Seven Dreams One Kingdom

49-Sansa

The door closed, a heavy thud echoed through the chamber, leaving Sansa in a state of disquiet after the unsettling revelation from Lord Varys. She paced anxiously before the flickering hearth, its flames casting dancing shadows on the walls, while Jon remained seated, contemplative, sipping from his ale.

"How was Joffrey poisoned?" Jon asked, breaking the tense silence that enveloped them.

Sansa sighed, her gaze fixed on the mesmerising dance of the flames. "I was wearing a necklace, a gift from a man named Ser Dontos, in gratitude for saving his life. He claimed it as a family heirloom, but it held a hidden crystal, concealing a deadly poison. I believe Lady Olenna, removed a crystal and laced Joffrey's wine with the contents."

Jon's brow furrowed with concern. "How many of the people here in Winterfell now were present at that wedding?"

Sansa offered a rueful smile. "Perhaps an easier question would be who wasn't present. The guest list was extensive."

In a gesture of reassurance, Jon reached for Sansa's hand, pulling her gently towards him. His arm wrapped around the back of her thighs. "I think it's crucial to consider those aligned with either Daenerys or Cersei," Jon said, his gaze fixed on the flickering fire.

"Maybe someone who might wish to act independently, with motives that align with Lord Varys's interests," Sansa said, her mind racing through the possibilities.

Jon nodded in agreement. "Let's begin with the newcomers. They are Yara, Theon, and Ellaria."

"Theon can be trusted. By extension, so can Yara," Sansa said, her words carrying a tone of cautious confidence. "But Ellaria... I'm uncertain. I know little of her, only that she was Prince Oberyn Martell's lover. Rumours suggest she killed Prince Doran and Myrcella Baratheon."

Jon's eyes widened with realisation. "Jaime's daughter?"

Sansa nodded, sensing the potential complications that might arise. "Jaime won't be pleased about her presence here," she said.

Curiosity etched Jon's features as he sought more information. "How did she kill her?" he asked, his eyes searching Sansa's face for clues.

"Poison," Sansa said, the realisation of Lord Varys's warning dawning upon her with sudden clarity.

Jon, attuned to the shift in Sansa's demeanour, gently pulled her down to sit on his knee, cradling her in his arms. "Tell me what you're thinking."

A heavy sigh escaped Sansa's lips as she said, "She sought revenge for Oberyn's death. They were in King's Landing for the wedding. Oberyn wanted justice for the Mountain's crimes against his sister and her children."

Jon nodded. "Go on."

"His niece and nephew are your true half-brother and half-sister. Rhaegar set aside his sister for Aunt Lyanna. Ellaria has assumed the mantle of his quest for revenge, which means you, as Rhaegar's son, and me, as a Stark, could be potential targets. Oberyn himself wouldn't have accused you; he believed children were innocent of their parents' crimes. However, from what I've gathered, Ellaria may not share Oberyn's sentiments," Sansa explained to Jon.

Jon, absorbing the weight of this revelation, sought further clarity. "So, you're suggesting Ellaria might be here to poison us?" His brow furrowed in concern.

Sansa nodded. "She would be my first consideration."

Jon pondered this unsettling possibility. "But why would Varys bring her here if he suspected she might try to harm us and then reveal her intentions?"

Sansa contemplated the question, her mind weaving through the intricacies of potential motives and allegiances. "He's brought a poison expert. Perhaps he wants to catch her," Sansa said, her thoughts weaving through the possibilities. "Maybe Varys has struck a deal with Dorne – eliminate Ellaria, and they will pledge allegiance. With everyone who knew Elia now gone, the Martells might not hold a grudge against you. Ellaria killed Prince Doran, and I suspect she isn't particularly popular in Dorne."