Unexpected Loyalties || A Sansa x Daenerys FanFic (Daensa)

Chapter 4

A/N: just a warning that there are references to rape in this chapter

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Daenerys was only a little late for the dinner meal. She almost didn't go at all but after she ranted about the infuriating Lady Sansa, omitting the part about the slap she'd received, Missandei reminded her that she needed to be seen as often as possible. Hiding away would be seen as weakness. Jon had bent the knee and the North was hers. She had to act like the Queen she was.

When she walked into the Great Hall she didn't look at all at Sansa. She gave greetings to Tyrion and some of the men near her, and then went to the high table where Jon was standing. His eyes glowed with that same conflicted love and Daenerys turned away from him lest she lost her temper again.

"Are you all right?" he whispered, after she sat down.

"Yes. Please, let's just eat," she replied coldly.

The dinner went similarly to previous dinners. Men talking loudly, boastful and conceited. Women smiling in deference. The more she watched the more she was disgusted but not by the people. She was disgusted with herself at not finding it within her to connect with these people without the help of others. Tyrion wanted time with his brother and did nothing to help her. Jon was hopeless with these sorts of political interactions and did no better. She thought earlier of how Sansa had shown her around Winter town, giving the smallfolk a chance to know her a bit better. It had been the best morning she'd had in a long time. But then they had quarreled. Daenerys shook her head. It had been more than a quarrel.

Holding her goblet, she risked a glance toward Sansa. She looked more dour than usual, if that was possible. Taking a sip of her wine, she thought again of how Sansa had struck her. By all rights, Sansa should be in the dungeon for assaulting her queen. But Daenerys would get no satisfaction from that. Sansa hadn't intended to start an argument; Daenerys's own insecurity had gotten the better of her. She'd lost her temper and escalated, provoking Sansa when she should've shown patience. There were also other things to consider, like the loyalty of the North. Any small gains she'd made in proving herself to these people would be lost if she imprisoned their Lady. But the way Sansa had looked down at her, fury had bubbled up within Daenerys before she even had a chance to think. Something about that woman got to her like no other. A smile and she felt victorious, a slight and it sent her reeling.

She must have gotten lost in her thoughts for suddenly Sansa was beside her in Jon's chair and she hadn't noticed her approach. Daenerys looked around and saw Jon conversing with that wildling he liked so much. She placed her goblet back on the table and turned to Sansa.

"Excuse me, your Grace, but might I have a private word with you after the meal?"

A private word. It would be better to clear the air tonight before letting their anger fester any longer. And Daenerys felt obligated to give them this chance to start over. It had been a refreshing morning after all and there could be more like it if they made amends.

"Yes, of course," she replied stiffly. "Come to my solar in an hour."

"Thank you, your Grace," Sansa said quietly, and stood up, walking back to her own chair. Daenerys noticed Sansa's food had hardly been touched. It pleased her a bit to see Sansa was bothered as much by today as she was.

Daenerys rose from her chair and walked to Missandei.

"Please give my excuses. Lady Sansa will be coming to my solar in an hour and I'm leaving to gather my thoughts."

With one more glance at the hall, Daenerys left, with Grey Worm behind her.

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