The Wolf and The Hound~*Sandor Clegane*~

Chapter 14: The Old Gods and the New

When I woke up the next morning I was met with a sharp pain. Wincing as I tried to sit up. 

"Relax." I hear Sandor's voice. Opening my eyes to see him sitting beside me on the bed. He had his pants back on but they were spotted with wetness. "I ran you a bath. Figured you might need it." He smirked as my face turned red at my memories from last night. 

I glanced to the doors, seeing he already moved the chest's from in front of them. 

"Doors are still locked. Maids came earlier left some food. Ran away pretty fast." He chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. Clutching my stomach as pain shot through it. "Fucking seven hells."

"Still hurting?" I heard the concern in Sandor's voice, turning to look at him. I gave a nod and his eyes darkened.

"I'm fine. I've had worse." I let out a small laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. "Help me with a bath, Lord Clegane?" I smirked at him as he rolled his eyes.

He stood from the bed, bending over to pick me up bridal style and moving to the copper tub in the far corner of the room. I smiled as the warm water washed over my body as Sandor lowered me down into it. He stepped back from the tub, removing his pants before climbing in as well. Sitting behind me and pulling me to him so my back was flush against his chest.

"Not a Lord. Lady Clegane." I chuckled lightly at the sarcasm and lightness in his voice.

"Aye, but you are." I took his silence as my cue to continue. "As long as I'm alive, and as long as the King does not strip my titles. I remain Lady of Winterfell and Wardeness of the North. Even with our marriage. Meaning you are now Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North." I let silence fall over us. One of his arms was wrapped my my waist, holding me to him. The other tracing the burn marks on my right thigh. I leaned back into him, resting my head back on his chest. He in turn lowered his chin down onto the top of my head.

We sat in silence for what seemed like hours but was really only a few minutes.

"Are you sure you want that?" I tilted my head to the side to meet his eyes. Big, beautiful, brown eyes that were full of hesitation and worry.

"Of course I do. Who better to be by my side and help me. You know battle tactics and fighting. I know the politics and the people. The perfect pairing." I smiled as he leaned down to kiss me. It was short and soft but it said everything it needed to.

"If it's what my Lady wife wishes. It's what she shall get." I couldn't help the stupid smile that crossed my face at his words.

I moved away from him, re-positioning myself to be facing him and straddling his waist. Wrapping my arms around his neck and pushing my body flush against his, as his arms wrapped around my waist.

"Sandor Clegane. Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. I like it." He rolled his eyes at my cheeky smile.

I giggled as I ran one of my hands through his hair, straightening it out. It was quiet between us as I grabbed the rag and the soap, rubbing them together under the water. Once I was satisfied with the amount of soap I put the rag up to Sandor's skin. Guiding it over his arms, shoulders and chest. He closed his eyes at my movements. I smiled, mostly to myself, as I saw him physically relax at my touch. 

"Stannis is making his way here." I stopped moving at his comment. 

I knew Stannis was planning on taking the Iron Throne. Rumors had spread since King Roberts death. But I had no idea that he was this close already. Word of Renly's death was spread over the Seven Kingdoms in a matter of hours.