The First Snow

PART I: Sansa

Tyrion slumbered loudly next to Sansa, his revelation last night that he loved Shae was no surprise yet it still stung to hear the words on his wine stained lips. She was sure that the realm laughed at their fumblings to consummate their marriage though it had already been declared by Joffrey that she carried his child.

Joffrey had whispered to the Spider and anyone that was listen that Tyrion had taken her to bed long before the ceremony. He wanted her to be laughed at by whores and Lords alike. Despite Joffrey's claims, last night with Tyrion was no different than their wedding night a fortnight ago except that when he succombed to his cups she lay down beside him in her nightclothes.

There was no one to trust, what little innocence was left in her was resolved to the painful truth that she was utterly alone and friendless. Tyrion would do his best to shield her but only until it no longer suited his own ambitions, he was no fool.

It was time to leave Kingslanding but Sansa did not have a plan nor coin. Cersi had unceremoniously told Sansa that her sister was dead, but she did not believe her, she could not.

Her last words to Arya had been cruel, yet the venom that Arya had spat back at her dug into a festering wound. She had killed their father with her lovesick stupidity and her desire to please Joffrey and Cersi.

Lost in thought, Sansa didn't hear the footfalls approaching the chamber door, she quickly pulled the covers over herself and her husband hiding the fact he was fully clothed. Laying her head near his shoulder she draped her arm over him closing her eyes enough to conceal her wakefulness.

She breathed deeply, it was likely only Shae coming to make sure she had not finally seduced the runt. Tsk, once harsh words would not cloud her thoughts or her tongue.

"Little Bird" The Hounds voice floated through her mind.

"Why do they call you the Hound?" Sansa had made the mistake of asking. She remembered the way his lips curled back from his teeth.

"Because I am savage that does the bidding of my master" his breath had hit her face, unexpectedly sweet.

Sansa had thought to end the line of questioning. Joffrey was not far ahead of them but she was foolish enough to think befriending Joffrey's Dog would make him regard her more kindly.

"Joffrey is your master?" Sansa felt possessed.

Instead of saying what she expected, that he was sworn to protect Prince Joffrey he whispered in her ear.

"My master is whoever pays me the most." In her nativity Sansa had been appalled that the man sworn to protect her beloved was for sale.

"So you are nothing more than a sellsword" Sansa braced herself for blow that didn't come.

Instead the visceral reaction she was expecting he had leaned in until they were nearly touching. His hulking mass had blocked out the sun. He had checked Joffrey's location, the Prince was distracted by Little Finger explaining an issue about the merchant stalls flooding at high tide. Which Sansa was sure was code for hired warships but Joffrey was too daft to understand.

The Hound's rough leather covered thumb brushed her bottom lip then gripped her chin.

"Would you like me to be savage for you?" Sansa didn't have words to explain what she was feeling, she tensed and felt her face grow warm, she thought it was fear but instead of running she moved closer to the Hound as if pulled.

The Hound left her staring blankly, as he strolled casually back to where Joffrey was standing.

He wouldn't hurt her.

The door to the chamber opened, she could not see who had entered so she readjusted her head as though she was stirring from sleep parting her lips momentarily then closing them again. What she saw made her tremble.

Joffery was standing near the bed staring at her, behind him stood Ser Meryn. He was going to continue to beat her, despite her marriage. Anger coursed through her and the thought crossed her mind that she should push Joffrey to the edge so he would just kill her.

Before she could act, Tyrion's hand brushed the back of her head and patted.

"Nephew is there someway I can be of service to you?" Tyrion opened his eyes taking in Joffrey and Meryn.

"Do not forget that I am your King, Uncle." He put one foot on the first riser to the bed.

"Pardon me your Grace, is there someway I can be of service to you?" he continued before Joffery could reply.

"Otherwise I suggest you let me get dressed lest you see more than you bargained for--hideous, I believe is how your dear mother described it."

Joffery suddenly looked paler if that was possible his wormy lips curled back. "I will speak to you when you are dressed. You will not keep me waiting if you know what is good for your bride" he exited, nearly running into Shae who bowed deeply avoiding all eye contact.

When he was gone, Shae entered slamming the door shut.

"She must go!" she bellowed in a voice that Sansa had never heard. She had spied her fighting with Tyrion but they were quiet about it less their romance be discovered.

Sansa defended herself.

"I don't want to be here anymore than he does, do not act like this is what I wanted." Sansa threw off the covers, revealing Tyrion still fully laced in his doublet.

She rose from the bed sliding her feet into her slippers and wrapping herself in her robe.

"And how exactly do you suggest that I go?, Refuse to sleep with Tyrion so Joffery can have me beaten until I am dead?

Perhaps I should pretend to be a sailor and stowaway on a silk ship. Or take to the Kings Road and pray that war doesn't find me so I can see what's left of Winterfell ''

''Winter is coming" she growled.

Sansa didn't recognize her own voice, what she heard was her mother's strength, something she had never thought much of until now. Before Tyrion could reply she left the chamber and went into her dressing room. She barred the door though it didn't appear either of them made the move to follow her.