Chapter 25

Casterly Rock – Tywin

The days following his emotional breakdown with his wife were how Tywin had imagined life with Sansa at the Rock, before the madness that had taken place with Cersei. She was his helpmate in every way, interested in learning about her new home and absorbing the incredible amount of information required to run such a keep as the Rock. Both Tywin and his steward, Gerold attempted to get to her to a point where she could truly run the Rock as Lady Lannister with confidence and ease.

If Gerold thought it odd that there were certain things Sansa should know as a highborn woman, but did not, the man never said a word, instead just showing his infinite patience with her. Tywin knew he'd richly reward him for his devout loyalty not only to himself but to his wife. Thankfully Sansa was one of the smartest people that Tywin knew and rarely had to be shown or taught something more than once. Even the castle ledgers, stores and stocks she had easily understood.

There was a sense of pride that she was his, for Tywin knew how difficult all of this must be for her. But she never faltered, and her resolve and strength were truly astonishing.

As for fallout from the dinner, Tywin commanded absolute loyalty from those who had been at the Red Dinner. He knew what had happened would not go beyond the walls of the Rock. Anyone who valued their life was sworn to silence and would keep it. There was a deadliness to Tywin, a protectiveness he had over his new wife that no one missed and no one wanted to test. It was more than clear that their lord loved his lady and would do anything to protect her, and his house.

There was palpable relief that Gregor Clegane was dead and that at eighteen, Sandor Clegane was now Lord of Clegane Keep. Tywin meant to reward the young man by knighting him, rebuilding his keep and adding to his lands. Let no one doubt that a Lannister did not pay his debts.

As for what the rest of the realm would know when it came to Cersei's death, it was a tragic accident that befell Tywin's daughter, in which she choked at dinner and was unable to be saved. Meanwhile, a mad and power-hungry bannerman of Tywin's attempted to kill his new wife, resulting in the heroic deaths of Ser Addam Marbrand and Gerion Lannister in defence of those that Tywin loved best.

It was a lie, but one that was necessary. The sheer embarrassment to his house, his name, his children, that would cling to them should the realm learn what had taken place here was not something that Tywin was willing to allow.

Sansa agreed that it was best to keep Cersei's involvement in the entire sordid affair as quiet as possible. The only wild card was Catelyn Stark and they met with her sister the morning after they had reconciled to discuss the matter with her.

Tywin hated weakness and having to face Lady Stark when his daughter had disgraced their house so spectacularly stung. Still, Sansa had assured Tywin that Catelyn would be discreet and that bringing her into their confidence was critical for their alliance. Tywin knew what it had cost him when he hadn't trusted his wife, so even though this made him wary, he conceded it was likely the best course of action. He was not a man used to compromise.

"Lady Stark," Tywin said, his eyes assessing his goodsister. She was a brave thing, meeting his gaze as she took her seat, looking no worse for wear. Gods, to think how arrogantly he'd proclaimed she'd be safe here, only to have that disaster happen. He looked like an utter fool but thankfully, there was no mockery on Lady Stark's face.

"Lord Tywin," she acknowledged, giving him the respect his position demanded.

"Sister," Sansa said, giving her a quick hug. "Come and break your fast with us." Sansa had told Tywin that she was enjoying this time to get to know the woman whom the realm believed to be her sister, having never had siblings in her other life.

When they were seated and served, Sansa gave a little sigh before she sipped at her tea and took a moment to gather her thoughts.

"There is no need to be coy. What happened the other night at dinner was an unimaginable tragedy and a blemish on my husband's house," Sansa stated bluntly.

It still shook Tywin to hear it stated so frankly, and he was impressed that Sansa understood how important it was to control the narrative when it came to Cersei's actions.

Catelyn gave a little nod and shot a look to Tywin. He was clutching at his fork, the rage still there when he thought of what had happened. It would take him years to reconcile what had gone on in his own home. And it would be worse if he were to lose political face and clout because of this incident. Thankfully, Sansa appeared to have a gift when it came to appeasement and negotiation.

"Sister, this needs to remain within the walls of the Rock. The threat is gone, and it would do no one who wasn't there any good to know about Tywin's daughter's betrayal. Our houses our linked; our children will have the chance to grow up with proud names, belonging to the greatest houses in the seven kingdoms. Think of the shame that might reverberate throughout the kingdom, should this incident become well known."

Sansa gave him a sympathetic look, and it threatened to break him. He didn't want her pity and had told her that when they had finally spoken. Sansa had assured him that it was sympathy, not pity she felt for him, and Tywin had to accept that. It was such an odd feeling to have such a strong woman by his side, someone who knew her heart and mind and was therefore able to support him. He would never have imagined anyone willing to stand up to him the way she had, while still loving him. Tywin had no illusions that he was an easy man.

"You are asking me to keep this from our father?" Catelyn asked, her mouth turning into a frown.

Tywin let loose a small growl and had to bite back the sharp retort. He wanted the threaten, and to demand her silence, but he had been told by Sansa that her sister would only dig in should he use such tactics. He had been told in no uncertain terms that a softer approach would be better.

"Lady Stark, you are an intelligent woman. You have declared your support for our alliance. I am as appalled by what happened here, in my home, as you are. But it would weaken our position should such events become widely known in the realm. As we speak, your husband, Lord Arryn and Lord Baratheon are preparing to meet Rhaegar Targaryen and his army. We need to be strong and united if we stand a chance to emerge victoriously."

She held his gaze, and Tywin was startled to realize what an asset she would be to her northern husband.

"What we have built, this alliance between our houses, it will create a legacy for our children."

She gave a slow nod.

"I understand," she replied. Then she cocked her head. "But tell me, My Lord, what will happen when your son learns the news? As I understand, he and Cersei were close, Ser Addam was his best friend, and he adored his uncle Gerion."

Catelyn had spent the past week learning much about House Lannister.

Tywin had received a raven from King's Landing, demanding his army to come and defend the capital, as Sansa told him would happen. Despite some of the changes they had made, the deaths that had already come, Sansa confirmed that Aerys' raven was in line with the history she knew.

Tywin had not yet responded to the Mad King and was loath to put the words to paper that would destroy Jaime's world. He knew that when Jaime learned of all the death that had taken place, he'd be a wreck.

"I will request that my son is allowed to come home for the funerals."

Sansa gave him a soft look as if she knew how difficult this was for him and his son.

"And do you believe that the King will grant your request?" Catelyn asked, disbelief evident.

Tywin shook his head. "No, Lady Stark, I do not. The King takes pleasure in controlling my heir."

Tywin paused and then allowed Sansa's sister to see how he was feeling.

"But I must try. It is the least I can do. Jaime is sure to be reeling, losing both siblings, an uncle, and his friend within a few months. I cannot imagine how much his world will be altered, the pain he will feel when he receives my raven. I only wish that he could be here so that he might find comfort in the family that remains."

That seemed to do the trick, for Catelyn's face softened considerably.

"My Lord, you have my deepest sympathies. I will keep the events of the Red Dinner discreet. Our alliance stands."

Tywin was shocked that being softer had gained him Catelyn Stark's loyalty. Once again, his wife's advice had been correct.

That afternoon, he spent hours composing the ravens to Jaime and to the King, that would tell them of the deaths that had occurred and request that Jaime be allowed to return home for the funerals.

In the end, he had Sansa's help, as she found him in the solar, bringing the cubs to visit him.

The raven from Aerys himself sat on the center of Tywin's desk.

"He demands I come to King's Landing, to honour my pledge to him," Tywin spat, grateful to have a righteous place to funnel his fury. Tywin never needed a reason to be angry at Aerys.

Sansa gave him a knowing look.

"Tell him you'll bring your army, in exchange for him allowing Jaime to come home for the funerals."

Tywin arched an eyebrow. His wife had a flare for negotiations. For anyone reasonable person, they might have taken the proposition.

"Interesting," he murmured. "Will he allow it?" he asked, wondering.

Sansa sank into a chair across from him, and Tywin realized that it had been the one Kevan occupied a few nights ago when they got him piss drunk. His stomach still recoiled at the thought of wine, but it had resulted in reconciliation with Sansa, so there was that. Sansa had Alex on her lap and was stroking his fur as Tywin thought about her question.

"No. He can't allow Jaime to come home. By now, Selmy and Martell will be with Rhaegar, preparing for battle at the Trident, while the other guards are in Dorne, leaving Jaime as the only Kingsguard."

Tywin's eyes narrowed. It was ludicrous that his son, the most junior of Aerys guards, was left alone with the mad King.

"Why are they in Dorne, Sansa?"

She nibbled her lip, and for a brief moment, Tywin thought she might not tell him.

"Lyanna Stark is there; pregnant. They are guarding her."

Tywin's eyes almost bugged out of his head.

"He is an innocent, Tywin. A baby. We must focus on the capital and saving Jaime from being known as a Kingslayer. There is time to deal with the situation in Dorne afterwards."

There was also the question of all the dragons that were around. It rankled him, to have so many unknowns facing them – and so many potential heirs to the Targ dynasty still about. But he'd be a fool to chase after them when he did not yet have the throne in his grasp. Plenty of time to deal with those issues after Aerys and Rhaegar were dead.

Shelving the issue of the Targ children for the moment, Tywin focused on the problem before them.

"If Aerys will not send Jaime, what good is the raven?"

Sansa rose, placing Alex on the floor, where Augustus pounced, pinning his brother beneath him. Tywin was delighted at how his lion was the clear alpha of the two. Tywin could watch the cubs for hours, delighting in their antics.

"Jaime will know the value that you place on him – you are willing to negotiating an army for your son to come home, Tywin. How many fathers would do such a thing?"

When put that way, Tywin immediately saw the good in the raven.

She walked behind his desk, and he opened his arms so that she could sit on his lap. Tywin knew that it was not proper for them to be seated thusly, but he found he cared little for what others thought. He inhaled deeply, enjoying smelling the soap and oils he used on her skin. She had not yet met with his steward to demand her own. Tywin nuzzled at her neck, taking comfort from her presence.

"There is no way to avoid war, is there?"

"No, my love there is not. We need to call your banners and begin the march."

"And our wedding feast?"

Sansa gave a tiny shrug. "I know that normally decorum would demand it, but we are running out of time. How long will it take to march your army to the capital?"

"A fortnight; perhaps a few days more."

"And how many men will you take?"

Tywin could call sixty thousand men but was planning on half that. He would not empty the Westerlands, not even for Aerys.

When he told Sansa, he was pleased that she agreed.

"How will you approach House Marbrand?"

Tywin sucked in a painful breath. That raven might be even worse to write than the one to Jaime. Lord Marbrand's heir was dead, and it was because of Tywin's daughter. One of the paramount houses in the West and a man almost slavishly loyal to his house, Tywin would not demand any men for their march, allowing House Marbrand time to grieve. It was an untenable situation, but Sansa's warm hands on his neck, stroking him and giving him comfort allowed Tywin to get through the worst of the afternoon as he composed his missives.

Later that afternoon, they went to the rookery together and attached the scrolls themselves; one raven headed North towards Ashemark, two to the southeast and King's Landing. Restless and needing to walk, Tywin held his hand to Sansa.

"I believe we never finished our tour," he said, watching her face light.

"Oh, no, we did not!" She eagerly took his hand, her entire countenance the happiest Tywin had seen in days. It was astonishing how incredibly safe the Rock felt now that Cersei was no longer alive. It felt like a traitorous thought when he was honest with himself, but it was nothing less than the truth.

"Come, we are close to the level where the larger bathing chambers are."

Along the way, their guards falling in behind them, Sansa asked question after question, pointing out different areas that she'd seen in her time. There was a slight ache as she casually described the ruin that was the Rock, and for the first time since she had come back in time, Tywin was infinitely grateful that he did not go forward. He had no idea how he might cope with seeing his beloved home nothing more than rubble.

Walking through Casterly Rock with Sansa, hearing her gasps and watching her delight, the pride he felt in being the lord and master of the greatest keep in the seven kingdoms began to come back. He had worried that his daughter had stolen this from him, but trust Sansa to give it back to him. The Rock was an incredible Keep and it was Tywin's home.

She complimented him on the large communal bathing chambers that the family used, giving Tywin an opportunity to speak to her about the countless Lannister cousins that lived at the Rock. He then hurried her through the hallway, where a secret lever led to a hidden passage that went to their rooms.

"If the Rock's wall were ever breached, you could follow this all the way down to the Sunset Sea, where your guards would get you to Lannisport and on a ship. To safety," he added, somewhat unnecessarily.

Sansa's eyes were glued to his and she nodded, swallowing hard.

"I'd like to start to train," she told him in a rush.

Tywin's eyes widened and his first response was to deny her. No matter that he knew she was not from his time, the mere thought that his wife might occupy herself with such pursuits sat uneasily with him. Until he remembered what had happened a week ago.

He gave a curt nod.

"You mention your hobbies included archery. Perhaps you might start there," he offered.

As if she knew he wasn't quite comfortable with this idea, she squeezed his forearm. He was amazed at how well his wife knew him.

"I also think that a small dagger might be beneficial," she said, never taking her eyes from him, waiting for his reaction.

"Sansa," he growled the thought of her with a dagger somehow abhorrent to him. It was his job to protect her! Surely she could see how that would undermine his position.

"We'll start with a bow," she said, relenting for now. Still, Tywin knew it was not the worse idea. He simply had to get over himself and allow it to happen.

As they walked, he couldn't help but imagine that if she had a dagger, and knew how to use it, she'd be safer. But still! It was hard for him to imagine Sansa having to defend herself. He knew he had to reconcile his traditional views with the reality of her safety, but he needed time.

Requiring a change in subject, Tywin sent Sansa a look.

"So, you speak of the ruins that the Rock is, but did you ever see the lower levels? Mineshafts, gold stores and where the lions of antiquity used to be housed?"

He knew he was attempting to impress his wife. Very few people had ever seen just how much gold that Tywin commanded, but he needed Sansa to understand just how wealthy they were. Should something happen to him, it would fall to her and Jaime to ensure that House Lannister maintained its place in the seven kingdoms. She was the future of his house, and there was a comfort in knowing how capable she was.

Even now, Tywin couldn't help but hope that Sansa carried another child of his. She told him it was too soon to know, but so far, her moonblood had not come, so he had optimism. The thought of having a second chance, with a child of theirs, was something Tywin desperately wanted.

"This area is dangerous and you must never come here alone," he told her, as they passed by the dungeons where the Mountain had been held. Not wanting to revisit that embarrassment, he hurried her lower yet, until the sounds of men working could be heard.

They were in the heart of the Rock now, deep within the bowels of the massive stone monolith on top of where the castle had been built. There were dead-end passageways, murder holes and places where a single wrong turn would get a person hopelessly lost, never to be found again.

There were vast storage rooms filled with supplies to withstand a siege for five years and passageways that led to the docks and ports that emptied into the Sunset Sea. Tywin knew just how critical it was that they had this access to ships.

He showed her the sad little rooms where the lions used to be caged. She got a dark look on her face and snarled, "Never will our boys be down here."

He'd known it of course, but hearing her say it only confirmed how well he knew his wife. She loved their cubs and there had been no more discussion of housing them in cages. Indeed, Alex and Augustus had the run of the Rock.

As they walked deeper into the caves below, Tywin showed her the gold - more here than anywhere else in the realm. Sansa gasped and clutched at him as he showed her the first secured room where there was so much raw gold in the room, it defied logic.

Next, another cavernous room where gold dragons that were made at the Rock were present in the millions. Room after room followed and by the end, Sansa was, for the first time that Tywin had met her, silent.

He'd finally stunned her into mutism.

"Sansa?" he said, gently near the end of the tour. She was shaking her head, eyes wide.

She swallowed hard and tried to form words. Tywin couldn't help but chuckle.

"It is a lot," he said, amused by her reaction.

She snorted and finally found her voice.

"A lot. Fuck," she whispered, shaking her head again. She gestured wildly turning to look back down the huge passageway where they had come. The area was so wide that ten riders could easily fit, each gold room at least twenty feet high and deep. And everyone was filled to the brim.

"Tywin this isn't 'a lot.' This is …." Her eyes were almost a bit wild. "Do you have any idea what a single person, in command of so much wealth means?"

He laughed. "I believe it means I have kings willing to kiss my arse."

Her mouth dropped open. Then she threw her head back and laughed, and for a moment, Tywin wondered if she were laughing at him. When her eyes met his, he saw the amusement and knew she was laughing with him.

"Tywin did you just jape? About gold and power?"

Tywin smirked at her and watched her eyes darken in lust.

"I did."

He could barely react as she launched herself at him, kissing him passionately. It had been so long since he'd been with her, and he'd missed her.

"Bedroom," she panted against his mouth.

Growling, he kissed her again, then set her down, grabbing her hand and striding quickly towards the stairs. He heard her breathless laughter and knew that for as long as Sansa was by his side, House Lannister would prosper and thrive. She was everything he needed to secure his legacy and ensure the family name lived on.

A week after what those in his family were calling the Red Dinner, a moniker that Tywin hated, the funerals for Gerion and Cersei were planned and set for the afternoon.

Tywin had received a swift response from King's Landing. His son would not be allowed to come home and was, according to Aerys, 'critical to his safety.' There was also a not so veiled reminder of fealty sworn by House Lannister to House Targaryen and that Aerys expected Tywin's army in King's Landing within three weeks to defend the city.

It was time to call his banners. Their wedding feast would be delayed until after they had dealt with the Mad King. Tywin spent the morning of the funerals in his solar, furiously writing ravens, with Sansa by his side.

First, ravens were sent to his loyal bannermen, to ride for the Rock and prepare for war. Tywin did not say which side, but to a man, they would arrive at the Rock within the week, ready to march under his command.

"It's incredible," Sansa said, taking one of the parchment pieces in her hand, staring at it, wonder and a little bit of awe in her eyes.

"What is?" Tywin asked, barely glancing up.

She waved the paper slightly, blowing on it so that the ink would dry. "This. I mean, gods, a single piece of paper, and you'll have an army to command, Tywin."

He set down his quill and gave her a tiny smirk. He would not deny that there was a thrill in that, knowing that his army was one of the greatest in Westeros. Much like the gold stores, it gave him power, and power was an aphrodisiac. The mantle of responsibility was heavy, but he'd learned from a young age to wear it well. Then struck by a thought, and grateful they were alone, he spoke.

"How are armies formed in your time?"

She handed him back the parchment. She'd been utterly delighted by his wax seal and stamp, almost giddy and touching it when he'd sealed the first missive, running her elegant fingers over the lion seal.

"Oh, well, there are some that choose it for a career. In times of war, there is something called conscription, but since it is mostly peaceful when I live, we don't have large standing armies."

"And men make careers out of commanding such armies?" he asked.

Each night they'd spent curled around each other in bed, Tywin listening to Sansa speak of things from her time. He had so many questions, and though war and the rebellion beat down upon them, they had time for these brief interludes which he secretly cherished.

Sandor Clegane was healing at an unprecedented rate, and Creylan sang Sansa's praises to any and all who would listen. She had such knowledge that it was staggering to one such as himself who knew he was one of the most intelligent lords in the realm.

"Hmmm, they do. Although it's not as popular a career now as it used to be."

He folded the parchment and then arched an eyebrow seeing her hover around his desk.

"Sansa, would you like to place the seal?"

She all but clapped and reached for the little pot of wax. It was shocking how such mundane tasks gave her such delight, and Tywin felt himself falling deeper in love with her. She simply fit at the Rock, warmly welcomed by his entire family and in his heart. What he felt for Sansa eclipsed anything he'd felt for anyone.

With those ravens to his bannermen complete, Tywin worked on the next one – a raven to Maester Pycelle to get a message to Jaime. Jaime was to attempt to protect Elia at all costs and neutralize the King since Selmy and Martell left for the Trident. It was critical that if he could, Jaime would not move against the King – only prevent him from enacting his plan to light the city on fire.

It was still shocking to Tywin that his one-time friend might be seriously contemplating destroying the city his ancestors had built and that Tywin's son had been the one to save all those people. They rarely discussed it, but Tywin knew it was one thing Sansa wanted to change most. If Jaime did have to kill the King, he would be known as the saviour of the people and not by that vile name that had followed him in her lifetime. They would change that narrative swiftly if Jaime's actions were the same. Tywin would not allow the realm to ridicule his son, when he was in fact a hero.

At Sansa's behest, the third missive was a raven sent to Dorne, promising that Tywin would attempt to save their beloved sister and her child for their loyalty. Tywin told House Martell about his orders to take the city but assured Prince Doran that they were not enemies. Since House Martell was in no position to save Elia themselves, Sansa believed it to be enough.

What Tywin did demand of them was that House Martell's army would go to Storm's End and deal with House Tyrell that had Stannis under siege. Their army would be marching North, and while Aerys might believe that Dorne was coming to the Riverlands to join with Rhaegar and his army, they would instead turn and go east, to Storm's End.

"The biggest issue is that Stannis is starving," Sansa muttered.

Tywin assured Sansa that relief would come for the man in the Stormlands and sooner than in their timeline if Dorne accepted his offer. Tywin did not mean to allow Robert to live, even if he somehow survived the Trident. Stannis was much better suited to be the surviving Baratheon in Tywin's opinion.

That afternoon, Sansa stood by his side as Gerion was interred in the Hall of Heroes, ready to take his place beside other greats from their house. Cersei was given no such honour, although she was afforded a funeral that befit her status in keeping with the deception that her death had been an accident. She would be placed beside her mother and her brother, and there was a perverse sense of irony, to know that she had to spend eternity beside the very boy she killed.

Tywin would never apologize for how he felt about Tyrion. Even now, he still couldn't help but partially blame him for Joanna's death. But, there was also shame as he thought how he'd treated an innocent. He knew that had Sansa been in his life sooner, she would have demanded better from him. It was clear that Tywin had failed his children repeatedly, and with two of them now dead, there was no way to make amends for that.

Addam Marbrand's body had been sent back to Ashemark the day after the Red Dinner. As Tywin knew that Lord Marbrand had to reeling from losing his heir the Marbrands would stay in the West, to defend their lands. Tywin could ask no more of them, and others would ride by his side, as they made their way down the Gold Road, towards the capital.

That evening, still feeling the day's emotions, Sansa and Tywin retreated to their private rooms to eat dinner alone, with just the cubs and themselves for company. Tywin had not heard back from Dorne on his proposal, and neither had Jaime sent back a raven, which worried Tywin. The silence from his son felt almost deafening, and he repeatedly worried at the state of Jaime's mind.

Word from the rebellion was that forces were merging in the Riverlands, and just like in Sansa's timeline, it appeared the decisive battle would be waged at the Trident.

Lady Catelyn and Sansa grew closer, as Sansa kept her abreast of the news of where her husband was. Hoster Tully wrote to gain more reassurance that his daughters were safe and that Tywin hadn't backed out of his pledge to fight for the rebellion. It was indeed a sign of the times, of how much the rebellion had the entire kingdom in its grip, that Tywin received only the barest condolences for the death of his daughter and brother. All eyes were focused on the upcoming war.

Every main house that Tywin had written in the Westerlands had responded, and he knew that in the coming days, the Rock's numbers would swell with his loyal bannermen flocking to the Rock.

A day after the funerals, as they were breaking their fast in private, Sansa finally broached the subject of Sandor Clegane.

"What plans for him?" she asked, and for a brief moment, Tywin wondered if she even realized how much she had changed since coming back in time. For one, her speech patterns were becoming more and more reflective of the time in which they lived, although she seemed to take great delight in shocking him still.

This morning he'd woken up to find her almost naked, stretching and twisting on the rug by their bed. When he'd calmed the lust racing through his body, he'd managed to sputter, "What in seven fucking hells are you doing?"

She'd winked at him of all things, then bent down to touch her toes, twisting her body in such a way that Tywin had an unobstructed view of his wife's most intimate parts, and said, "Yoga."

He'd lasted five minutes before he'd simply sprung from the bed and hauled her against his body, desperate to have her. Gods he could never get enough of her and knew his wife was well satisfied in their marriage bed. If his brothers japed with him that his chest was puffed out, that he was a smitten fool for his wife, Tywin cared naught. Sansa was loved and safe and happy and that was what mattered.

It was why their breakfast was an hour later than usual. Thankfully, Sansa had been just as aroused as he was, and Tywin found how much better he felt with his wife by his side. He was happier of all things, with Sansa in his life having never quite realized how miserable he was before the visions of her had appeared. She had changed his entire world.

Distracted by thoughts of this morning and watching her do her 'yoga', Tywin barely realized what she was asking. Shaking himself from thoughts of how bendy Sansa was, he finally spoke.

"Oh, well, he'll be knighted, be given a reward of five thousand gold dragons and lands added to his. I've also begun to make repairs to Clegane Keep."

Sansa's beaming smile meant he'd done the right thing when it came to the soon-to-be Ser Sandor Clegane. Tygett had said that he was eager to march with them when they went to King's Landing, but Tywin knew that was nothing more than foolish talk. He'd do more harm than good if he were to move too soon. Besides, Tywin liked having someone that loyal remain behind at the Rock. Sandor had more than earned Tywin's trust.

A week after the funerals, the first of Tywin's bannermen were spotted. He took Sansa to watch their approach, standing on the ramparts with her as her eyes were filled with wonder. Soon enough the entire field in front of the Rocks' formidable outer wall would be filled with tents, the flags of each house waving proudly.

"This is incredible," she breathed, able to spend hours there, just observing. Tywin often joined her, realizing how much he'd taken for granted, seeing things anew in her eyes.

As more and more lords and knights from the Westerlands arrived, they all wanted to see the lion cubs and meet the new Lady Lannister. Sansa welcomed them all, and Tywin was pleased to see her slip almost seamlessly into her role as his wife.

Genna had still not awakened and so much had fallen onto Sansa's shoulders. He should have never doubted her ability to rise to the challenge, and when the feast to welcome to lords of the West to the Rock was held, three weeks after the funeral for his brother, Tywin knew that Sansa had played a key role in its success. The lion cubs were proudly on display in the Great Hall, as Sansa sat by his side.

"No trout," she whispered to him, her warm breath heating his blood. Her moonblood had still not come and they had been married for just over two months, which was a good sign that she was pregnant.

He smirked at her and whispered back, "Thank you." If Tywin never ate another trout it would be too soon. Then his eyes raked over his Hall, filled to bursting.

As with any campaign, there was tension to the feast, as the men before him knew that they were riding to war. Not all would live, and such was the price of the times in which they lived.

With a lingering look at her, Tywin finally rose, ready to address those most loyal to him. The Hall quieted immediately, and he gazed at them, those that had sworn fealty to him and his house and now honoured that, in men, swords and blood.

"As rebellion has consumed the seven kingdoms for months now, the Westerlands has remained neutral. There have been rumours, that have reached the Rock, that I am too craven to declare for a side; that I was waiting to see who might emerge victorious before moving into the fray. That I was unwilling to wade into such a fight – that I was perhaps no longer the Great Lion."

There were murmured protests. By and large, Tywin was beloved by his bannermen, and they knew he would protect them and chose wisely. These men before him would follow him into war, unquestionably and it was a heady feeling, to have such power.

Tywin glanced down at Sansa, and he knew what others would see. He loved his wife. He was not craven. And he would fight.

"And yet, when I married and took a wife, I knowingly sealed the West's fate. I am not craven, but cunning. I knew this was an opportunity, for the Westerlands to emerge victoriously! Aye, we will march to King's Landing, at the request of King Aerys. Not to defend the city for him, but to liberate it from Targaryen rule! In two days' time, we will lend our might to that of the rebellion, ending three hundred years of dragon rule and ridding Westeros once and for all of their influence!"

There was a great cheer, and at that moment Tywin realized he hadn't lost any confidence of those in the Westerlands. He'd been worried, that word would leak about what had happened at that disastrous dinner, and some might see that as a weakness to be exploited.

But if anything, the lion cubs, his new wife, and having his brothers by his side had only inspired confidence in his rule.

He took his seat beside Sansa, who laid a warm hand on his thigh and squeezed as if she knew what he'd been thinking. More often than not, she had that uncanny ability to almost reach into his mind and pluck those thoughts from his head.

The revelry went on for hours, although neither Sansa nor Tywin indulged in wine, preferring to sip water. She had explained to Tywin all about no alcohol while pregnant while also speaking of eating foods high in folic acid. Things like spinach and beans, peas and lentils and even some citrus fruits, of which the West had plenty. Her medical knowledge continued to astound him and she said it was critical for a baby's development. Tywin had given her full leave to order whatever foods she required to bring a healthy child into this world.

The next morning, Tywin was in his solar, preparing the last of the correspondence before they were set to begin the march to King's Landing when Gerold burst into the room.

His loyal man was panting and waving about a scroll.

"My Lord, word from Ser Jaime," he said. His man bent over, trying to catch his breath.

Tywin's heart began to pound, as he rose to grab the parchment and sliced it open, reading quickly. He paled and his heart did not calm in the least as the impact of the words hit him.

He barely had enough presence of mind to order Gerold from the room, demanding he find Sansa.

When she came rushing in ten minutes later, Tywin was still in shock.

"Tywin what is it?" she said, coming to where he sat.

"It's Jaime," he whispered, turning his eyes to gaze at her.

"Oh gods, no," she said and he realized she thought the Mad King had finally made good on his threat to kill his heir.

Tywin shook his head and then shoved the scroll at her.

"He'd not dead. He has left King's Landing, Sansa. Abandoned his post as Kingsguard and is racing home to the Rock. And he has Princess Elia with him."

His wife's mouth dropped open before she too read the scroll. He saw as her brilliant mind realized the consequences, much like he had. He had a brief moment to appreciate just how intelligent she was before she gave a mournful sound.

"Oh my god, Tywin …. If Jaime is not there …."

The sentence was too horrible to finish.

Jaime had been the only thing that had stood between the Mad King and the utter ruin of King's Landing. He had killed his king and saved half a million people. Innocent people. Now there was no one to stop Aerys should he truly mean to enact his plan.

"I know," was all he said, for Tywin understood that everything had now changed.

His son would be considered a traitor and it was questionable if he could even get far enough away from King's Landing before Aerys would capture him. Not only that, he'd taken Elia, the Prince regent's pregnant wife and his daughter. If Aerys' men got to Jaime before Tywin's did, his son's life was forfeit.

He heard a sob and looked up to see Sansa pale and shaking and immediately drew her into his arms.

"This is my fault. I am the one that is out of time. I am the reason for this change…"

Tywin silenced her with a kiss, swift and hard.

"Hush. You had no role in ending up back in time. None of us could have foreseen this Sansa. I will send Kevan and Tygett down the Gold Road with some of our best men to secure Jaime. Perhaps there is still time. We meant to march tomorrow, and in your timeline, I arrived at the capital just as Jaime was killing the King. We do not know that all is lost."

She nodded, but he could tell she did not quite believe him. In truth, Tywin did not know what to think. Perhaps there was a way to still save the people of King's Landing, even with Jaime now out of the King's clutches. There was a selfish part of Tywin that was proud of his son; glad that Jaime had finally broken free from his vows as a Kingsguard. Aerys had stolen his son from him, and now Tywin was so close to having him back. But he kept that thought to himself. Tywin's first loyalty would always be to his blood; to his family. His wife had a softer heart.

"Come, let us find my brothers and prepare to leave. We march for King's Landing, Sansa, and I promise you, we will do whatever we can to save the innocent."

Tywin knew now that he was coming as a man to liberate those from the rule of the Mad King. He could only hope that he would be in time, else the consequences would be too dire to contemplate. Only time would tell how all their futures would play out. The only thing that was certain, was that everything had changed.