The Viper and The Wolf

Chapter 3

Sansa sat comfortably in her room, the breezes from the ocean freshening all around her. She sat in her cushioned chair, sewing silently and comfortably for the first time in a long time. The dinner she had with Oberyn had never left her mind. She tossed and turned all night long as she tried to sleep. He was there to rescue her and bring her back to her family.

Only a day has passed since she had met the Prince of Dorne. And throughout that one whole day, they had walked through the gardens of King's Landing, ate with the Tyrells, and Sansa even watched her future husband spare, battle and train against any volunteered soldier. He had won every time. She repeatedly imagined her future husband spinning his spear with such speed and control before taking down his enemy, moving so elegantly with his lean physique. He was absolutely enchanting.

Oberyn even gave Sansa riding lessons to which she thoroughly enjoyed; laughing and enjoying herself for the first time in years. But Sansa's favorite part of getting to know her future husband was simply sitting and talking with him. He seemed to be trying to make her as comfortable around him as much as he could. Taking leisurely strolls through the rose gardens, holding his arm as he tried to get to know her. Sansa was pleasantly exhausted, the feeling of fatigue from numerous activities felt more amazing than moping around from depression.

She felt safe with him. They didn't call him the Red Viper if it didn't mean he wouldn't protect what was his.

Sansa gasped when she pricked her finger with the needle from wandering in thought. She placed her finger in her mouth, tasting blood before heavy knocks came to the door. She froze before realizing it could be Oberyn. Excitement peeked momentarily as she set her needle and thread aside and crossed the room. She opened the door to see her handsome man in yellow, but instead was faced with Meryn Trant.

"King Joffrey summons you to the Great Hall." He demanded.

All color drained from her face, her excitement and good humor faded and turned to fear, sinking like lead into her stomach. She tried not to fiddle with the Stark House necklace tucked safe and hidden underneath her dress as her hands shook as Trant escorted her from the safety of her room. Once she stepped outside, the building in question loomed over her like the beast that awaited inside. She could only hope that the fact that she was now promised to the Red Viper would cause Kingsguard to hesitate in hurting her. No more whippings, punches or humiliations. Or would they still stand by their duty to obey their king? Kings Landing could not afford a war with Dorne, which she was sure things would lead if she was to be beaten again. Married to the Red Viper or not.

The court was not present. There was only Joffrey, who lounged upon his throne with a wicked glint in his eyes, and his guards who stood at the bottom of the steps that led to the iron chair. Sandor Clegane was not amongst the guards which, from that moment going further, put Sansa on edge. He would never have hurt if she was sure of that. But he wasn't there to stop those things from happening.

Sansa's footsteps echoed through the stone room as her heartbeat pounded heavily in her ears and her entire body trembled uncontrollably. She came to a stop and managed to curtsy low to, wondering if he would force her to kneel to him. No matter how many times she prayed for mercy, it never worked. She wasn't going to start it again now.

"My mother has given me interesting news." Joffrey began as soon as she straightened up. "That you've been given to someone?"

"Yes I have, Your Grace." Sansa kept her eyes fixed on the shiny floor before her. She watched her feet move up and down subtly inside of her shoes, squeezing the long sleeves of her dress.

"You must be pleased. I am not," Sansa lifted her head as she heard the rustle of his fabrics and watched as Joffrey began to make his way down the steps towards her. "I've been told by many that you have been smiling with the prince while strolling through the gardens this morning. I was told that you looked happy." Joffrey said, eyeing her with his dangerous eyes. "Do you know why I think that is?"