wasn’t ready to be on the receiving end of her cold courtesies.
“Captain Greyjoy,” she recited with a placid smile and a nod, that was all he got. She turned to Lady Velaryon, who was the hostess of the ball and the one who had coaxed him back into society. The smile she gave her was less stiff and a bit warmer, although it faltered for a second when Lady Velaryon interlaced her arm with his. Her eyebrows raised slightly and her smile faltered as she seemingly confirmed her suspicions.
No. No. Fuck.
He and Lady Velaryon had been intimate in the past but that was not the current situation. He hadn’t laid with her since her husband had returned from the continent over a year ago and she’d only managed to drag him into her ball as a repayment for an old favor. But her husband was away on business and Theon could admit to himself he was pretty stupid for not considering the optics of his current situation and if he ever wanted to regain Sansa’s friendship he couldn't leave this ball without explaining himself to her tonight.
“Lady Sansa, may you spare a dance for me later?” he asked as she started to walk away.
She couldn’t turn him down without forcing herself to sit for most of her evening and he knew this. She could barely contain her fury as she turned to him and gave him her most condescending nod.
I should’ve said no was Sansa’s first thought as she stood in front of Theon for their dance.
She felt terribly foolish, after she realized how his roguish smile still affected her so much. Thankfully, she’d had years to perfect her unaffected face and she was certain her emotions hadn’t betrayed her.
She tried not to initiate a conversation but the awkwardness became unbearable after a point. “I thought you might’ve returned to the islands.”
He looked ashamed. “Personal business has kept me away.”
She nodded but didn’t pry. Though it was eating her inside, she didn’t wish to seem too eager to share confidences with him again.
“You must know it was nothing of your doing, my lady.”
“Of course,” she replied in a clipped tone.
“Sansa, please. I’ve been a fool, but it has nothing to do with you.”
“Forgive me if I find that hard to believe, Captain.”
The conversation stalled once more as they switched partners, but Theon seemed determined to clear things up.
“You did nothing wrong, my lady. Please, I would like to explain my behavior for the past few weeks. Allow me to pay you a call tomorrow and I will tell you everything, Sansa.”
She couldn’t deny to herself how his saying her name affected her. She looked into those sea-storm eyes of his and felt every bit of his anguish and agreed to his plea. She was poor company after that dance with Theon and asked Robb if they could retire earlier, feigning a migraine. Her nerves would certainly keep her on edge until she spoke to Theon.
The next day came and she had been tempted to tell Cassel to tell everyone who came by their house that she wasn’t taking any calls but she found that the mindless chatter was helping her calm down until Theon showed up.
She had expected him to show up towards the end of the morning and when the clock marked 5:00 pm and a caller was announced, it was hard to hide the disappointment when Lord Brynden’s name was called and not Theon’s.
“Lady Sansa, you look radiant as always,” he said as he kissed her hand, “I know we haven’t made plans but it’s such a lovely afternoon and I was wondering if I could persuade you to take a walk around Vauxhall today?”
She looked at the clock again but she was aware she didn’t really have an excuse and would only feel more foolish if she said no and Theon stood her up, as he seemed he would. She agreed and told Miss Mordane of her plans as she looked for her coat and bonnet and the three of them made their way to the gardens.
Lord Brynden was doing his best to keep the conversation pleasant but Sansa’s courtesies were failing her today. She could feel Mordane’s reproaching looks behind her but her heart and mind were elsewhere today. A s if summoned, she heard a familiar laugh in the distance, from one of the supper-boxes. She thought her mind was playing tricks on her but as they kept walking, they spotted a raucous group in one of the tables and the unmistakable figure of Theon Greyjoy with a busty redhead sitting on his lap as he fed her pieces of cake.
She stood there watching the picture until Mordane instructed her to keep walking. It was then that Lord Brynden noticed where she was looking and his initial look of censure changed into a concerned one when he saw the state she was in. She would not cry, at least not in public, but it was impossible to hide the shock and hurt from her features and she was certain that Brynden was somewhat aware of her feelings towards Theon.
“Let us go, my lady. You shouldn’t have to see this.”
She nodded but her eyes were still fixed on Theon and that woman. He was drunk, that much was obvious but he was whispering what she assumed were filthy words into her ear if her playful but sensual slap was any indication.
She followed Lord Brynden back into his carriage but didn’t attempt to strike up any conversation with him again. She wasn’t sure she wouldn’t break down if she spoke.
“They’re part of the acting troupe currently performing at the Sadler’s Well. If I recall correctly, the lady’s name is Ros.”
She didn’t know why Lord Brynden was telling her this as if any of this mattered. It didn’t make her feel any less stupid for not heeding Margaery and Renly’s warnings to not fall for him and it didn’t make her feel less stupid for giving him another chance.
They reached the Stark house and she weakly said goodbye to Brynden and told him she’d see him at the Martell’s masquerade ball in a few days. Before leaving the carriage he gently grabbed her hand and said, “Be strong, my lady. Time heals all wounds.”
His smile was so kind and understanding she felt her cursed tears cloud her vision. She hoped that time would help her forget Theon Greyjoy and that time would open her heart to Lord Brynden.
Theon woke up with a headache. That wasn’t an unfamiliar sensation but he felt disoriented as he took into account where he was waking up. He realized he was in Ros' apartment and cursed himself for letting himself get so carried away during her birthday celebrations. He had a crick in his neck from sleeping on the stiff sofa and he felt sweaty in his day-worn clothes.
“Morning, sunshine.” He heard Ros’ voice a few meters away and wished the light coming from the windows wasn’t so bright.
“Morn,” he replied as he stood up and accepted the glass of water she was offering him.
“You look like shit,” she said in a teasing tone, “So, when are you meeting with your lady love?”
“What?”
“Last night you kept whining about how you needed to make things right with your lady and how you hoped she didn’t marry any of the boring lords courting her.”
Theon was going to throw up.
“Fuck, fuck,” he muttered as he put on his boots, “I was supposed to make her a call last night but got carried away. Fuck!”
“You should’ve said something!”
“I thought– never mind, I need to leave. Goodbye.”
He stopped by his house first to wash himself and change into clean clothes and hoped that he hadn’t made a mess of everything. He knocked at the Starks’ door as soon as it was a respectable time and was greeted by Cassel’s steely look.
“May I help you, sir?”
“Yes, is Lady Sansa at home?” he asked as he gave the butler his card and tried not to cower at the man’s barely contained disdain.
“I shall inquire, sir.”
Theon paced in the foyer for a few minutes and saw Lady descend the stairs. He tried to pet the kitten but she hissed at him and decidedly walked in the opposite direction. That’s not a good sign . The other man returned shortly after and simply said, “Lady Sansa is indisposed and won’t be taking any calls today or tomorrow, sir,” and without any other word, Cassel walked him out the door. Theon wasn’t sure if the door was slammed with more force than usual but he certainly felt so and wondered if any calls he made the following days would be accepted. His guess was no.
He started walking away and turning back to look at the house when he saw a figure in one of the windows. It was a split second before the curtains closed again but Sansa’s red hair was unmistakable and he had the sinking sensation he had truly ruined things.
Sansa was barely in spirit to attend the Martell Masquerade but she’d ordered a gown and a wig already and knew it would be a waste to not use them. She hoped her outfit would give her some respite that evening and help her remain anonymous to the world or that Theon would choose to skip the ball if only to spare her feelings.
She had no such luck.
She saw him first. He was impossible to miss with the way he walked into a room as if he owned it with a confidence she wasn’t sure she would ever have. She turned around before he saw her and hoped she got lost in the crowd.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she felt him behind her.
“Lady Sansa,” he whispered. Close, too close. She turned around as if he had burned her.
She had so much to say to him. For nights she’d stayed awake thinking of how she would confront him, wishing to lash out and make him feel ashamed of himself. At the same time, she wanted to tell him she had nothing to say to him and he should never speak to her again. All she could say was, “How did you find me?”
She hated how small she sounded.
“There is something that pulls me towards you, Sansa. I could find you in any lifetime.”
She felt goosebumps all over her body and no words were coming out of her mouth. Seriously, how could she respond to that?
Lady Myranda came to her rescue and pulled her aside to chat about mindless gossip and she’d never felt more thankful about Randa’s inability to not speculate about the lives of others.
Sansa was basically on edge the rest of the evening, between hoping that Theon left her alone and making sure that Lord Baelish wasn’t in attendance and socializing with the rest of the guests at the ball. She found a moment of respite while she looked for a drink and found Renly, and she returned with him to their group of Margaery, Robb, Jeyne, Garlan, and Leonette.
But really, she should’ve known she couldn’t avoid Theon forever. She felt him near her once more, and she wondered for a moment if he felt a similar physical reaction to her when she was near. This ought to drive her crazy.
“Greyjoy, it’s been some time!” Robb greeted him cheerfully, unaware of her current heartaches. She saw Margaery cringing in front of her.
She cursed inwardly and all of a sudden she felt all the bitterness she’d been bottling up take over her. How dare he?
“Business has kept me away, Lord Stark, but it’s nice to see familiar faces again.”
“Captain Greyjoy has such a colorful group of friends I’m sure we make very dull company in comparison,” Sansa blurted out mirthlessly.
The group shared some awkward looks between them but Sansa’s placid smile remained plastered on her face.
“One can never tire of the company of good friends,” Theon said, trying to dispel the air.
Garlan added, “And Lady Sansa’s company is always entertaining!”
She chuckled, “Lord Garlan, I’ve been called charming before, but never entertaining,” she looked at Theon again, “At least I’ll never be as entertaining as an actress, for example!”
Theon froze. Sansa refused to look at him but he felt Margaery and Renly’s eyes on him. He pleaded for her to spare him a look but she took an out of the conversation as she spotted one of Lord Manderly’s daughters and excused herself to go talk to her.
Theon knew that Sansa would refuse him a dance if he asked, so he found himself a willing partner, and once they started dancing, he found her– “Please talk to me, Sansa. I can explain it–”
They switched partners again and he waited until the dance paired them up again. “Will you keep pestering me all night if I say no?” she whispered angrily.
“Yes.”
He heard her take a sharp intake of breath and she was trying hard to contain her fury, “Fine.”
He felt the rest of the dance pass painfully slowly but once they finished greeting their partners at the end, he saw her make a beeline to one of the doors. He followed her from a distance, despite their costumes for the night it was better to remain prudent and not give anyone a chance to accuse Sansa of scandal. He waited some minutes and once he was certain no one was paying attention to him, he scurried off behind the door she’d just walked through.
He was now in one of the large hallways of the Martell residence and he was about to curse if he had to play a guessing game to find Sansa when she emerged from behind one of the pillars.
They walked in silence for some steps, waiting to see who would speak first, when she started opening the door to one of the rooms and was rooted in the spot. Worried, he closed the distance between them to stand behind her, when he saw the image that had shocked Sansa so much.
Lost in pleasure and each other were Lady Cersei and her brother Ser Jaime, as he took her passionately against a wall. Sansa might not be completely sure what was happening, only that two siblings were not supposed to be in that situation, but Theon was perfectly aware of what the Lannister twins were doing. Sansa seemed to snap out of her trance, and before she gave them away, he put a hand on her mouth to stop her from making any noise and quickly led them to another room to avoid being seen.
“Were they–? Oh God!” She kept muttering as she looked for a place to sit and regain her composure. What they’d just seen had shocked Sansa so much that she exchanged a look with Theon to try to make sense of what just had happened and confirm it hadn’t been her terrible imagination playing tricks on her.
He kneeled in front of her and took her hands in his, “Sansa. Sansa, please look at me. You can’t speak of what you’ve seen to anyone. If Lady Cersei knew– if she knew you’re aware of her secret– the danger you’d be in–” Theon had kept calm but the thought of Cersei doing anything to Sansa to keep her silent terrified him. Sansa understood what he was trying to say so she just nodded and pressed her forehead against Theon’s to calm herself down.
It took Sansa some minutes to regain her wits and once she did she seemed to realize her and Theon’s circumstances. She was an unmarried woman locked up in a room with a man who wasn’t even betrothed to her. She could be ruined.
A different kind of panic crept into Sansa’s heart.
“Theon, what is it that you wish to discuss with me?” she asked in haste.
Theon snapped off whatever daze he was also in and looked at her, “I’ve been avoiding you.”
She scoffed, “That much is obvious, you didn’t need to drag me here for me to notice.”
“I was jealous,” she raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak. “I thought Lord Willas would surely propose and I thought removing myself out of the situation would hurt less. Then he left and there was no news of your engagement and I felt quite stupid. Then, of course, rumors started floating about you and Lord Brynden and I thought ‘I was right’. But you deserved better than thinking me indifferent. I should’ve been brave enough to talk to you at least.”
She had to look away. “You’ve talked to me now. Is there anything else you need to say?”
He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand and forced her to look at him again. She was looking at him with shiny eyes as she bit her lip and he hated that she looked so vulnerable.
“Sansa. Never could I expect that you would change my life like you’ve done in just a few moons. I feel as if I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. I’ve been a fool thinking that I could go back to my old ways and I didn’t need you, but these weeks without you have been pure agony.”
“Do you really mean that?” she whispered.
“Yes, sweet girl,” he grabbed her hands again, brought them to his lips and pressed a light kiss on them, “Sansa, you have my heart. Truly, you have all of me.”
She looked into his eyes as she brought a hand to his cheek. He leaned into her touch as she brought his face closer to her. She took one last breath and pressed her kiss to his in a short, sweet kiss. She was blushing but there was a small smile on her lips. She repeated the action, only this time the kiss was longer and he felt her arms go around his neck and one of her hands pressed him closer to her. He took a chance to deepen the kiss and was pleased when she eagerly reciprocated and giggled a little into the kiss.
They broke apart to catch their breaths and Sansa was smiling so hard it was making his heart ache. He gave her another quick peck before moving onto the couch she was sitting on and pulling her close to him again. She was almost sitting on his lap and this was borderline indecent, but neither of them could stop, as she captured his lips in another delicious kiss.
When he felt her first moan, he realized he should put a stop to this, even though his body was begging him not to. For Sansa, he would stop.
“Sansa,” he whispered against her mouth, and she groaned and somehow she even made that enticing, but he was certain that when she became aware of the situation she’d try to get out as fast as she could.
He was partly right. She took account of the leg she had positioned on Theon’s lap and how their chests were pressing against each other and she gasped but didn’t really move. She pouted and all he could do was laugh softly before he said, “You know we need to stop this.”
She put some distance between them to catch her breath and stood up when she noticed a mirror in the room and went to check the state she was in. She adjusted her wig and tried to get rid of any wrinkles on her dress. There was nothing to do about her swollen lips.
She suddenly turned around with a frown on her face and stared at him, “Did you actually mean what you said?”
He stood up but kept a respectable distance from her. “Yes, Sansa. I will talk to your father as soon as I can. I want to court you properly.”
She released the breath she was holding and felt the tension leave her shoulders. “Good. That would make me happy.” She felt herself returning Theon’s huge grin but had to stop herself from jumping into his arms again. “I really need to get back,” she felt some of the anxiety creeping back, but the smile didn’t leave her face.
“Go. I might just leave after this.” She opened her mouth to tell him he should stay but he continued, “If I dance with you again after this, I will kiss you in the middle of the dancefloor.”
She returned to the ballroom feeling giddy and hopeful. Lady Arianne spotted her and looked at her with curiosity, to which she only returned a grin. She wanted to keep this moment to herself a little longer.
However, before dinner was called, she was approached by a concerned-looking Arianne, who pulled her away from prying eyes.
“Sansa, did anyone see you and our mutual friend sneak out earlier?”
“No, I’m certain,” she said with as much conviction as she could.
“Are you sure?”
Sansa started to get nervous, so she just asked, “Arianne, is there anything you’re not telling me?”
She frowned and looked around to confirm they were alone, “It seems someone did see you. I’ve heard a couple of people already talking about you and the Captain locking yourselves up in a room, doing God knows what.”
Sansa felt faint all of a sudden, and she heard her heartbeat in her ears. No, this can’t be happening, not now.
“Sansa, I’ll try to figure out who first spread this, but you might want to head out for the night. If anyone asks, you were talking to Uncle Oberyn and Ellaria for a long time. They’re the ones who first heard of this. We’ll do whatever we can to help you,” she said as she grabbed Sansa’s hands.
All Sansa could do was nod, and she found a chair to sit on as Arianne looked for the rest of her party. Jon and Jeyne looked concerned but Robb (mercifully) bit his tongue during their carriage ride back from the ball.
However, he exploded once they got home.
“You and Greyjoy alone? What were you thinking, Sansa?”
“I– He needed to talk to me.”
“And he couldn’t do it in public?” Jon asked, looking as worried as Robb was.
“Can the two of you calm down? Yelling at Sansa won’t resolve anything,” Jeyne said. Robb started pacing around the living room and Jon went and poured himself a glass of brandy.
“What’s going on?” asked her father as he walked into the room, with everyone looking upset. Sansa didn’t know if her mother being back in Winterfell was a blessing or a curse right now.
“Sansa got herself into another scandal!”
She felt utterly betrayed but all she could do was gasp at Robb. He knew how much she blamed herself for listening to Joffrey and letting herself be alone with him. She knew she was lucky Lord Stannis defended her so fiercely and never wavered when he told everyone Joffrey was trying to force himself on her. She knew her reputation took a hit when her betrothal to Joffrey ended, but she now wondered if the rest of her family also saw what happened to her as a scandal as Robb seemingly did.
“Robb, that’s enough,” Jon uttered, looking darkly at his cousin.
“What would you call it then? She knows he’s a rake and yet she willingly goes into empty rooms with the man!”
She felt completely humiliated and all she wanted was to leave the room and burrow herself in her bed. She heard her father cut Robb’s tirade off but she couldn’t look at anyone in the room at the moment.
Her father walked over to where she was standing and gently placed his hands on top of her arms since she had wrapped them around her protectively. “Sansa, can you tell me what happened?” he asked.
“Th- Captain Greyjoy needed to speak to me. He wanted to apologize for his recent behavior. We both wanted some privacy. But all we did was talk, nothing happened”
Ned rubbed his eyes and he seemed so tired all of a sudden. Sansa felt even worse.
“I assume you were seen.”
“That’s what Lady Arianne told me.”
“This man, Captain Greyjoy, would he try and help to restore your honor, if pressed?”
“Yes.” He’d told her he’d court her properly and talk to her father, after all. “He cares for me, papa.”
“I shall speak to the man, then.” He looked at Robb and Sansa and sighed, “It’s nearly midnight, there’s nothing much we can do right now. Get some rest, child.”
She was terribly cross with Robb and didn’t spare him one look when she said goodnight to Jon and Jeyne, and she all but ran to her room. She dismissed the maid who helped her undress as soon as she could, she needed to be alone with her thoughts.
I was so happy. This is so unfair!
She felt she could throw up every time she thought of what could happen and she had the terrible feeling this wasn’t the worst of it. She tossed and turned on her bed for hours and it wasn’t until Lady climbed up on her bed and cuddled next to her that she finally fell asleep.
She barely ate the next day expecting the day’s calls and she asked Jeyne to dress her in one of her simpler day dresses by the time callers were expected to arrive.
She wasn’t surprised when the first person who came in was Arianne, looking as gloomy as she had done last night. As soon as Cassel left them with a tray of tea and refreshments, Arianne turned to Sansa to speak.
“Dearie, I’m afraid you’re in more trouble than expected,” she said with a grimace. “It was Cersei who saw you and Theon and told Lady Merryweather and Lady Stokeworth, who in turn told everyone who listened.”
Sansa didn’t even reach out to grab the cup of tea in front of her because she knew she would drop it. How did it not occur to her that Cersei had seen them? She was revisiting everything that happened the night before and she couldn’t, for the life of her, remember if they had closed the door in their haste to get away from the scene between Lady Cersei and Ser Jaime.
“Did you not see her earlier?” she asked with concern.
“I–” Sansa tried to calm down her breath. She knew Arianne despised the Lannisters and in particular Lady Cersei, but Theon’s words about keeping what she saw to herself kept ringing in her head. In the end, self-preservation won the battle.
“We saw her and Ser Jaime while looking for an empty room to speak. We saw them. Together .” She put as much emphasis as she could on the last word to make sure Arianne understood, because she could not get the rest of the words out. We saw them fucking each other.
A sudden rage consumed her because how dare Cersei try to ruin her reputation while maintaining this sinful relationship with her brother?
It took Arianne some moments to understand what she was saying, but when she did she gasped and her eyes went as wide as saucers. “Oh dear,” was all she could say.
Arianne took a couple of sips from her tea and ate a scone, and Sansa did the same, if only to have something to do while the other woman gathered her thoughts.
“This is terrible timing,” Arianne finally exhaled. “Of course, there were rumors many years ago. Uncle Oberyn mentioned once that’s why the Duke of Lannisport wedded Cersei to the Duke of Stormlands so hastily, but those rumors were thoroughly squashed, as you might’ve guessed. Ugh, but this is really terrible timing!”
“And why is that?” Sansa felt a bit proud she kept the panic from her voice.
“We could’ve used this to distract from your situation, but right now, this would only be seen as you trying to slander Lady Baratheon in a desperate attempt to salvage your damaged reputation.”
Arianne’s words felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown at her. There was no malice in her face, although she thought she saw a bit of pity in her eyes, but it was the usual straightforwardness she had come to expect from the other woman. And Sansa knew she was right, people wouldn’t believe her and Cersei would only lash out even more against her.
Arianne popped another scone into her mouth as Sansa tried to think what to do or say, but she just felt terribly out of her depth.
“I must ask,” it seemed she had gotten tired of waiting for Sansa to say something, “what has our friend the Captain said about all this?”
Sansa blushed, and it was impossible not to feel silly at the moment. “We haven’t talked since last night.” Arianne’s eyebrows went impossibly high but she continued, “He left after our talk last night, but he had told me of his intention of courting me properly.”
Arianne took a deep breath and nodded, “That’s a relief, at least. It might have to be a short courtship but if you’re engaged after this that should silence some wagging tongues.” She suddenly softened her gaze and took one of her hands in hers, “This would make you happy, right Sansa?”
It was easier to smile this time as she said, “Very much so. I’ve become terribly fond of Captain Greyjoy and I’m certain of his affections for me after last night.” She loved him, but he should be the first to hear it.
Arianne’s face broke into a big grin and squeezed her hand harder, “Good. It’s always lovely to see our friends find happiness.”
Their moment was interrupted by Cassel announcing another caller.
“Lord Baelish here to see you, my lady.”
She groaned in annoyance but knew he would keep accosting her until she met with him. Arianne frowned at the mention of the man and started to make her exit.
“Do pay me a call after you’ve spoken with the Captain. I would like to invite you to Sunspear and I will be a wonderful chaperone!” she added with a wink before she was escorted by Cassel to the door.
Jeyne walked inside the drawing room and took a seat as she usually did whenever Lord Baelish visited her. The cheery smile she had after Arianne’s visit faded as her next caller walked in.
“My dear Lady Sansa,” he said as he grabbed one of Sansa’s hands and kissed it, “I came as soon as I could.”
Sansa tried not to roll her eyes in front of the man. “I appreciate your concern, Lord Baelish.”
“I could scarcely believe it when I heard it. A respectable, innocent lady such as yourself in such a situation? But I guess I underestimated Greyjoy’s wiles.” He was trying to sound nonchalant but she heard the disgust he was trying to keep at bay, “I did warn you about his character.”
“I’m afraid this whole thing has been terribly misunderstood, my lord.”
“Now, now,” he reached for her wrist and kept it in his hold, “You mustn't be ashamed, Sansa. The fault lies entirely on that cad.”
She felt her face getting hot, but she wasn’t sure if it was because Baelish thought her stupid or because of the insults towards Theon. She forcefully retreated her arm and stood up to take a turn around the room. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Baelish grabbing a scone and pouring himself some tea, entirely too comfortable with himself.
She turned around and looked at the man once more, “What is it that you want, Lord Baelish?”
He finished his cup of tea before replying. “You are aware of how much I admire you, Sansa. That hasn’t changed despite the circumstances ,” he added with pursed lips, “I could help you weather the storm and restore you and your sister’s good names amongst society.”
She was confused now, “What does my sister have to do with anything?”
“Oh,” he uttered, looking pleased. “I guess I haven’t had the chance to mention my other reason for this visit.”
Was Arya in trouble? What had she done now?
When Sansa didn’t say anything he continued, “Lady Arya is a rebellious, little thing, isn’t she?” She didn’t like where this was going. “Lady Arya has been spotted several times with a young man, unchaperoned , at places a respectable young lady shouldn’t be at.”
“Such as?” she said as her hands balled into fists.
“A boxing match is the most recent example I can give you, my lady. The young man was one of the contestants, but my sources tell me he’s just a regular blacksmith that works in Flea Bottom named Gendry Waters.”
“I see,” she replied as she took a seat in one of the armchairs.
“Lady Baratheon was most concerned and relayed this information to me, since she knows I’m in a better standing with your family than she is, but rest assured this hasn’t gone out.”
Sansa felt her stomach in knots and wished she hadn’t eaten anything. Cersei knew about this as well? How?
She felt herself nodding shakily, “I appreciate your discretion, Lord Baelish.”
“Of course, sweetling. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t help out my sister-in-law?”
The air went out of her lungs and she was grateful she was already seated or else her legs would’ve given out.
Baelish was standing now and looking down at her, but she couldn’t make herself meet his stare as she started breathing more unevenly.
“There is no reason why you and your sister should have your names tarnished. Your virtue may be in question, but you’re still Lady Sansa Stark, and as my wife, this whole unpleasantness will be left behind. I’ll make sure of it.”
She knew Arianne was right, and after she married Theon her scandal would eventually be forgotten, but this thing with Arya could ruin the entire family. Baelish had finally found a way to cage her.
“Am I understanding correctly that if I accept your marriage proposal, Arya’s name would be safe?” He nodded, looking pleased. “How can you be sure that Lady Baratheon won’t speak about this?”
“The Duke of Stormlands and Lady Baratheon are in several businesses with me. It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep a positive relationship between us.”
Sansa couldn’t make herself look at Baelish as she tried to keep her tears at bay. She could not cry in front of this man. She felt his hand on her shoulder and he squeezed it, and she had to stop herself from flinching.
“I’m most pleased we finally came to an agreement, Sansa. I shall speak to your father and we can have the banns called.” All she could do was nod.
Cassel took this moment to walk in with a large bouquet, and just by seeing it she knew it was from Theon.
“For you, my lady.”
She suddenly stood up and crossed the distance to grab the card accompanying the flowers and tucked it inside her bosom. Cassel looked away, embarrassed, but said nothing of it.
“Lord Baelish was just leaving. Cassel, please see him out. Jeyne, could you place these inside my room? Thank you.”
Baelish didn’t look too pleased at being dismissed like this but simply walked towards her, grabbed her hand, and placed another kiss on her knuckles.
“I’ll be seeing you, my lady.”
She was left alone in the room and walked towards the window to see Baelish leaving. As soon as his carriage was out of the picture, her body seemed to catch up with what just happened. A wrecked sob left her lungs and before she knew it, she was collapsing on the floor.
She didn’t notice when Jeyne came back, but the young girl was cradling her in her arms as she cried and cried.
“What am I going to do, Jeyne?”
She tried to soothe Sansa but it was only making her cry even more, “I’m sure your lord father wouldn’t agree to this match, my lady!”
“That’s the thing, he wouldn’t. But I’m gonna have to convince him or else the entire family will be ruined!”
“Oh, that wicked, evil man!” she heard Jeyne say as another sob shook her body.
Cassel opened the door to announce another visitor and was shocked to see Sansa in such a state and asked with concern, “My lady, are you alright?”
She could barely nod and simply replied, “Cassel, I won’t be taking any more calls for the day. Please make my excuses to anyone else that comes today.”
She stood up and ran up to her room like she’d done the night before. On her way there, she couldn’t stop herself and opened the door to Arya’s room and cursed out loud when she realized her sister wasn’t there.
She flung herself on her bed inelegantly and wondered if anyone would come looking for her if she stayed there the rest of the afternoon. She turned to one side and saw the flowers on her nightstand and pulled out the card from inside her dress. She thought she was out of fresh tears, but it seemed she was wrong.
Sansa, I tried to remember the flowers I sent you on that first bouquet. I should’ve started courting you then, but I shall make up for the lost time. With love, TG.
She had exhausted herself with so much crying and was surprised that she was left alone for the rest of the afternoon, but she guessed she had Jeyne and Cassel to thank for that.
Her eyes were red and puffy, and she couldn’t hide the fact that she had been crying despite Jeyne trying some tricks she’d heard from people on the continent, like cucumber slices and cold spoons in her eyes.
Her father called up for her in his solar and the man looked like he’d aged 10 years since the night before.
“Sansa. Petyr Baelish spoke to me earlier. He seemed to be under the impression you had accepted a marriage proposal from him.”
She took a deep breath but couldn’t make herself look at her father. “It would be a most advantageous match, father.”
Ned couldn’t contain his shock at her words, “You’ve rejected the man’s proposals for the past three years, Sansa! What could’ve possibly made you change your mind?” When she didn’t answer, he continued, “Is this about what happened at the Martell ball? Didn’t you just say to me last night that Captain Greyjoy was serious about his intentions?”
“I– Lord Baelish could offer me protection.”
“Protection from what, Sansa? What could that man possibly do that me or anyone else in this family couldn’t do for you?”
Neither of you can hold Cersei back.
Sansa shook her head and tried her hardest to not cry again. “Please Father, I’ve made my decision.”
Ned collapsed on his armchair and poured himself a glass of whiskey. “This is not the kind of match I wanted for you, Sansa. Not to a man like that.” He realized she wasn’t going to say anything else and left her there with her thoughts.
Dinner was a tense affair. The family had caught up with the fact that something had happened that day but neither of them was saying anything. Ned decided to make the announcement around the end of dinner and was met with objections from Robb and Jon but left Sansa to deal with it, as he said he would be writing to her mother to come to London for the wedding. Robb and Jon turned their attention to her.
“What is this, Sansa? You spent the past few years evading Baelish and now he just suddenly convinces you to marry him?” asked Robb, who was trying so hard not to sound exasperated and failing.
“I thought you were in love with Captain Greyjoy?” instead asked Jeyne in a softer voice.
Arya had remained in her seat, eating her dessert, but was now looking bored with the conversation. “May I be excused? I’m not really in the mood to talk about Sansa’s love life.”
Sansa’s eyes hardened as she looked at her sister, “And where would you go, hmm? Your room?”
“Where else, are you stupid?” Arya replied with venom.
“Really? So if I go check on you, in let's say, an hour, I’ll find you there sleeping in your bed?”
Jon intervened before the argument turned into a screaming match, “Where are you two going with this?”
“You’re not as inconspicuous as you think you are, Arya,” her voice had lost some of that bite, she was just so tired now, “You were seen. By Cersei’s men, and she in turn told Baelish, who was thrilled about informing me.”
Arya wouldn't back down, though, “So? Everyone knows I’m not a perfect lady, like you. I don’t care about some stupid scandal.”
“Gods, but you don’t think, do you?!” she yelled, “What about Bran and Rickon? They’re so young! What happens if Robb and Jeyne have a little girl? What will be of her reputation with two scandals attached to her family name?” Robb flinched when she said this, knowing she was deliberately sparing him and Jeyne from the list of family scandals, despite perfectly fitting the description. “What about father’s name in Parliament? He does so much good, but you don’t think his enemies won’t use Eddard Stark’s two whorish daughters against him?”
She yelled that last part and before she knew it, Robb placed one fist on the table and yelled, “Enough!” he looked at her, “Sansa what is going on?”
“Arya has been sneaking out of the house for who knows how long with a man named Gendry Waters.”
“It’s not just Gendry! It’s also Mycah and Hot Pie! And we’re not doing anything wrong!”
“Who?”
“They’re my friends! Sorry if I didn’t wait until my debut to go to balls and pay some calls ,” she replied in a mocking tone.
“Arya, be serious for once, you’re not a child,” Jon replied, not looking too amused with his favorite cousin.
“I didn’t ask Sansa to sacrifice herself for me!”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have. Father has coddled you for so long that you think everything magically falls into place for you, while the rest of us have to deal with actual consequences.”
To her credit, Arya was looking guilty now and was avoiding everyone’s stares, but Sansa wasn’t interested in her excuses, “I’ve had a long day and I have a headache. Please excuse me.”
She left before anyone else could say anything and quickly got herself ready for bed. She was lying down, petting Lady when someone knocked on her door. She didn’t say anything, but still felt the door open and heard Robb’s voice.
“Sansa? Are you asleep?” he asked as he walked inside the room.
He crossed the distance and she looked up to see him looking at her. He gave her a small smile and sat on one side of the bed.
“I wanted to apologize, Sansa. I’ve been a complete ass.”
She snorted softly, “Really? About what?”
“Everything. It was unwarranted the way I talked to you last night, and I should’ve been more supportive when we found out about Baelish. It was shameful of me, you didn’t deserve that.”
She cried softly as he combed his fingers through her hair like he did when they were children.
“Is there really nothing we can do? I cannot see you go through this, Sansa.”
“No,” she whispered, “He knows I would never let him ruin the family if I could help it.”
“That fucking slimy bastard,” he said with fury. “Have you told father about this? He might throttle Baelish on the street if he knew.”
She gave an unamused laugh, “Yes, for threatening Arya’s name. He didn’t put up too much of a fight about me.”
“Don’t say that. He’ll be furious when he learns you were blackmailed into saying yes to this.”
“What’s the use of telling him anyway? He might stop Baelish but he won’t be able to stop Cersei.”
“We’ll find a way through this, Sansa,” he said, but she wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince her or himself.
Chapter Text
To say that Theon was worried would be an understatement.
He hadn’t been able to speak to Sansa since the Martell ball. The few times he had tried to pay a call, he’d been denied by Cassel (although this time his refusals were gentler than the last time he had seen the man). He’d also failed at speaking with Lord Stark and securing his approval, but perhaps Sansa had already spoken to him? He was getting ahead of himself but there was a nagging feeling bothering him that told him that something was wrong.
He’d spoken to Margaery, who had told him she also hadn’t seen Sansa since the ball and when she had tried to pay her a call, Cassel had turned her down as well. Arianne had seen her and she was under the same impression that the two of them had come to an agreement. Her mood had darkened when she mentioned that Lord Baelish had visited Sansa right after her visit and this was certainly the opposite of reassuring.
He was lying in his solar when Asha suddenly burst inside, looking worried.
“Has your Lady Sansa been two-timing you this entire time?”
He sat up at the mention of Sansa. “What are you talking about?”
“You told me you were apparently counting her, yeah?” Theon nodded, not really knowing how to respond to that. “Then why the fuck did the priest call the banns for her and some Petyr Baelish fucker at church today?”
Theon felt he might be sick, but Asha continued talking, “She didn’t look like a blushing bride, I’ll give her that. It looked more like the priest had announced someone had died.” She took a look at him and she realized, “You didn’t know.”
He shook his head as he went over every little thing that had happened. Arianne had told him he’d visited her the day after the ball, so he could only assume whatever agreement had taken place had happened that day. Sansa wasn’t one to make hasty decisions, so he was sure she hadn’t changed her mind for waiting an extra day to speak to her father, and he had sent her flowers every day, so she knew he wasn’t backing down. Baelish repulsed her. This made no sense.
He ran to his room to get changed into more presentable clothes and made his way to the Stark manor. He had the misfortune to arrive at the same time as Baelish did.
“Ah, Captain Greyjoy. I assume you heard the news?” Baelish asked in his usual smarmy voice. Theon ignored him and made his way up to the entrance of the house.
Cassel opened the door, looking more inflamed than ever. He took a look at the two men on the doorsteps and let them in. If anything, he knew the butler wouldn’t make a scene in the middle of the street.
Baelish walked in, looking like he owned the place, and Theon thought the butler would wring his neck if he could.
“Cassel, would you call for my intended? I wanted to take her out for lunch after church.”
“Lord Stark has given instructions that Lady Sansa is not to leave the house unless she’s with Lord Robb or Lieutenant Snow and she won’t receive any calls unless he has approved them.”
Baelish’s cocky disposition faltered, “This is ridiculous, I’m to be her husband in four weeks.”
“You forget yourself, my lord. We are in Lord Eddard Stark’s residence, where Lord Eddard Stark’s word is followed. Any issue you might have, you should take up with him.”
Baelish scoffed, “Fine, please ask Lord Robb or Lieutenant Snow if they’d like to come to lunch with Lady Sansa and me.”
“The Lieutenant is not present at the moment and Lord Robb is out with Lady Jeyne.” Cassel’s tone was polite, like any respectable butler’s should be, but there was no doubt he couldn’t stand the man in front of him.
“Very well. I shall draft a visitation schedule with Lord Stark,” he shot Cassel an unfriendly glare and turned to Theon, “You heard the man, Captain. You need to leave as well.”
Theon had to stop himself from laughing in his face, “I don’t follow instructions from you. I need to ask Cassel something.”
Cassel silently moved towards the door and opened it, and made a gesture to Lord Baelish to leave. The lord looked at the two men in the foyer with contempt and finally took his leave.
The older man turned to him and said in a calmer voice, “Captain, I’m afraid Lord Stark’s instructions were the same for all visitors.”
Theon nodded, not wanting to add to the man's stress. “I understand, Cassel.” He procured a letter he’d hastily written to Sansa before leaving his house from his coat and handed it to the butler. “Could you please give Lady Sansa this? I won’t bother her anymore if that’s what she wants.”
There was some pity in Cassel’s eyes and it looked like he wanted to say something, but he simply took a deep breath and nodded before accepting the letter. Theon made his way to the door and felt some relief when he saw that Baelish had actually left.
He didn’t feel the relief he expected from learning that Sansa’s family did not want this match either.
Sansa had been cooped up in her room for the past few days, and frankly, she could easily stay there and not have to face the fact that she was marrying Baelish, but the house was beginning to feel too small for her and Arya, who was now under strict vigilance and had gotten an earful from Jon. So, she got ready for her weekly visit to Almack’s without any of the usual excitement or good mood that accompanied the occasion.
She made her entrance with Robb, Jeyne and Jon and immediately felt all eyes on her. She saw Margaery start to make her approach, but suddenly Baelish was in front of her. He grabbed her hand and kissed it, and paraded her around before finally letting her grab a glass of lemonade.
She thought she could not feel more disgusted about this situation, but of course, Baelish found a way to make it worse by retelling some of his business associates in the room how he had pursued Sansa and had been determined to wed her from the first moment he saw her.
“You might want to look a bit more cheerful, sweetling,” he whispered into her ear, far too close for her liking, as he grabbed her arm and brought her even closer to him.
She pulled back, as she looked around and saw people gossiping, “I’m sorry, my lord, but I do not seem to be too good at falsities. And you ought to show more decorum, we’re in public.” She bit her tongue and said nothing more. It wouldn’t do her good if Baelish were in a bad mood that night.
In Theon’s letter, he had asked her to meet after the doors closed at 11 pm. Baelish usually went and played cards around that time, so she would excuse herself and look for him. She hadn’t seen him that night, but she figured it would ruin the plan if Baelish knew he was there.
Margaery approached the pair in her usual cheery disposition but the smile did not reach the brunette’s eyes. “Lord Baelish. Lady Sansa.” She bowed to greet them and continued, “I wanted to offer my dear friend my congratulations.”
“Thank you, Lady Margaery. It has been a most anticipated event,” was Baelish’s response.
“I can only imagine.” She sharply changed her focus. “Lady Sansa, you have been greatly missed these past few days you’ve been indisposed. May you join us for a round of gossip?” Of course, Margaery had noticed that Baelish was keeping her away from her friends and a man who cared so much about how he was perceived would know how it would look to keep a lady of Sansa’s station away from her peers. He grimaced at the two women.
He came close and kissed her cheek, “Remember to behave, my dear.”
“Of course,” she said as she interlaced her arm with Margaery’s and walked away.
A small group with a bunch of her friends had gathered in one corner, and she noticed that a lot of people kept looking her way, not even trying to hide their curiosity.
“Sansa, what in God’s name is going on?” Margaery asked, cutting right to the chase.
Sansa found it difficult to look at her friends’ faces. “I can’t really talk about it, but he knows of something that could ruin the family name.”
“Someone ought to kill that man already,” muttered Arianne darkly.
“Is there a way we can help you?”
She shook her head, “No, he’ll know I talked. Cersei knows as well.”
That helped paint the picture for the group and everyone seemed to understand that Sansa was cornered. They kept asking her more questions she couldn’t answer, but Loras suddenly pulled her away to the dancefloor, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Baelish looking annoyed.
Renly, Garlan, and even Lord Brynden took turns dancing with her and blocking Baelish from monopolizing her, and she let her breath release once she saw him walk away to play cards with some other gentlemen.
She looked at the clock and saw it was almost 11, but she had no idea if Theon was there or not. Before she started panicking, Arianne approached her and whispered, “Theon will be waiting for you in the King’s Place. Go.”
She looked around and noticed that people had thankfully stopped paying attention to her and walked out of the room. She first walked in the direction of the ladies’ privy, and once she was sure no one was following her, she went downstairs in the direction of the passageway where Theon was seemingly expecting her.
She finally reached the passage and looked around, before Theon stepped out from a dark corner where he couldn’t be seen.
She managed to keep silent, but she couldn’t help herself and jumped right into Theon’s arms. She cried silently as Theon dried away her errant tears with his thumb and pressed light kisses all over her face.
“Are you alright? Has he harmed you?” he asked worriedly.
“No, but I don’t know how long he will hold himself back. Oh, Theon, it’s all a mess!” she cried into the crook of his neck.
He held her close as she hurriedly whispered everything that had happened, and when she was done, he was cursing himself for not carrying his pistol with him and shooting Baelish point-blank.
“We’ll figure something out,” was all he could say, and he felt terrible because he had no idea how they would get Sansa out of this.
Not knowing how much time she had left before someone noticed she had been away for too long, she brought Theon’s face to hers and kissed him with all she had, pouring all her love into one desperate kiss. She didn’t dare to say the words; she thought it would be cruel to say them out loud and then go and marry someone else.
She was lost in Theon’s embrace when suddenly she heard steps behind her and someone clearing his throat. She stepped away from Theon and gasped when she turned around and saw Lord Stannis staring at the two of them, looking uncomfortable.
She felt the familiar heat on her cheeks and was suddenly grateful for the partial darkness of the passage.
“Lady Sansa,” he greeted her. “You'd best return before you’re missed.”
She was embarrassed and wanted to explain herself to the man, but her tongue felt tied and simply bowed to him and shot Theon one last parting look before walking away.
Theon felt ashamed for compromising Sansa like that again, but before he could explain himself to the man, he suddenly said, “She’s a good woman, Lady Sansa. She can be somewhat misguided, but her heart is in the right place. She can’t fully be blamed, with Lord Stark being the way he is sometimes.” He sounded annoyed as he said this, but there was no derision in his tone. Theon didn’t know Lord Stark well, so he did not challenge the man in his observations.
“I can’t believe Lord Stark is letting a man like that marry his daughter. Scandal and all,” he said that last part as he gave Theon a pointed look, but he didn’t break the stare.
The lord started walking away, and Theon didn’t know if it was panic or madness that made him ask what he said next, “Lord Stannis, may I ask you a question?” He turned around and gave Theon a small nod to indicate he should continue. “Lady Baratheon. Would you say she’s a woman of virtue?”
“I could say many things about my brother’s wife, none of them good. Why?”
“Has anything odd struck you about certain relationships she holds, my lord?”
“Speak true, Captain Greyjoy. Has she made a cuck out of my brother?”
Theon tried to choose his next words carefully. “She and her brother seem to be very close to one another. Don’t you think so, my lord?”
Lord Stannis’ eyes darkened in a way that made Theon shiver, and he wished never to be at odds with the man in front of him.
“I see.” The man said nothing more, but paced around the passageway for some minutes. “Have you shared your suspicions with anyone, Captain?”
“They’re not suspicions, my lord, and the lady present with us some minutes ago was also a witness to this.”
Lord Stannis’ eyes widened with shock, and Theon thought he detected some worry in them too.
“You’ve given me much to think about, Captain, but you best keep your observations to yourself for the time being.”
Theon nodded to the man. He wasn’t sure if Lord Stannis would do anything with the information or not, but he’d had the feeling he would be the best person to share the secret with.
Robb had spent the past few days thinking about Sansa and her upcoming nuptials. He felt like a terrible brother, if he was being honest. Firstly, for accusing Sansa of scandal, like any other member of the wretched ton, and secondly, the knowledge that she would be marrying a man like Petyr Baelish just to protect Arya… he almost felt like crying.
He felt even scummier because Sansa had been the first one in the family to extend her friendship to Jeyne, and hadn’t reprimanded him for marrying the daughter of a no-name Baronet. Oh, she had called him out for his impulsiveness and lack of foresight, and had reminded him that she and Arya would most likely be the ones to have to make amends for his non-advantageous marriage, but she was kind to Jeyne and helped smooth any ruffled feathers he might’ve caused.
He was unfocused, and the numbers in the books he was revising were blending into each other, so when his secretary announced that Lord Waymar Royce was there to see him, he welcomed the distraction.
In truth, he had been his favorite of Sansa’s suitors, and right now he was wishing she had accepted his courtship long ago, but there was nothing he could do right now.
He stood up when the man walked into his office and greeted him, “Lord Waymar. How do you do?” he asked as he shook his hand.
“Quite well, Lord Robb. Thank you.” The man took the seat in front of him and he noticed the troubled look on his features. Robb had a feeling he wasn’t going to like what Lord Waymar was about to tell him.
“My father is in town. I believe he and your lord father were close friends while they were at Eton.” Robb nodded, he remembered Yohn Royce’s name from some of the stories Father had told him. “He’d been excited about the possibility of a betrothal between Lady Sansa and me, and he thought it a shame when it did not come to fruition. However, he was quite disturbed when he heard your sister was to marry Lord Baelish.” Robb was getting irritated. Couldn’t he just get to the point?
“Before I continue, I wanted to ask how much you know of Lord Baelish’s businesses in the Vale.”
Robb opened his mouth to reply, but realized he actually didn't know what to reply.
“Do not fret, my lord, this is by design. You see, Lord Baelish is quite adept at making money. Unfortunately for others, he’s even more adept at convincing people to give them their money to make a profit.” Lord Waymar took a pause to see if Robb was paying attention, and he nodded at the man once more. “Some years ago, he established the Gulltown Deposit Company, allegedly with some investors from Turkey. He promised very high return rates and the customers flocked to it, as you can imagine. I’m not aware of all the details since I was at Eton already as this happened, but my father tells me that the company suddenly declared bankruptcy, and plenty of people found themselves without their savings.”
Robb sank into his chair and poured himself and Lord Waymar some brandy. He downed it all before the other man continued, “I believe he’s set up a similar, more ambitious scheme here in London. Tell me, Lord Robb, how much is your sister’s dowry?”
“Do you believe he’d use Sansa’s dowry for this business?”
“I’m sure of it. After all, he does need to keep his investors happy, so they keep the money flowing.”
So they were marrying Sansa off not only to a man who had pressured her to marry him through blackmail, but also to a fraudster. Wonderful .
“I wish I could be of more help, but I thought passing this information to you was of vital importance. Lady Sansa is an exceptional woman, and beyond any courting intentions, I value her friendship quite deeply and I believe she deserves better than such a man.”
“I won’t disagree with you on that one, Waymar. May I call you that?” The other man nodded and he continued, “And please, call me Robb.” He poured himself more brandy, but didn’t drink all the contents in one go like he’d previously done. “I’m afraid Lord Baelish has tied my sister’s hands quite tight in order to secure this marriage.”
Waymar’s eyes darkened. “Has he compromised Lady Sansa?”
“Not in the way you might be thinking. Unfortunately, I cannot speak on it, since it could endanger her.” He thought he might be telling more than he should, but he was certain he could rely on the Royces’ discretion.
Waymar’s frown deepened, and he was quiet for some minutes, deep in thought. “I shall speak to my father and see if he can procure more information about what we’ve discussed,” he said as he stood up.
“This has been quite enlightening. I thank you for bringing this to our attention,” Robb replied, as he shook Waymar’s hand.
“I truly wish it wasn’t necessary to say this, but House Royce will continue to be a friend of House Stark.”
Robb smiled at the man and walked him to the door, and patted Waymar’s shoulder in a display of friendship, as he smiled somewhat awkwardly at him. His head was spinning and it wasn’t from the alcohol he’d imbibed. He wondered if he should bring this up to Sansa. It wouldn’t be good to get her hopes up, but perhaps she could extract some information from the Baelish. He wouldn’t suspect her, right?
Maybe he could be the big brother he’d failed to be all these years.
In the end, Robb decided that Sansa deserved honesty. This affected her the most after all, and she would be rightfully upset if he hid this from her. He asked her and Jon to meet him in the drawing room after everyone had retired to bed.
Sansa walked in some minutes after Jon had, in her nightrail and robe, and simply shrugged and took a seat when Robb looked at her with some exasperation, but he wasn’t here to argue with her. He needed to keep a cool head this evening.
“Lord Waymar Royce paid me a visit this afternoon.” They both looked confused, so he simply continued, “Lord Royce expressed his concerns about your betrothal to Lord Baelish. The man doesn’t have a good reputation in the Vale.”
“Just what is your point, Robb?” asked Jon.
“He set up a deposit company in Gulltown, and apparently made away with the savings of a good number of people.”
“So I’m to marry a swindler,” Sansa said with resignation.
“No. I mean, we can try to use this to annul the betrothal. Lord Waymar will try to gather more evidence with his father.” He looked at Sansa again. “Has he ever mentioned anything to you about what he does?”
“Only that Lord and Lady Baratheon are in business with him, but nothing more than that. He wants me to be meek and obedient; he probably thinks I would be too stupid to understand anything.”
“Goddammit.”
“I don’t know anyone who might know Baelish, but I can ask Lieutenant General Mormont if he knows anyone in Gulltown who can provide any information about this.”
Robb nodded, but Sansa remained deep in thought for some moments. She said in almost a whisper, “Tyrion Lannister.” Robb wasn’t sure if he was hearing well, but she said in a louder voice, “Lord Tyrion is a barrister, he might know something– or he could have a better idea how to use whatever we might find.”
“He’s a Lannister!” Robb protested.
“Yes, but he and Cersei hate each other and I’m sure he doesn’t like Baelish either. And he was kind to me,” she added in the same almost whisper as before.
“Fine. I will stop by his office as soon as possible.”
“I’m going to the theater with Baelish tomorrow.” Before Robb or Jon started protesting, she continued, “It’s better to keep him in a good mood. I’m relieved Father is not letting him visit me at home, but I will need to entertain him in public at least. It’s better if he doesn’t think we suspect anything. And I’m going with you to meet with Lord Tyrion. Remember, I know him, Cersei, and Baelish better than both of you.”
She felt some measure of relief when Robb didn’t disagree with her and the three of them decided to part ways for the evening. She couldn’t find sleep right away and tried to go over anything Baelish might’ve let slip during the time she’d known him and came up with nothing.
She wondered if sleep would ever come easily for her again.
Sansa had always loved the theater. Or at least her younger self had. She remembered putting on plays with Robb, Jon and Arya, until that particular hobby was quashed by Aunt Lysa, who told her actresses were whores in all but name and she should look after her virtue. After that, she had dreamed of going to the theater following her debut. Putting on elegant dresses, sitting with one of her suitors and stealing kisses in their box, enjoying the different productions and everything in between, but she saw it as a burden now. It was yet another place where she had to put on a mask and ignore the gossip around her and make conversation with people she didn’t like, and find ways to dodge Baelish’s slimy fingers and kisses. It was her own mummer’s show.
Thankfully, Jon remained nearby and Baelish couldn’t do much that night but press a kiss that lingered for too long on her hand when they were saying their goodbyes.
Their excursion the following Monday required more organisation than they had originally planned. Jon thought it best if no one saw Sansa leaving with Robb to Lord Tyrion’s bureau, in case Baelish was having Sansa followed by one of his men. She’d donned one of Jeyne’s capes and got inside the carriage at the back of their house before it pulled up front and Robb got in. If anyone asked, Sansa would be inside the Stark residence all afternoon.
It had taken Robb some convincing, but they had managed to get an appointment with Lord Tyrion that day. The youngest Lannister couldn’t deny he was curious why Ned Stark’s heir needed such an urgent meeting with him.
Tyrion couldn’t manage to hide his shock too well when the two eldest Stark siblings walked into his office with matching somber faces.
“Lord Robb, Lady Sansa, please do sit.” He pointed to a small couch by the window and gestured towards his liquor cabinet in a silent question. The two of them shook their heads and continued, “I must admit, it’s quite a surprise to see you here, my lady. Your brother left out this part of his insistent requests.”
She gave him a small smile that didn’t look too enthusiastic. “This matter concerns me the most, Lord Tyrion. I thought it fair that I should be present for this.”
“Very well, my lady. It is a nice surprise, I’ll admit. I have missed having a pleasant conversation partner during dinners with my sister and nephew.”
She sighed in a way that indicated that she didn’t miss those dinners at all and he couldn’t help but chuckle. Robb cleared his throat and he focused once more on the two siblings. “Tell me, what can I do for you two?”
“I assume you’ve heard the news of my recent betrothal to Lord Baelish?” Sansa asked. He nodded once and she exchanged a look with her brother before continuing, “Lord Tyrion, how familiar are you with Lord Baelish’s enterprises?”
Now that was a surprise. “Lady Sansa, let us be frank. Are you asking me if I know of Lord Baelish’s frauds?”
The siblings bore equal faces of surprise, and Tyrion would’ve laughed if only he weren’t sure neither of his guests would find it amusing.
“May I ask, how did you hear of this information? I doubt any Stark is in business with the man.”
Robb was the one who spoke this time, “A family friend from the Vale thought we should be informed about this, once the news of Sansa’s engagement was announced.”
“Of course, of course.” He walked towards his liquor cabinet and started pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “May I?” he asked, but didn’t wait until either replied before he started drinking the amber liquor.
“You might know the bare bones of the operation, right?” He didn’t wait for them to reply. “He got some wealthy investors to give him money to set up a bank and promised them a high interest rate on those deposits. He got other people to invest, and with that, he paid his original investors and so on. All while skimming some for himself, of course.”
“And do you know any of these investors?” she asked desperately.
“Mayhaps. Are you asking me to get involved?”
Robb lost his patience, “Why else would we be here–” but Sansa cut him off.
“Lord Tyrion. This is not just about my reluctance to marry Lord Baelish. The people he’s stolen from deserve justice too.”
“You Starks and your honor,” he chuckled some more while finishing his drink and took a look at the woman in front of him. The sincerity in her eyes unnerved him and he had to look away. “I’ll see what I can do for you, Lady Sansa, but I won’t make any promises.”
“Thank you, Lord Tyrion. It’s nice to see a Lannister with some honor,” she said as she and Robb stood up.
He laughed heartily at that. “Jaime is not so bad either.”
The small smile on her face dropped and he didn’t know what he had said to make her mood darken so suddenly.
“Ser Jaime would not be the first person that comes to mind when I think of propriety,” Sansa replied, seemingly without thinking. Her eyes widened and she took a deep breath before trying to school her features once more.
What did she mean by that?
Tyrion didn’t think he would get an answer out of her right now, especially with her brother looking confused as well and her face now a mask of impassivity. He’d have to dig in later.
“I have some letters to write then. Lord Robb, Lady Sansa.” He ushered the pair outside his office and went back to his desk, racking his brain thinking of who could help him in his particular little task. He thought he knew where to begin, and he pulled out a fresh piece of parchment. He did have some letters to write, after all.
Sansa felt the walls were closing in on her as the days kept passing.
Her father had relaxed regarding her visits and at least Margaery and Arianne could see her and bring her morsels of gossip. With her wedding looming closer, her anxiety was at an all-time high and she had not had a proper night of sleep in days.
She’d given up all hope if she were being honest. In over a week, she’d be Sansa Baelish and the thought made her want to curl up in a ball and cry again.
She had at least one plan.
She made her way to the Tyrell manor as she and Margaery had planned. She made sure it was that place since Petyr wouldn’t dare to show up unannounced there as he’d done to other places Sansa was visiting. Once she was there, she and Margaery burst into action; she changed into the gown she had borrowed from Jeyne and put on the cloak from one of Margaery’s ladies’ maids the other woman had procured.
Just like she’d done some days ago, she hopped into the Tyrell’s carriage at the back of the house and waited inside as Garlan and Leonette walked in. They looked at her with a conspiratorial smile and she thanked them once again for helping her with her plan.
The couple was fond of promenading at Hyde Park every other day during the fashionable hour, so no one would have any reason to suspect any changes to their routine. On their way there, they dropped Sansa off near Bard Street, where the Greyjoys lived, and dressed in Jeyne’s simple dress, no one paid any attention to Sansa as she hurriedly walked towards Theon’s townhouse.
She knocked on the servants’ entrance and cursed herself for not letting Theon know she’d be doing this and make sure he was there, but there was nothing she could do now but hope for the best.
A young man, she thought she recognized as Theon’s valet, opened the door and looked at her with some confusion. “Are you here for the housekeeper position, miss?”
“What? No.” She tried to compose herself. “I’m here to see Captain Greyjoy.”
“The Captain doesn’t have anything scheduled for the afternoon, miss.”
“Could you tell him Lady Sansa Stark is here to see him, please?”
The name seemed to have rung a bell in the young man’s head, because he hurriedly let her in. “Please follow me,” the Valet said to her. She remembered little of the few visits she had paid to Asha months ago, but it was all quite different from the servants’ quarters perspective.
“Please wait here, my lady,” the young man said as he walked inside Theon’s solar, and she took the chance to remove her bonnet. Just a few moments later, the door opened to reveal a frantic-looking Theon, who looked at her like he couldn’t believe she was real.
“Sansa?” he half whispered, half yelled, as he enveloped her in a crushing hug. “What…?”
“I had to see you,” was all she could say. He understood what wasn’t being said.
He put her back on the ground and walked her inside the solar, and as soon as they were inside and the valet had closed the door, his mouth descended onto hers to kiss her. It was a desperate kiss, and she clung one hand onto his shirt and another sneaked to the back of his head to press him even closer to her.
She didn’t realize she was crying until she felt Theon gently dry her tears with his thumbs and whisper, “Please don’t cry. If you cry, I’ll start crying too,” which had the opposite effect and she simply succumbed to her tears and cried for a few minutes on Theon’s chest. Once she had calmed down, she tried to smile a little as he got a good look at her.
“How did you even get here?”
“Margaery. But also Jeyne, Garlan and Leo helped.”
She thought of all the things she wanted to say to Theon. She’d even practiced a short speech during the times she was alone, but being there and seeing him, all she could say was “It’s so unfair!”
He didn’t want to interrupt her, so he waited for her to elaborate.
“I’ve waited for so long for someone to love, and now that I’ve found you…”
He felt time had stopped. Did he hear it correctly? Was his head playing tricks on him? He looked at her again and her eyes were shiny with fresh tears, waiting for him to reply.
He kissed her eyelids as he told her, “I’m in love with you, my darling. I didn’t think I could love anyone the way I love you.”
“You love me…?”
She looked up at him in disbelief and he told her again, “I think I’ve loved you from the moment I met you.”
“Oh, Theon! I’ve been so scared to tell you, but I do love you as well!” Her smile was radiant as she hooked her arms around her neck and looked up to stare at him before kissing him again.
“I want to be with you.” He looked at her with some confusion, but she continued, “Baelish already thinks my virtue is lost. I’d rather give it to you, out of my own will.”
She looked determined and he knew better than to try to question her. At this point, he’d do anything she asked of him, so he kissed her again until they had to come up for air.
He walked the couple of steps towards the sofa he kept on his solar, and once his legs hit the furniture, he sat down and dragged Sansa down with him. She giggled as she straddled him and removed the kerchief from her shoulders. She threaded her long fingers through his hair as she peppered his face with kisses and he tried to do the same. She unpinned her hair from the simple updo it was in and let her auburn locks free. He combed his fingers through her long hair with fascination and Sansa thought she might give him a lock of her hair to keep. Swiftly, he laid her down on the sofa and pushed her skirts up to find her center with his fingers.
He was thrilled to find her wet already.
Her blue eyes were almost fully dark as he spread her juices on her cunt and teased her pearl with his thumb. She moaned his name as he entered her with one finger. He let her adjust to the feeling as his thumb kept swirling around her clit and added another finger as he felt her start to pulse around it. She gasped and moaned so prettily as his fingers went in and out of her core.
She looked at him as she whispered, “More,” and he didn’t hesitate as he added a third finger and let the heel of his hand continue pressing down on her clit. Her hips were rocking instinctively, and he made sure to commit the image to memory of her first release as she arched and came moaning his name.
He let her catch her breath but made sure she saw him as he licked his fingers clean of her juices. He could perfectly hear her voice saying, “That’s perfectly immoral!" but he saw her follow his every move despite any internal protests.
She stretched her arm to grab his hardened member, but he stood up before she could do anything. Before she realized what was happening, he scooped her up in his arms and started walking. He kicked the doors open, walked towards the stairs and went upstairs between her giggles.
She thought she saw the valet open the bedroom door but it didn’t matter as they walked inside and he put her down on the bed. She didn’t even have time to reach for his pants before her skirts were up again and he opened her legs. She thought she’d see him standing before her when she lifted her head, but he was lying down and before she knew it, she felt a different kind of pressure on her cunt.
“Theon…?”
He didn’t reply but let his tongue do all the work as he lapped her up expertly. She felt him lick her folds and her slit before he started fucking her with his tongue. She was still sensitive from her previous orgasm and it didn’t take long for her to come again as she held onto Theon’s head. She felt him laugh, satisfied with his work as he kissed the inside of her thighs and down her legs.
She looked down as he started unlacing her stockings and removing her shoes, and she felt that the rest of her clothes needed to be taken off as well.
She stood up and untied the drawstrings of the simple cotton gown, and once Theon realized what she was doing, he started removing his clothes as well. She undid the straps of her petticoat, and once that was on the floor, Theon took charge and helped her unfasten her stays. Not breaking her eye contact, she pulled off her shift and stood naked in front of Theon.
He had a wild look in his eyes as he stared her up and down and he practically pounced on her as the two tumbled on the bed again. He broke the kiss to finish removing his shirt and she laughed as he threw it to the floor, but her giggles ceased as Theon started enthusiastically rutting against her and she felt his hardness against her slick folds.
Her heart was beating wildly inside her chest. She’d never even dreamed of doing something like this before; something that was entirely for herself .
She didn’t want to dwell on the fact that her life after this would be like a caged songbird’s.
Theon leaned on his elbows and cupped her cheek with one hand as he confirmed if she was sure she wanted this. She gave him a soft smile and a small nod and he spread her legs further to position himself.
She gasped as he entered her, and she took quick breaths as she tried to adjust to the stretch. He didn’t move anymore and kept whispering in between pecks to relax. She still felt some of the sting but thought he could move already. He unsheathed himself and thrust into her again, but she felt ready this time and tried to sync her hips to his movements.
He started a steady rhythm and she felt herself enjoying it more and more as he started playing with her breasts; one of his hands kneading and tweaking her nipple and his tongue licking the other. His lips moved to the valley of her breasts and made his way up to her neck, where she felt him give a small bite. Her cunt pulsed around him as she thought of him covering her neck with marks.
His pace was faster now and she felt his pelvis brush against her clit every time he thrust into her and she knew a new orgasm was building.
“Theon… Theon…” she moaned against his mouth. She felt a hand move from her hip to her center and she gasped at the combined sensation of his fingers on her clit and his cock inside of her. She looked up and saw that Theon was staring at her and he gave her one of his familiar grins as she moaned even louder. She couldn’t even be annoyed about him being smug about this, because she felt so damn good and wanted him to make her come again.
His movements felt frantic now, and she was desperately trying to keep up with him. She closed her legs around his hips and something about this angle finally pushed her over the edge and she felt her whole body shake with the force of her orgasm. She felt Theon start to pull out, but she kept her legs locked around him and could barely mumble, “Inside me… come inside me.”
He didn’t have to think twice because almost immediately he rumbled her name and she felt his warm seed inside her and knew he had finished. They lay still for some moments and she didn’t let go of him.
“Please. I just want to feel you a bit longer,” she whispered.
Eventually, he detached himself from her, since he didn’t want to crush her, but he simply pressed himself up on one arm and stared at her. She blushed from the intensity of his gaze and looked away. He lay back down and nestled himself in the crevice of her neck.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn't have…”
He let the thought linger and she realized what he was saying.
“No, don’t be sorry.” She had thought about this before, but she knew she had to be honest with Theon. “It’s rather selfish of me, but I’d be happy if I became pregnant. I’d get to keep a part of you with me,” she finished saying as her hand caressed his face. It was a gamble she was willing to take.
He didn’t say anything but simply held her in his arms.
She stirred some time later. She thought she heard someone knocking on the door and felt Theon’s warmth leave her.
“Sansa,” he whispered as he softly touched her face to wake her up. She opened her eyes and returned Theon’s smile. “I asked Willem to wake us up before the sun went down.”
Ah, yes. She remembered telling Theon that Garlan and Leonette would be picking her up around 6 in the afternoon. She sat, reluctantly, covering herself with the sheet, and Theon hoped he could remember the image of a sleepy, dishevelled Sansa for the rest of his days.
Would this be the last time he ever saw Sansa like this, happy and carefree? Of course, he was aware of all the worries running through her mind, but he thought that at least they’d had a moment of bliss.
He resisted the urge to tease her as she dressed herself again, as he would any other lover, because he’d drag her back to bed and never let her leave his rooms again. So he watched her, imagining a different life.
She did her hair in a simple braid and they both went downstairs. They were about to exit when she remembered something.
“Wait!” and walked back towards the solar to pick up Jeyne’s kerchief and tie it around her shoulders again. She remembered the thought she’d had earlier and asked Theon, “Do you have a knife?”
He looked at her with confusion, but went to his desk and grabbed a folding knife from one of the drawers and handed it to her. She pulled out a lock of hair from her braid, but before she did anything, she looked at him and started saying, “I thought you might– you can keep it–”
He realized what she was saying and nodded at her. She cut the piece of hair and wished she had some laces at hand to tie it up, but he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and neatly folded the strands of hair inside.
She nodded to indicate she was ready and they walked in silence to the street where her friends had dropped her hours ago. She saw the carriage approaching and pulled Theon into one last kiss that she cut abruptly; otherwise, they’d be arrested for public indecency.
She found that she couldn’t bring herself to look at Theon for a final time.
Theon had never been a religious person, so he only had himself to blame when he decided to attend Church, for the first time in years, to see for himself the priest call the banns for Sansa and Lord Baelish one last time. The picture was as Asha had described; no one seemed happy about the announcement except for the groom himself, but he left before Sansa could see he was there. He guessed that wouldn’t help at all.
He’d been spending much of his time lately at Brooks’s, drinking and gambling away.
That night, though, he’d chosen to visit White’s for a change. The crowd at Gentlemen’s Clubs was usually full of stuck-up, pretentious pricks, but White’s was even more insufferable. He’d gone out to take a piss when he ran into someone he was definitely not in the mood to see that night, or ever.
“Ah, Captain Greyjoy! What a surprise to see you here,” Jaime Lannister said cheerfully.
“White’s is not my usual joint,” was all he replied.
Jaime didn’t seem to notice or care and continued looking at Theon with his usual carefree grin as he pulled out a small snuffbox from his pocket. He offered Theon some, but he declined and the other man proceeded to sniff his tobacco before putting the box away.
“Poor Lady Sansa, having to marry that bastard. What happened?”
Theon had been drinking that night, and he wasn’t sure if the other man was provoking him or not, but regardless, he took the bait.
“I’m sure Lady Baratheon might be able to fill you in on the details,” he said with all the bitterness he’d been holding.
He thought he saw some confusion in the blonde man’s eyes before the outrage took over.
“I’d watch out what you say about my sister, Captain. I’m not a very forgiving man.”
“Oh, I know what kind of man you are with your sister, Ser . If you’ll excuse me.” He left before he said anything that would tempt Jaime Lannister to challenge him to a duel. White’s regulars would certainly not be eager to assist him if needed; he was sure of it.
He returned to the gaming room and joined a new round of whist before he noticed that Jaime Lannister had followed him. The man seemed certainly less composed than he had been some minutes before and Theon felt some satisfaction that he had rattled the man.
He made to leave before the other man intercepted him.
“I don’t know what information you think you’re in possession of, Captain, but I would tread carefully.”
Theon chuckled to himself. “I won’t confirm or deny anything, Ser. But I’ll tell you what, let’s bet on it. You win and I take whatever I know to my grave. If I win, you and your sister leave town and never talk about Lady Sansa or her family ever again.”
“Testy, aren’t we?”
“It’s your call.”
Jaime Lannister grinned, “How do you like piquet, Captain?”
They attracted a small audience, as Lannister was a pretty popular man in these rooms, and Theon wasn’t exactly part of the company he kept. The cards were dealt and Theon rearranged his into suits, counting the sequences and sets. He was not the dealer this round and exchanged 4 cards from the remaining deck and declared his combinations. The game began.
Luck wasn’t on Theon’s side for the first two hands and Jaime smirked as he counted his points. Things turned around for Theon the next three hands, but their points were still pretty close for him to feel comfortable.
For the last hand, Jaime won two of the sequence points, but Theon won one. Fair enough. His pulse started quickening once the tricks began and Theon won trick after trick. He’d win most in this hand at least, he thought after Jaime took the last two ones, but he had a good feeling about this one.
“That would be 152 for me,” Lannister said.
Theon looked at his total. “156,” he replied.
Lannister stood up and shook his hand. Theon picked up his earnings from the table and trailed after Jaime. The blonde man turned around before the exit and made sure no one listened to the end of their conversation.
“You won fair and square, Captain. I will leave before the end of the week, but please allow me to get some affairs in order, not to rouse suspicions,” he said, sounding annoyed.
“Do whatever you must. Just remember, your sister was not the only one who saw things she shouldn’t behind closed doors at a ball.”
Lannister’s eyes widened and his mouth curled in distaste, but Theon had wanted to make sure that the man knew what was at stake for him and his sister. He had no plans of revealing what he knew, or if Stannis Baratheon had found anything on his own, but he could do at least this for Sansa. Jaime Lannister nodded one last time and headed out without looking back.
Sansa hadn’t wanted to buy a new gown for her wedding. She’d been planning on wearing one of her best morning dresses, but it would’ve been one of her old ones.
She didn’t know why she was surprised that Baelish would encourage her to get a new dress – meaning he had already made an appointment with a dressmaker, and she would be marrying in a new one. At least I won’t have to throw away one of my dresses , she thought.
Catelyn looked like she was mourning when she helped Sansa get ready that morning. Things had been tense ever since her mother arrived with Bran and Rickon for her wedding, and she had confronted Sansa about marrying Baelish and said she couldn’t understand what she was doing. She confessed to her that he had attempted to drag her into a scandal when she was younger, and Uncle Brandon, who at the time had been courting her, had challenged him to a duel. Their seconds had resolved the argument in the end, but Baelish had obviously not gotten over it.
She kissed Lady’s head one last time and scratched her belly and Jeyne assured her she would make sure she was taken care of. Baelish had made it clear her kitten wasn’t welcome at her new home.
Robb and Jon arrived at the parish early and looked at the small congregation that had gathered. No one seemed too happy to be here. Robb was indignant when he spotted Tyrion Lannister, as the man had seemingly not moved a finger to help his sister, and he was looking too smug for his liking.
The groom arrived some minutes later and simply grinned at him as a way to greet him.
Tyrion Lannister thought this was the best time to come and say hi to Robb. “Lord Robb. Lieutenant Snow, is that right?” Jon nodded and accepted the handshake the small man was offering. “I hope you don’t mind me, I took the liberty to invite some guests of my own. They should be arriving soon.”
“I don’t think Sansa will notice who attended this sham, my lord,” Robb said pointedly.
“Ah, but I think she will.”
Robb tuned out Lord Tyrion’s words as he asked Jon about his service and what he had seen on the Continent, but suddenly, there was a buzz in the parrish as two new guests walked inside.
“Lord Varys! Mr. Nestoris!” Tyrion was calling the two men to them and Robb turned around to see two men dressed in exotic garments. The bald, plump one wore a purple silk kaftan and the flowy pantaloons he’d seen Turkish men wear, and the thin man with a long, black beard wore a traditional Indian outfit.
“Come, come,” he indicated to Robb and Jon and walked towards the two men and made the introductions. “Gentlemen, these are some old acquaintances I made during my many trips. This is Lord Varys Hill and this is Mr. Tycho Nestoris. And these are Lord Robb Stark and Lieutenant Jon Snow, they’re part of the bride’s family,” he explained. He turned to Baelish, who was looking deadly pale and said rather loudly, “Lord Baelish! Please join us, I believe you’re already familiar with my guests.”
It was then he noticed the look in the two other men. Mr. Nestoris looked quite livid, while Lord Varys was observing the situation with tremendous interest.
Baelish walked a couple of steps in their direction but suddenly broke into a sprint towards the doors. Robb was too shocked to react or follow the man.
“Do you know where he lives?” asked Mr. Nestoris. Tyrion was the one to confirm he did and he replied, “Good. The Iron Bank has been looking for Lord Baelish for some time.”
Robb was broken out of his reverie by noises outside, and he realized it was the carriage with Sansa inside. He didn’t run, but walked quite fast to reach it, and before his sister could step out, he told her through the tiny window, “Baelish has fled and it doesn’t look like he’s coming back. Go home!”
He went back inside the parish, and since everyone had just seen Baelish run out of the church for no reason, he didn’t have much to say to the people attending the wedding, only that he apologized for wasting people’s time and they’d let everyone know if it would be rescheduled.
Robb was accosted by Sansa and his parents when he returned to their house and he explained as much as he could about what had happened, only to be interrupted by Cassel announcing Lord Tyrion Lannister and his two guests were outside waiting to be let in.
“Tyrion Lannister?” Catelyn basically hissed to her son.
“I was the one who suggested we ask for his help!” Sansa butted in. “Cassel, please let them in and tell the kitchen to send some of the food meant for the wedding breakfast. It shouldn’t go to waste.”
“Our lovely bride is here!” Tyrion said as he walked into the drawing room. Sansa looked exasperated, but Ned and Catelyn were glaring at the man. He paid them no mind. “Lord Stark, Lady Stark, Lady Sansa, please allow me to introduce the two men here. This is Lord Varys Hill, a former Turkish diplomat, and Mr. Tycho Nestoris, a representative from the Iron Bank.”
After the food was served, Tyrion and the two foreign men explained how former directors at the Iron Bank had approved multiple loans for Lord Baelish that he had failed to pay back and how he had roped in multiple members of the Turkish nobility into another scheme when he had visited the country and was wanted there as well.
As the three men went into detail about Baelish’s exploits, Cassel walked in again and announced the arrival of Lord Brynden Blackwood. Sansa was confused, but asked the butler to send the man in.
Lord Brynden looked already disturbed as he walked inside, but he was clearly not expecting the small crowd inside the Starks’ drawing room. He took one look at Sansa and exclaimed, “Lady Sansa! You’re not married!”
She felt embarrassed by the situation and just replied, “No, Lord Brynden. The groom suddenly disappeared before I arrived at church.”
He blushed and took a breath to calm down, “Please excuse me for my outburst, my lady. I happen to know where Lord Baelish is. Or at least where he was after he ran away from your wedding.”
Lord Brynden started relating how he had been at Brooks’s playing cards with Lord Dickon and Captain Greyjoy, when suddenly a frazzled-looking Baelish burst into the room and interrupted the session. He was very hostile towards the Captain once he spotted him, and laid a slew of accusations at his feet, but Theon didn’t give him the reaction he was looking for. It was only once he mentioned Sansa that he got angry. Baelish said some rather offensive things about her and Theon had no other choice but to challenge Baelish to a duel. Dickon offered to be his second and the two men would be meeting at dawn the following day.
Sansa felt herself getting faint and sat in one of the armchairs, as Robb and her parents asked Brynden for more details about what Baelish had said about Sansa and Theon.
A glass of water was offered to her and she saw Lord Varys standing in front of her, giving her a small smile. She accepted the drink and gulped it down as the rest of the group argued next to her.
“You’re better off not marrying a man like that, my lady,” he said in a quiet voice.
“It wasn’t by choice, my lord.”
“Of course.”
As the guests started leaving the Stark manor, Sansa had intended to go to the Greyjoys’ house and talk Theon out of dueling Baelish, but her parents immediately figured out her plans and forbade her from leaving the house until the dust settled.
Margaery and Arianne stopped by a little after that and provided her with some distraction, but she had only her thoughts to occupy her after that.
Sleep evaded her that night, and she almost jumped when she heard a soft knock on her door and Arya slid inside her room.
“You’re awake, good. Go get dressed.”
Sansa looked at her with confusion but didn’t move, and Arya walked towards her dresser and pulled out a simple gown and handed it to her.
“Come on! I convinced Jon to take you to wherever your captain is dueling at, but we have to be quick.”
Sansa snapped out of the trance she was in and dressed as fast as she could, not even bothering to put on her stays. Arya handed her a pair of riding boots and she thought about asking for something else, but figured these would be better if they had to walk through any muddy terrain. She grabbed a dark cloak and followed her sister down to the kitchens and towards the servants' door.
Jon was waiting in a carriage a block down from their house, and there was a tall, buff boy where the driver would be.
“That’s Gendry,” was all Arya said as they stepped inside.
The ride felt eternal and all Sansa could do was pray that they weren’t too late to avoid a tragedy.
It was still dark when Theon and Dickon arrived at Wimbledon Common and they had to wait some 15 more minutes until Baelish arrived with Mr. Lothor Brune, his second, and the doctor.
Dickon and Brune had the required discussion to see if reconciliation was possible, but Dickon relayed later that Baelish was not interested in seeing Theon live another day.
Dawn started breaking and Brune stated that the duel could begin. They met in the middle and each grabbed a pistol from the case Brune was holding. Baelish was grinning, and before Theon started walking to his spot, the other man whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the little whore once you’re gone, Captain .”
If Theon could’ve beaten down the man then and there, he would’ve, but he just turned around and waited until Brune gave them the go. He heard the man doing the countdown and started walking, but around three and two, he heard Dickon clearly yelling, “What are you doing?!” and before he could react, a bullet flew past his left ear.
His ear was ringing and he turned around, enraged, to see a pale Baelish realizing his shot had missed. Dickon yelled angrily, “Hold it!” to both Baelish and Brune, and it would’ve been too easy to shoot Baelish dead. He was an excellent marksman and knew he wouldn’t miss his head or heart, but he was certain that a slimy rat like Baelish would have something set up to fuck him over.
So, he lowered his aim and hit Baelish’s knee.
He heard Baelish’s scream and saw him fall out of the corner of his eye, but he got distracted after his shot by a familiar voice yelling his name. He turned around and saw Sansa running towards him, flanked by her sister and cousin, and he barely had time to open his arms and catch Sansa as she threw herself at him.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” she asked in between tears as she examined his face.
“I’m okay, my love.”
“I heard a gunshot and Dickon was yelling. I was so scared!”
Baelish was still screaming and he heard Brune asking, “Are you satisfied, sir?” and he voiced his agreement before the doctor present started tending to the man.
Sansa turned her head to look at the scene. There was a lot of blood and the doctor and the other man were trying to hold the injured man down so a bandage could stop the bleeding before moving him, but she took a look at Baelish’s face and shuddered. It was completely red, though not from the pain but from pure, unadulterated rage, and she was certain that if he could kill both her and Theon, he would do it. She hid her face in Theon’s chest and felt one of Theon’s hands cradling her head and the other going up and down her back to calm her down.
“Okay, since no one is dead, we really should head back before people notice you’re missing,” Arya said, looking around.
She heard Theon snort and she broke away from his embrace, but she took the chance to give him a quick kiss. Arya was right, they should return home. Now that her nerves could calm down, she felt the exhaustion of the day catching up with her, and all she wanted was to be in bed.
Sansa wasn’t too surprised to find their father waiting for them when they returned. He’d always been an early riser, so she hoped he hadn’t been up for hours and had simply woken up at his usual time.
“How did everything go?”
“Theon is fine,” she said, and she saw him relax a little.
“He shot Baelish in the knee!” Leave it to Arya to not have any sense of subtlety. Still, she couldn’t be annoyed with her sister since she helped her out in her own way.
“Mr. Nestoris and Lord Varys will be happy to hear that Baelish won’t be able to run away this time,” her father replied, without sounding sorry for the other man. “Now you two, go to bed. I’ll tell your mother to let you sleep in.”
He kissed both of their heads and went into his office to get started for the day. They were aware that Baelish was likely to sue her for the loss of her dowry after the engagement was canceled, and her reputation might be less bruised if they sued him first for breach of promise. Of course, Lord Tyrion had volunteered to represent her in court if it came to that.
Sansa and Arya started walking towards their rooms when Arya said in a low voice, “I’m sorry you almost got married to Baelish because of me. I really didn’t mean to get caught.” Sansa snorted a little but she continued, “I really would’ve rather have a scandal of my own than see you wed to a scumbag like that. It wasn’t fair to you."
Her eyes stung with tears and she held her sister in a tight hug. She knew Arya didn’t mean for things to get so out of control.
“Baelish would’ve still tried to trap me because of my own mistake. And Cersei would’ve also tried to find another way to mess with me, it’s not all your fault.”
Arya bit her lip and looked away as she hugged Sansa this time. She realized now how guilty her sister had been feeling and saw no point in continuing to hold a grudge, now that things had worked out.
“Thank you for sneaking me out tonight. I was going mad not knowing what would happen.”
“Figured,” she replied with a shrug. “Well, good night!” and with that she sneaked into her room.
Sansa was too tired to even get out of the clothes she was wearing and she managed to fall into a deep slumber as soon as her head touched her pillow.
Lady Myranda was the first to pay her a visit the next day, rather than Margaery or Arianne, not wanting to miss any potential gossip.
Sansa was informed that the ton was practically buzzing with the news of her failed wedding and the duel between Captain Greyjoy and Lord Baelish.
“Of course, no one is too sorry to see a man like Baelish get his comeuppance. Especially after Lord Tyrion revealed the depth of his wickedness!”
She didn’t have to pretend too much to be terribly upset about his deviousness and how he had deceived her and her family. She knew Myranda would tell everyone how shaken Sansa was after these discoveries and embellish it to make her look good.
Suddenly, she gasped, “I can’t believe I almost forgot!” She paused for dramatic effect and Sansa nodded with curiosity for encouragement. “Lady Baratheon has left town in a rush!” This caught her attention and she asked Myranda to elaborate. “Well, Ser Jaime was actually the one to leave first a few days ago, but she parted yesterday morning. The odd thing is that she wasn’t heading south to the Stormlands but to the west. I assume towards Lannisport? How odd, don’t you think?”
It was rather strange. Sansa had assumed that Cersei would be in the printers herself, making sure that everyone knew about Lady Sansa Stark’s disastrous last 48 hours.
Myranda pursed her lips when she realized that Sansa didn’t know anything about that, but she left feeling pleased about the bits of information Sansa had given her to spread around.
Theon stopped by around the end of the day and she was thrilled to find out he was allowed back inside the Stark manor.
Miss Mordane sat within view to chaperone the couple, but the excitement didn’t diminish at all.
They made some small talk and he mentioned how he had finally talked to her father about his intentions to properly court her. Ned Stark had no issues with the man but had said it would be better to wait until the mess with Baelish cleared up before making any announcements, but he was happy to give the couple his blessings.
She talked about Myranda’s visit and asked him what he thought of Cersei’s departure. He didn’t look surprised.
“I made a bet with Jaime Lannister last week at White’s. If I won, he and his sister would leave town and he’d made sure she left you alone. If he won, I wouldn’t talk to anyone about what we discovered the night of the Martell ball. I won the bet.”
Theon looked pretty pleased with himself but Sansa couldn’t help but burst into tears. She cried pitifully into her hands and didn’t even notice when he handed her a handkerchief to dry her tears. She hadn’t realized how much anguish Cersei had caused her, and to have that weight off her shoulders? It was overwhelming.
She closed the gap between her and Theon and kissed him despite Mordane’s protests. It was quite a chaste kiss in comparison to others they’d shared, but she thought it best not to upset the other woman too much. Mordane chastised her and told her to remember herself and glared at Theon, but Sansa was sure she saw a tiny fraction of a smile as she sat back and looked at the couple.
Theon’s visits continued daily and he became a permanent fixture at Sansa’s side during balls and other social outings, so the optics were pretty clear. There was an agreement and an engagement was to follow.
It took Tyrion just a few weeks to end Sansa and Baelish’s betrothal at court, but he’d managed to present a pretty convincing case in her favor. The news about how extensive his schemes had been until now had helped her, but Tyrion had passionately argued how Baelish had targeted Sansa and wouldn’t have stopped at anything to trap her into marriage. People were even convinced now that her scandal with Theon had been fabricated by the man, which was a little off the mark, but she’d happily take the win.
Theon was true to his word and courted her with a lot of enthusiasm after she was declared free of other entanglements, to the point that people were expecting her wedding to be quite the popular event.
She smiled and held Theon’s hand as the priest called the banns for Lady Sansa Stark and Captain Theon Greyjoy and asked if anyone opposed the union.
She would be a happily married woman next season, at last.
Notes:
And that's a wrap! I had no idea this story would grow as it did when I started writing this back in February, I really thought this would be a relatively small oneshot but the inspiration would not leave me! This is not my first multi-chapter story, but it's the first one I'm finishing and I'm super happy with this. I post and blow a kiss to the wind and whoever finds my stories, so the comments and kudos have been super encouraging and I want to thank everyone 😊 it was a whole new challenge writing out of my comfort zone but I really loved creating this.
As I mentioned before, this is my first historical fic, so I apologize for any inconsistencies, but I would like to refer to some sources that were my lifeline while writing this and taught me so much about the period:
https://www.regencyhistory.net/
https://candicehern.com/regency-world/
https://reginajeffers.blog/
https://beatriceknight.com/
https://regrom.com/
https://janeausten.co.uk/
https://randombitsoffascination.com/
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