A Shadow and a Wolf

Sansa X

Sansa was walking in the direction of the Great Hall with Brienne and Mira, just like the day before. However, this time, she wasn't going to listen to lies about her and Tyrion. She was going to tell people the truth. She held tightly the scroll in her hands. After her visit to Margaery, she had gone back to her personal rooms for a quick meal and a last preparation before the trial. She also wrote down the names of all her witnesses for Tyrion's defense. Ser Kevan had asked for a list when he visited her, so she had to give it to him before the trial continued. Sansa was nervous, but also determined. She wouldn't abandon Tyrion, and all these people who came to testify against him would pay for their lies, especially Shae. Sansa knew the whole truth about her relationship with Tyrion. Bronn and Podrick told her everything about it this morning. That made her angry to see how Shae betrayed Tyrion after he treated her so well. She was also angry at Shae for her betrayal toward her. Shae would learn the cost to anger a wolf.

While she entered the Throne Room, Sansa felt eyes on her and heard whispers all around her as she passed. They didn't know, but soon they would. Ser Kevan was sitting on the Iron Throne. Sansa climbed the dais and went to him.

"Ser Kevan."

"Lady Sansa." He spoke coldly. He probably thought right now that Tyrion was guilty, and Sansa as well. She would have to convince him of the opposite.

"This is the list of the defense's witnesses." She handed him the scroll. Ser Kevan took it and unrolled it.

"You have a lot of witnesses," he commented after he took a look at the names. "There is an empty line at the end. Why?"

"I have a witness who may not be able to come. If he does, I'll tell you when the time comes."

Tyrion's uncle eyed her suspiciously. Sansa remained unmoved by his stare. She couldn't reveal the name of her last witness, not right now. Finally, after a moment, the Hand of the King rolled the parchment. "Very well, my lady. You may take your place."

Ser Kevan pointed with his hand the dais towards his left. Sansa looked at the place. Why was he indicating the chairs where the Tyrell family was sitting? By looking more attentively, Sansa realized there were four chairs instead of the three yesterday. Lord Mace Tyrell was a judge, so they only needed three chairs for Margaery, Ser Loras and their grandmother. She looked back at her uncle-in-law. "What does it mean?"

"Considering what happened yesterday, I don't think it would be appropriate for you to sit among the assistance. You'll be safer here on the dais."

Sansa considered the chair. If everyone took the same place than yesterday, she would be seated next to Margaery. That could be a good thing since the future queen would testify. It would give the impression the Tyrells were on her side, and she preferred to sit with Margaery instead of Cersei. However, if she was on the dais, it might give the first impression that she believed Tyrion was guilty. After what he endured yesterday, what would be his reaction if he saw her on the dais like the judges? Perhaps he would believe she betrayed him. She couldn't take that risk.

"I thank you, Ser Kevan," she began. "But I would rather be close to my husband."

Ser Kevan looked at her with a strange expression. He seemed surprised by her words. "Very well, I'll have your seat moved on the floor before the right row of benches. You'll be close to a gold cloak this way."

"You care a lot about my safety, ser. I thank you."

"You are the wife of my nephew. This is natural." He spoke without emotion, with indifference. Sansa understood the meaning. He wasn't doing it out of kindness, but only because through her marriage with Tyrion she was a Lannister. Sansa went away. Two men were already lifting her chair and bringing it to the place Ser Kevan indicated. Her seat was now behind the box of the witnesses. At least she would be close to Tyrion. He needed to know she was with him. His brother told her this morning about the deal Ser Kevan proposed him to join the Night's Watch. Tyrion had refused when Ser Jaime told him, but would he still be of the same mind today? Sansa had to make sure Tyrion wouldn't confess. He was innocent.