26 Chapter 26

Casterly Rock – Sansa

After learning that Jaime was now fleeing home, and with Elia no less, Tywin demanded that Kevan and Tygett come to his solar where he would share the news with them. Sansa sat by his side, always there for him, as she could see the stress this placed upon his shoulders as they awaited his brothers. Jaime's action changed everything, and in ways, neither one of them even had time to contemplate.

When Kevan and Tygett burst into the solar, both knew something drastic had happened, for Tywin's face was drawn and pinched. This man had gone through so much upheaval in such a short time, and Sansa ached for him.

"Tywin, what in seven hells happened?"

"You will take twenty of our most loyal men and ride for King's Landing and find my son."

He handed the parchment to Kevan, and Sansa watched as the brothers took turns reading it.

Neither man moved for a moment, both of them stunned by this turn of events.

"The King…" Kevan said, allowing the sentence to trail off.

Everyone knew that Aerys had crowed long and hard when he'd elevated Tywin's heir to the Kingsguard. Did any of them think he'd let Jaime go without a fight? Everyone here knew that if Aerys' men caught Jaime, his life was forfeit.

"What was he thinking?"

The judgement in Tygett's eyes was there, and Sansa couldn't blame him. Still, this was Tywin's son.

She felt Tywin stiffen, ready to defend his son, even though this choice of Jaime's would have forced Tywin to go to war.

And Tygett didn't even know what the other three in the room did – that Jaime Lannister was the only reason half a million people did not burn to death because of the Mad King. With this choice, saving the people of King's Landing just became infinitely more difficult.

Sansa rested a hand on Tywin's thigh under the table where they sat. While Tywin had already made the choice to go to war, Jaime did not know that.

What if Tywin's army hadn't been ready? Jaime's actions could have left the West utterly vulnerable to the King and his rage. For the first time since she'd been back, the reality of the limitations of communication hit her hard.

"For too long, my son had been under that madman's thumb. With everything that has happened here …" Tywin said, shaking his head. It was no wonder that Jaime felt the need to come home. Two siblings, an uncle and a best friend all dead.

Tygett leaned forward, pressing his hands on the table.

"Tywin, how likely is it that Aerys will go after him?" He asked this quietly, but with intensity.

It was clear that Tywin's youngest brother was unwilling to lose anymore Lannisters.

Sansa knew their relationship had changed dramatically in the past few months since she'd come back in time, and she was grateful to see Tyg stepping into his role to support Tywin. Lord knew there was more than enough responsibility to go around. And, perhaps even more shocking, Tywin was allowing Tygett to shine in his role.

Tywin's eyes bore into Tygett's, and Sansa saw desperation there she'd only see once before – when she'd been attacked in this very castle. There were no doubts as to how much Tywin loved his son.

"The King had one Kingsguard left by his side – Jaime. He might be able to rally some of the City Watch, to chase down my son, but with the realm at war …"

There was once again silence in the solar, everyone trying to assimilate this new information.

"Jaime is a prize, my love," Sansa said softly, hating that she would bring more worry and pain to Tywin. But it was the truth and one he needed to face. They both knew that this would anger Aerys in a way few things could.

Tywin's hand gripped hers hard. He was always so pragmatic, and he was so intelligent. She knew he understood the ramifications of Jaime's actions, as well as she did. This was his son!

"I know." He shuddered out a breath and then straightened his shoulders. "But Aerys is weak right now. We know that. Rhaegar is at the Trident, with Selmy and Martell. Their entire army had emptied from the capital. Jaime is smart, and he's excellent with a sword."

Sansa knew what Tywin was doing – latching onto anything that would give him hope. And she would not be the one to snatch it away from him.

Tygett reacted first, nodding to Tywin and saying they'd leave within the hour, leaving Kevan behind.

"This did not happen before, did it?" Kevan asked quietly when they were alone.

Sansa shook her head. "No."

"Jaime was there to stop the King," Kevan continued, and Sansa swallowed hard, guilt pressing down on her.

Was it her fault that this had happened? Had she put an entire city full of people in danger?

"He was. He paid such a high price, but he did something incredible. He saved so many people."

Kevan glanced at Tywin, who was silent, flexing his fist on the table around which they sat.

"Tywin?"

For a moment, Sansa wondered if her husband would say anything. Then he cleared his throat and looked at them.

"Jaime has broken his vows. There will be some that will call him Oathbreaker for that alone. But we all know what Aerys is. Jaime rescued Elia Martell and just might bring us Dorne with his actions."

"And the people? The wildfire?" Kevan asked, pressing Tywin for an answer.

She understood Kevan's worry – she did. The thought of might happen, should they not stop the King, was almost abhorrent. But Kevan was acting like Tywin could have somehow prevented Jaime from doing what he did, and that was unfair.

"Brother, be careful," Sansa said, eyes flashing. She rose then, to stand behind her husband, in a show of support.

Kevan's eyebrows rose as Tywin's hand came up to rest over hers when she placed them on his shoulders. He had to know that he no longer had to face his burdens alone. This had as much to do with her as it did with him. And she would always, always be by his side. Her lion, her love.

Tywin gave a weary sigh, and Sansa longed for this rebellion to be over. She wanted time with her husband – to just be instead of continually reacting to crisis after crisis.

"But with Jaime not there," Kevan started again, and Sansa let out an impatient breath.

"Kevan, we know. We know what might happen. But none of this is our fault. None of this is Tywin's fault. He did not bring me back in time. He did not force me to find his sigil ring. Things were set in motion, without our control. I will not have you blame Tywin for something he could do nothing about!"

Both Lannister men looked at her, slight awe on their faces, before Tywin rose and spun her, his lips on her. The kiss was one of comfort, of thanks, of connection.

His thumb stroked her cheek.

"My fierce lioness. Always willing to defend me," he said, his voice so warm, some colour coming back into his face.

She felt her cheeks warm.

"This is not your fault, Tywin. I know that you and I both feel a certain sense of responsibility, but how were we to know?"

"Do we have time?" Tywin said, never taking his eyes from her face.

She shrugged.

"I don't know. You arrived at King's Landing with your army and took the city just as Aerys was preparing to set it one fire. Jaime killed him before he could do so … but …" she felt helpless.

"I do not know," she repeated.

"What about getting word to someone?" Kevan asked, and they turned as one to look at him.

Tywin snorted.

"Varys is a Targ supporter, and while Pycelle supports me, the man would be loath to get his hands dirty. And I have no idea what he might do."

"But if he knew…" Kevan argued as Sansa shared a meaningful look with Tywin.

"We might be able to get word to him. But the King is paranoid to the point where the only people he let close to him were his pyromancers and Jaime."

Sansa felt helpless as she took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.

"And it will be dangerous. We've changed things. We do not know if the Trident will happen as it did in my timeline. Perhaps without the Throne as a lure, Robert does not strike his decisive blow. For all we know, with Jaime now gone, Aerys might order Selmy or Martell back to King's Landing. There are a million little things that have changed, that it is impossible to know what might happen. This is not a timeline I am familiar with."

Hearing the distress in her voice, knowing she felt responsible, Tywin drew her back into his strong embrace.

"Enough, Kevan. We do not know the future, not as Sansa knew it once. Too much has changed. You will go with Tygett and secure my son and the sister of Prince Doran. All we can do is what we feel is best. We can only hope we arrive in the capital in time and that Dorne will do as I've asked."

Kevan looked at them and gave a curt nod. "I will gather my things at once."

Alone again, Sansa began to shake. Tywin's arms tightened around her as his large hands rubbed soothing circles on her back.

"Come now, love. We knew that things would change."

Sansa gave a slightly hysterical laugh, wondering how often Tywin had tried to comfort someone in his life. But he was trying – for her. She took a few deep breaths.

She didn't know for sure that Jaime fleeing King's Landing would result in the deaths of thousands or, if somehow, they could still all be saved.

And even if Aerys did the unthinkable, how could she have prevented any of it? She hadn't asked to come back in time. They hadn't set out to have this happen.

"I'm sorry, I'm a mess," she mumbled into his chest, thanking the gods her husband was in a black tunic and not his regular leather doublet, so he was soft and comfortable to cuddle into. She stilled loved that word – husband. Tywin was hers.

He leaned back slightly to cup her face in his large hands, stroking her cheeks gently. It always astounded her how soft Tywin could be with her. She greedily drank in his touch, leaning into him.

"Never apologize for who you are," he told her.

She saw the truth in his eyes and thought this man a wonder. Tywin Lannister, somehow accepting and falling in love with a woman from the future. This cold, logical, pragmatic man that loved so deeply and cared for her so much.

"How much longer will you be?" Even though Sansa was riding with Tywin tomorrow, she wanted this time with him tonight, at the Rock, with their lions.

"A few hours. Have dinner sent to our rooms," he told her.

Sansa nodded and then titled her head, needing a kiss. He willingly indulged her, and she felt things settle when his lips brushed against hers.

"We will do what we can, Sansa," he told her.

She visited Genna on her way back to their rooms, explaining everything that had happened to her goodsister. Some believed coma patients could hear everything while they were out, so Sansa wanted to keep her appraised of the events that were happening.

Next, Sansa knocked on the door to where Sandor was. He complained loudly to almost anyone who would listen that he was not that hurt, but he'd been ordered to continue bed rest. And since he had saved her life and was now a Lord, he had been elevated in his status in the castle. No one wanted to be responsible for him reinjuring himself.

When he bellowed that Sansa could come in, he wore a fierce scowl on his face. She could only imagine how intimidating he would be in a few short years when he was one of the largest men in the kingdom.

"Oh, it's you," he sneered.

Sandor had been told the story of how Sansa had worked hard to save him, repaying the favour after he'd stood up to his monstrous brother for her. She bit her lip, trying not to laugh at how petulant Sandor was acting.

"It is me. I have a favour to ask of you," she said, not indulging his tantrum.

His scowl deepened. "What?"

Sansa arched an eyebrow, and he had the grace to look chagrined.

"What can I do for you, Lady Lannister."

"Better," she said, taking a seat. He rolled his eyes at her, but she saw his lips twitch.

"Lord Clegane, I wish for you to be in charge of the cubs and their care when we march to King's Landing."

Sansa had to admit, and it felt good to shock him into silence. She could see he'd had no idea that was coming, and she gave a little grin.

"Lady Sansa, you can't possibly mean that!"

The lion cubs had reached a near-legendary status in the castle and were deeply loved and adored by everyone. Sansa knew they would not be safe with her and Tywin as they marched on King's Landing. Perhaps in a few years, when they were fully grown and able to defend themselves. But not now. Now they needed to remain behind the safe walls of the Rock.

Sansa held his gaze. "Indeed, I can. In fact, I can think of no one better. You have spent the most amount of time with them of anyone left at the Rock. They will be safe here with you, Sandor. I have no doubts."

He swallowed hard and nodded. "I will protect them with my life," he told her, and Sansa believed him.

"Thank you."

Satisfied that Sandor did not feel quite so useless now that he had Alex and Augy to look after, she finally went to the bedrooms that she shared with Tywin.

She wandered for a bit, touching little things that were theirs. She adored how their belongings were co-mingled. If anyone could see their rooms, they'd know that this was a shared living space between the Great Lion and his wife, which was rare in these times.

There were still moments when Sansa was almost overwhelmed by where and when she found herself. There were so many academic debates she could put to rest now that she'd spent so much time with Tywin. Even with the horror of the attack from Cersei, Sansa loved the Rock. It was everything she'd imagined it to be, and more.

It would be almost impossible to explain to someone from her times what it took to run a castle of this size, the power and the wealth that her husband commanded. But she was learning. Every day she was learning what it took to be the mistress of Casterly Rock. She knew she could thrive here, with Tywin by her side.

She'd watched Tywin evolve in the two months since they'd been together. He wasn't as closed off as he'd been, not as harsh, not as demanding. He was trying, and it was incredible to realize that he did so for her. Of all the uncertainties in this time, the one thing she did not doubt was Tywin's love for her.

It was intense, all-consuming, demanding. There were no half measures with a man like Tywin Lannister, and her heart had never stood a chance. He was a complex man, at turns challenging and frustrating.

And yet. There were these moments when his eyes warmed ever so slightly when she entered a room when Sansa knew he'd been waiting for her to arrive and that he was pleased to see her. There were no doubts about the depth of what they felt for each other.

A little growl had Sansa walking towards the small library where the cubs often played. She laughed as she watched Alex pounce on Augy, his tail swishing as his little furry butt wiggled. Sansa knelt, gathering some of the makeshift toys she'd had commissioned for them. As of now, she was treating them like house cats, although she had no illusions as to how deadly they would be as they grew.

"My Lady, what plans for dinner?" Gerold asked, appearing at the doorway. Sansa glanced up at Tywin's loyal man. He'd been a literal godsend these past few days.

"Lord Tywin wishes to dine in our rooms," she answered.

Gerold nodded and then paused and cleared his throat, blushing slightly.

"In the dining hall or your bedchambers?"

Sansa knew they'd scandalized the staff by occasionally eating in bed. At first, Tywin had been aghast at her suggestion, but when Sansa had shown him the benefits of being hand-fed, while in bed, his tune had changed.

"Bedchambers," she told Gerold, who nodded quickly and then hurried away.

She was in the bath when Tywin finally appeared, his tunic was loose, and his face was tired.

He was so handsome, so commanding that even now, she sucked in a deep breath as she gazed upon him.

"Wife," he said, his voice a sexy rasp.

That voice did something incredible to her body as heat bloomed, and Sansa shifted as if she could somehow ease that ache between her legs. She was only fooling herself, knowing that it was only Tywin that could make her feel good.

She had to wonder at the magic that had brought her back here – as if she'd been born to be this man's wife. How many people had a chance to marry someone genuinely great? To marry and help someone such as him? To find their soulmate through time? To have such great love?

Sansa was almost twenty-three and her marriage had exceeded all her expectations.

She beckoned him closer with a crook of her finger and saw his eyes burn with need for her, almost golden in the candlelight.

"Husband," she purred.

Tomorrow they would march for war, but tonight was just for them. He stripped quickly, discarding clothing carelessly, knowing it would be dealt with. Sansa drank him in, as he padded towards the bath, comfortable naked. It was such a wonder to her how well she'd come to know this man's body. Sansa adored being married, having a husband, belonging to someone.

He was in the bath within moments and had Sansa in his arms. She knew they'd play, that Tywin would take this time to tease and tempt her. He liked it when she begged and moaned, and since he always made her feel so wonderful, Sansa had no problems indulging them. Her husband was not stingy when it came to seeing to her pleasure. He was a master at making her peak again and again, and it seemed he was in that type of mood tonight.

His large hands came up to cup her breasts, thumbing her nipples into peaks as his mouth suckled on her neck, situating them so Sansa was on his lap. He was already hard, and Sansa was able to writhe on him, teasing him as his hands went to cup her ass.

"Sansa," he growled.

"I need you," she panted, and thankful she saw that he understood. With ease, he lifted her to the side of the tub, spread her wide and then slowly parted her weeping folds. Her body eagerly welcomed first one, then two fingers.

"Tywin, please!" she said, nails digging into his shoulders.

Sansa adored it when Tywin took his time when they built their passion over the evening, but right now, she needed him inside her, joined to her. Still, Tywin would not be rushed, even as he dipped down to swipe his tongue through her swollen slit, she arched back, allowing her thighs to open and give her husband unimpeded access.

His hands held her wide as he feasted on her. Her first peak was hard and fast, and her cries echoed in the bathing room, until happy with her response, her husband fit his body over hers. She clutched at him as he surged inside, their eyes locking as he thrust, again and again, building that passion right back up, barely giving her a moment to recover.

"My wife" he murmured reverently, then kissed her hard. She tasted herself on his lips and moaned, loving every part of this man.

"Tywin," she gasped back, and then simply held on, allowing him to bring her up again, feeling herself shatter around him and him grunt loudly as he finished deep inside her.

She collapsed against him as he guided them back into the bath, washing her hair and body until hunger finally drove them to their bedchambers, her wrapped in a robe of Tywin's. It amused her husband how she insisted on wearing his clothing.

She chuckled softly as she saw their meal waiting for them here. It was apparent that Gerold knew them best. That night Tywin tried to distract her, teaching her how to play Crevasse, but her mind was too occupied to concentrate.

Sansa barely slept the night before they were set to leave for King's Landing. Despite Tywin's reassurances that this was not her fault, that half a million people were now not in danger because of her, there was nothing that he could say that would make her feel better. Her finding Tywin's sigil ring had set this all in motion.

The Gold Road – Sansa

The next morning she helped her husband into his armour, taking special care in doing this for him, remembering when she'd helped him take it off.

"I already miss this place, and we haven't even left," she murmured, running a hand over one of the sunbursts on the rondels that went on his shoulders. Tywin's large hand stilled hers, and she gazed upon him.

"We will be back. We will make this our home, Sansa. This is where we belong, where we will bring Jaime back to us, where we will raise our children. I will stand with you, on the balcony and watch the sunset into the sea, and if you so wish, read to you in Valyrian each night as the waves crash outside our windows."

She felt the tears come, and simply blurted out, "I think I'm pregnant."

The rims of Tywin's eyes darkened to gold, as the specks there lit in delight.

"Sansa," he murmured, nuzzling at her, resting a large hand on her stomach.

His armour was in the way, so it wasn't like she was able to be close to him. She should have told him last night when they were naked and in bed and had nothing between them, but she'd been afraid that if she gave voice to what she suspected, that she would somehow jinx herself or the pregnancy.

But now she could no longer keep quiet. She had always been regular with her periods, and this one was long overdue.

"I want our children to be raised here, Tywin. At the Rock. I want to make new memories, to chase away the ghosts and shadows that linger in these halls."

He stilled and locked eyes with her.

"You are my treasure, Sansa. Worth more than all the gold in my vaults. It is you that is the great love of my life. We will come back to these rooms, my love. This is my vow to you."

"Have you ever lost a war?" she blurted out and then blushed.

She knew his history better than he did. But she liked the answering smirk, the confidence that bloomed across his face.

"Do you think I would be in this position if I had?"

"Such ego," she purred, leaning into his touch.

He kissed her once more. "Confidence, my love."

They said a tearful goodbye (for her) to the cubs, leaving them with Sandor. He struggled to move about the bed, to pay his respects to Tywin. Sansa bit back the grin of delight as she watched her husband lay a gentle hand on Sandor's shoulder.

"Lad be still. Lady Sansa trusts you with the cubs, and we know you will defend them with your life. Lord Clegane, you have earned the trust my wife placed in you at Riverrun, and when I return, we shall speak of your future."

The pure hero-worship in Sandor's eyes at Tywin made Sansa's heart full. He desperately needed someone like Tywin to guide him and help him, to mould him into the man she knew he could be.

"I will guard the cubs, My Lord, with my life if necessary."

They both knew it was true, and it made leaving the cubs marginally better. But only just. Sansa already ached to be away from them as they hurried through the Rock and towards their horses.

As she was helped to her mount by Tywin, noticing that her white mare had been adorned in much the same way that his great warhorse was, with crimson and gold. The Lannisters really were Westeros' peacocks, never missing an opportunity to adorn themselves or their horses in their house colours.

Still, having seen the gold at Tywin's command, along with his army that awaited them, and the Rock itself, it was easy to see where that ego came from.

Sansa had packed numerous gold and red gowns, prepared to do her part when it came to representing her new house. Tywin had been displeased that there hadn't been time for more jewelry to be commissioned for her.

One night, she'd told him all about wedding rings, and he was determined that they both should wear them, starting a new tradition in the West.

She had watched in amusement as he'd quizzed her repeatedly about design elements and what she might like, thoroughly taken by this side of him. He'd been quite put out that there hadn't been time to get a ring on her finger before they left for King's Landing.

Also with them were Catelyn Stark, Sansa's handmaiden Barba, and several lords of houses loyal to Tywin in the Westerlands. They were an impressive group that galloped through the courtyard and down the massive Lion's mouth that such a short time ago had welcomed Sansa to the Rock.

The road was lined with villagers, commoners, and minor nobles, as the Lannister banners shone brightly in the morning sun. It was an extraordinary sight – thousands of mounted knights and more men in the rear, off to finally win freedom for the Westerlands.

Unlike when they'd come from Riverrun, now Tywin led their massive retinue east and onto the Gold Road, which was a major road in southern Westeros.

From the Rock, they would be in Lannister territory until they hit Deep Den, the castle that guarded the Gold Road from the east. Beyond that, the road extended along the Blackwater Rush and into the Northern portion of the Reach. Sansa knew that Jaime was vulnerable until he hit Deep Den. If he could make it to the castle held by House Lydden, he might be safe.

Lord Lewys Lydden was one of the main lords riding in their entourage and had promised Tywin that he would send men to scout for Jaime, along the Gold Road, along with those from House Brax of Hornvale, and House Serrett from Silverhill. Jaime knew these lands well, and if he could somehow get himself back into Lannister held territory, he'd be safe.

That was where Kevan and Tygett had gone, and while Tywin's army could move approximately twenty-five miles a day, Tywin's brothers with their small contingent of men would move faster, perhaps thirty or more miles a day depending on how hard they pushed. It meant that it would take nine days for the army to reach Deep Den, while Kevan should be there in six or seven.

Like their race back from the Riverlands, their march towards King's Landing was done at a gruelling pace. Sansa and Tywin both knew what was at stake. It wasn't just Jaime's life, but the potential of what Aerys might do in King's Landing should they not arrive in time to stop the Mad King.

Sansa tried to take in the majestic hills and mountainous terrain that they traversed. She tried to appreciate the beauty of the region, and that she was seeing more of the Westerlands, the region her husband ruled.

But she simply felt miserable. In her mind, there was no doubt she had to be pregnant, for the nausea was relentless, and she spent many moments during their hard ride just holding on and trying not to vomit over herself. She thanked the gods she was a skilled and accomplished rider, for this would have been impossible had she not been so comfortable on the back of a horse.

As pleased as Tywin was with her apparent pregnancy, he was almost beside himself with worry, the sicker she got.

"We can get a carriage or something," he said one night when they made camp, two days from Deep Den.

She was resting on their makeshift bed, trying to keep her light dinner down.

"Husband, I'll be fine. A carriage would only slow us down and take days to arrive from the Rock." And it would take her from Tywin's side, which she did not want.

Tywin growled and continued pacing, and despite how sick she was, seeing him worry over her was kind of adorable. This man had so much power, and yet so much of it was an illusion. Because important things, things like family and health, were intangibles that Tywin could not control.

Knowing how Joanna died, that pregnancy had been at the center of her death, Tywin was not dealing well with Sansa's illness and what had caused it.

"We can wait," he countered.

"No, Tywin, we can't."

They both knew it was true. They could not wait. More than Jaime's life was at stake, and they had to get to King's Landing as soon as possible.

He joined her on the bed, and Sansa cuddled into his embrace. Somehow, he made her feel better as he rubbed comforting circles on her back, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Sansa said nothing, having learned that sometimes if she were quiet, Tywin would fill in the silence. Her lion was still learning how to share his thoughts with her.

"The thought of a child with you, it is incredible, Sansa. I never thought any of this would be a possibility for me. My house, my family has been devastated, as you well know."

Sansa hummed a bit, shifting and burrowing closer to Tywin. Somehow this was the most comfortable place for her to be – in her husband's arms. She knew that she should be thankful for this incredible opportunity to see ancient Westeros, but honestly, she just wished they were back at the Rock.

"I do know," Sansa responded.

"With Joanna, there was no joy in her last pregnancy. From the moment it was announced, there was a pall over my wife. I lost her long before that …. before Tyrion tore her apart."

Sansa understood.

She did.

In the future, with modern medicine and the advances they had made, pregnancy wasn't the danger it was in ancient times.

But here? Gods, there were so many horrible possibilities and so little that a Maester might do.

Sansa had shared none of this with Tywin, knowing that would lose his mind if she were to tell him just how many things could go wrong with a pregnancy. He'd wrap her up in so many layers of protection that she'd never have any freedom for the next eight months.

"I am not Joanna," she reminded him gently. "And being sick early in pregnancy is generally seen as a good thing."

He scoffed and gazed at how. "How?"

She smiled, stroking his chest. "Well, it has to do with hormone levels and how the embryo has attached itself to the uterine lining."

The look he gave her made Sansa laugh.

"Basically, it means the fetus is strong and growing," she told him.

Tywin's large hand settled over her stomach, his eyes gazing at her in wonder.

"The knowledge you have, it's astounding," he told her.

"Some of its common knowledge," she said, shrugging.

"What else?" he demanded. "Is riding a horse bad for the baby?"

"No love, not generally. A healthy woman can generally keep up with normal activities. Some women do not experience any symptoms like I am, and many times, the morning sickness will dissipate around when the second trimester starts. No alcohol, limited caffeine and a well-balanced diet are important," she told him.

"Incredible." He was like a sponge, soaking up everything she gave him.

Sansa rested her hands over his, feeling herself growing sleepier. "In my time, we have machines, in which you can view your baby through a special process – to check that their development while they are in the womb."

"And what if something were wrong? With the child?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper. Sansa's heart ached for him, knowing he was thinking of Joanna and what might have been done to save her.

"Oh love, the only time they would intervene would be if the mother's life were at risk. In my time, being a little person would not be a cause the terminate a pregnancy."

"And if a woman were to be in … distress?"

Sansa bit back the sob. "There are interventions. Methods they might use to help bring the baby safely into the world and save the mother as well." Sansa was speaking of a cesarian procedure of course.

He nodded, processing what she'd shared with him. "Is it …. Could you speak with Creylan about such methods?"

"Oh my lion, I'm not sure. I was not in medicine. The procedure I speak of cuts the woman open above her pubic bone, into the uterus to extract the child that way. But it is invasive. Some specialists train for years to conduct such a procedure safely. It means cutting through muscle, and generally, there is pain medicine involved."

"But if necessary, if I had to make a choice," Tywin pressed, and Sansa didn't know whether to be stunned by how much this man loved her, or weep for how scared he was.

She found herself nodding. "I will work with Creylan and research what work has been done at this time. Surely, there have been cases when an animal needs assistance in birth."

She saw his shoulders visibly relax, and while the thought of going through a rudimentary cesarian in ancient Westeros was enough to chill her blood, Sansa also knew that if she were in distress during the birth, she would want them to do everything possible to save her.

"Sleep, now, love," Tywin said, pulling her closer.

Sansa closed her eyes and let the strong thumping of Tywin's heart lull her to sleep. Soon enough, the war would be upon them, and the fate of the seven kingdoms hung in the balance of these upcoming weeks. And Sansa had no idea which way the pendulum would swing, and where House Lannister and these people she'd come to love would land. She could only hope that somehow, through all this madness, something good emerged when the dust finally settled on the rebellion.

Three days later, when they arrived at Deep Den, Tywin was handed a raven with the sigil of House Martell. The south had finally declared – they would march with House Lannister and go to Storm's End, to save Stannis and then ride hard for King's Landing, ready to put an end to Targaryen rule, and save their beloved sister.

The Blackwater Rush – Kevan

Fifty-five miles from Deep Den, down the Gold Road, Kevan, Tygett and the twenty loyal mounted knights at their back rounded a corner out of a small wood to hear the clash of swords. They were in the Northern part the Rush, having just come through the mountainous passes that protected the entrance to the Westerlands, and the foliage was rich and lush here, the rushing of the nearby river not loud enough to drown out the sound of twenty men racing to find Jaime Lannister.

Not that they were going for stealth. They were over five hundred miles from King's Landing on the Gold Road, and it had been just over two weeks since they'd received Jaime's raven. Tywin's son and heir was smart enough to push himself and Elia Martell as fast as possible to reach Deep Den.

The yelling alerted them to the fact that there was a skirmish ahead. Because they were in Reach territory, they might have been dealing with men they were now at war with; but both brothers knew it was more likely to be Jaime.

The brothers exchanged a look before they drew their swords and urged their mounts harder, coming upon a scene that shocked them all.

Against a tree, a pregnant Elia Martell sat, a small child tucked at her side, while dead men littered the ground. The smell of blood, guts, piss and shit made a foul combination, but for a man like Kevan Lannister knew well. It was the smell of war, of conflict, of alliances being redrawn. He couldn't even count how many men Jaime had already cut down, that lay dead or dying on the road.

And in the middle of the fray, five more knights, men that wore the King's colours. They had Jaime, Tywin's beloved son, surrounded. His once pristine white cloak was heavily soiled, his hair a mess, and his eyes were flashing dangerously as if he didn't quite think he was as outmatched as it seemed.

Kevan sucked in a breath, wishing for a moment that Tywin could see his son as he now appeared.

Confident.

Cocky.

Almost arrogant in the face of overwhelming odds.

Jaime was twirling his sword in his hand, daring those that had been sent after him to attack, holding his ground, and protecting Elia and her child. He looked every inch the golden lion he'd been named. He was twenty-one-name days old, and was clearly even more proficient with a sword than when Kevan had last seen him.

Kevan saw the moment the King's men heard them approaching, for their eyes left Jaime and widened, in shock, then genuine fear, seeing House Lannister bear down upon them.

It was an easy feat to run them through, as Kevan and his men were on mounted horses. They dispatched the few knights that Jaime had not yet killed, making quick work of it.

Kevan understood the significance of the moment and what it meant for his house.

There was no turning back now – they had just killed the King's men. They were at war with House Targaryen. Not that any other choice would have been made. Kevan had his orders – find Jaime and get him to safety no matter what.

When it was safe, the men killed, Kevan slid this horse and ran to his nephew, to draw him into his arms. For a moment, Jaime was stiff, as if he'd forgotten what it felt like to be touched or held with affection. Then his body responded, and he hugged Kevan back.

"Uncle?" Jaime said, sagging in relief.

"Jaime, we are here. We've come for you."

Jaime threw himself into Kevan's arms, a sob escaping him as he shook, and Kevan had to bite back the emotion that threatened to swamp him.

Jaime had lost so much. A brother. A sister. An uncle. His closest friend. He'd defied his vows and escaped from the Mad King. And somehow, he'd managed to keep Elia alive. It was astonishing.

A pained cry had Jaime and Kevan turning to see Tygett lay down his sword and kneel as he approached Elia.

"My Lady, we mean you no harm. You are safe now," Tyg told her, in a gentle tone that Kevan had never heard him use.

"Safe? You have twenty men with you. He has an army!" she was near hysterical, and Kevan couldn't blame her. She wasn't wrong, exactly, but she also didn't have all the facts.

Tygett's smile was fierce.

"My Lady, the Great Lion marches with our army, towards King's Landing."

"More conquest. I am so sick of death and war," she all but spat, still feisty even as the Mad King had hunted her down.

Kevan had a feeling that Sansa and Elia would become fast friends. Both women had a fire in them and appeared willing to speak their minds – even to fierce Lannister men. Elia was twenty-seven and clearly a woman that knew her own mind.

Tygett bristled under her rebuke and narrowed his gaze. His brother had a temper, and Kevan wondered if he should intervene. Before he could, Tyg responded.

"Nay, My Lady. We come to liberate the capital. My brother has ordered no rape, no senseless death. The men under his command have their orders to save the people of King's Landing."

Kevan saw Jaime startled and look to him. He gave a little shrug.

"Is that true?" Jaime understood Tywin's hated of Aerys, and Tywin was no known for his mercy.

"You'll both understand when you meet Lord Tywin's new wife. Lady Sansa is not a woman that many in the West would defy. She convinced Tywin to liberate the capital instead of taking it by force. Something about winning more bees to the pot with honey than vinegar."

Jaime's green eyes widened as he tried to assimilate this new information.

"So it's true? Father is married?"

Tygett chuckled. "Married and in love, Jaime. The man is gone over for his wife. And truth be told, so are we."

"Surely, you jape!" Jaime exclaimed, his face betraying the emotions he was feeling.

Shock.

Disbelief.

Perhaps … hope.

Jaime had been a boy when Joanna had died, old enough to have some memory of his mother and what his father had been like before her death. And he was old enough to remember the cold and distant man that had replaced Tywin after her death.

Kevan lay a comforting hand on Jaime's shoulder and squeezed.

"He is not the same man you knew Jaime, all those years, growing up. Sansa has forced him to become something … different."

"He's not such an arse," Tyg chipped in, grinning. Tyg never missed a chance to comment on just how gone over Tywin was for Sansa. "He's…"

Before Tyg could say anything more, a tiny child, slight in build with dark hair and purple eyes, crawled out from behind Elia and towards Tygett.

"Lion," the little girl said, and then crawled into his lap.

Kevan snickered at the look of fear on his brother's face with this child now climbing on him. His arms steadied her.

"Lion," she said again and smiled at him, before promptly curling up and going to sleep in his arms.

Elia shook her head in wonder, while Jaime just looked stunned.

"What is happening?" Jaime whispered, and Kevan knew they had to move.

"Come, let us get you some food and on fresh mounts. Your father is at most five days behind us, but the King will send more men for the two of you. We must leave now."

"Kevan," Tyg hissed, looking down at the sleeping princess in his arms. "What do I do about this?"

Elia, who'd been helped to her feet, patted him on the back.

"Why, Ser Tygett, you protect her."

Kevan threw his head back and laughed and then offered Elia some water.

"Oh, I cannot wait for you to meet Lady Sansa."

"Is it a true love match?" Elia asked as Kevan found her a place to sit and ordered his men to bring her food. She appeared almost wistful, and Kevan wondered at what she'd been through as well.

Tygett had risen and somehow managed to create a sling for the princess and hold her closer to him. Kevan figured it was the safest place for her and said nothing, even as Tyg glared at him.

"Imagine she's a lion cub," Kevan told Tyg and then answered Elia.

"Oh, they are quite in love. And quite the couple. Sansa has brought out the Tywin we thought we all lost. The West has a new life because of her."

A pained gasp drew Kevan's attention to Jaime, whose eyes flashed as his hand rested on the pommel of his sword.

"New life? You speak of love and hope when the Stranger takes my siblings, my uncle and my best friend? Imagine my surprise when my father gained a new wife and lost a beloved daughter. Who is the woman who seduced a lonely man and wormed her way into our family, at the cost of my sister's life?"

Tyg cuffed Jaime on the back of the head.

"Careful, Jaime. You do not know what you speak of. I was there. I've seen the entire courtship, before my very eyes. It was Lady Sansa that led us into the hills to rescue two lion cubs from near death. It is Lady Sansa that has brought the Great Lion back to us. And it is Lady Sansa whom the West has fallen in love with. It is not only your father that loves her. She is truly one of us."

Disgust laced Jaime's features as he shook his head. There was anger. Distrust. Worry. Confusion.

Kevan felt for Jaime, but he also needed to know what his sister had set in motion. Perhaps not at this moment, but Cersei could not be allowed to be a martyr in which Jaime would rally around and hold himself apart from his family. She had made choices that had devastating consequences on their family.

"And my sister? Her accident?" Jaime sneered, clearly not believing the lie that Tywin had told to protect their house's reputation.

Kevan knew what Cersei meant to Jaime and tread carefully.

"Your sister was a troubled woman, Jaime. She made her choices and poor ones at that. Those choices had devastating consequences."

He could see the war in Jaime's eyes and felt for his nephew. But now was not the time nor place for this conversation. Knowing what Cersei was capable of also made it hard for Kevan to sympathize with her untimely death. He held her directly responsible for Gerion's death and would not easily forgive her for that.

"We must leave. We are two days away from the main army, where there is a Maester and better tents. It is not safe for us here."

"This isn't over, uncle," Jaime warned.

For a brief moment, Kevan was reminded of a young Tywin, who openly defied their father, standing up to him when no one else would. There was some of Tywin in Jaime after all. Thank the gods. He'd need that in the weeks to come.

"Jaime, you need to speak with your father. But heed my words – he loves you. He was coming for you, to get his son back."

"His heir," Jaime sneered.

At that, Kevan shook his head vehemently. If anything, Jaime had to understand how desperately Tywin wanted Jaime back because his son was in danger.

"Gods no, Jaime. He loves you. He is not the same man that you knew. Give him a chance. He's made mistakes, but we all have."

Kevan's eyes bore into Jaime's.

Jaime finally turned away, a blush staining his cheeks. Then his shoulders sagged before Kevan's eyes, and once again, he looked lost.

"There are so many gone," Jaime brokenly whispered. Kevan ached for him. He did. But the best place for Jaime was now with his family. House Lannister was different. It wasn't like before.

"I know. But not all. Your father is coming for you, Jaime. He never gave up on you. He declared to the entire lords of the West that he was riding to King's Landing, to get you back."

Kevan clasped Jaime by the neck so he could see the truth.

"Truly?" Jaime whispered, so much pain in a single word, that Kevan wondered what he'd been forced to endure in King's Landing. Kevan knew that Tywin would be pained to see his son in such a state and worked to reassure him.

"Yes."

"And Lady Sansa? Will she welcome me as well? Or will she seem me as an impediment to her own children's ambitions?"

Kevan knew his smile was wide and warm.

"Oh Jaime, trust me when I tell you, if you give her a chance, you will come to love her as we have. She has done nothing but encourage your father to get you back. She believes in you. She believes in all of us. She is a boon to House Lannister and a lovely woman. She will openly welcome you home, Jaime."

"The King … he has his pyromancers …." Jaime couldn't even finish the sentence the horror of what Aerys was threatening plain to see on Jaime's face.

"We know," Kevan soothed him and saw the looked of wonder in Jaime's eyes. It was as if Tywin's son finally realized that he was no longer alone – that he had his family back. "You are not alone. This is not your war to fight. You have your family, golden lion."

"How?" the wonder there at Kevan's words.

"We have our ways. Trust me when I tell you, things have changed in House Lannister."

That seemed to appease Jaime, who nodded and then ate, lost in his own world while Kevan and Tygett organized things and then got them onto fresh mounts. If Kevan knew Tywin, he'd be pushing hard. They'd likely meet them on the road within a day or two. And then the two of them would have to hash this out. Kevan could only hope that Jaime could see what a changed man Tywin was and that Jaime would forgive his father for the mistakes he made.

House Lannister was so close to reclaiming what was theirs – and perhaps all that stood in their way besides a Mad King, was whether or not Tywin could make things right with his son.

The Blackwater Rush – Tywin

Upon arriving at Deep Den, Lord Lydden had demanded a proper bed and bath for Sansa, much to Tywin's relief. He knew his wife was needed by his side, but he wished they could have stayed at the Rock.

Especially when the Maester at Deep Den confirmed her pregnancy.

Tywin had such mixed feelings over the news.

The thrill that he would have a chance at being a father again, and this time with Sansa by his side. The pride that he was still a virile man, capable of getting his wife pregnant. Fear that this would somehow end in utter ruin, again. Worry that something could go wrong.

Tywin might not know as much as his wife when it came to pregnancy, but he was well aware when she kept things from him. She knew more about the dangers of pregnancy than she had shared with him, and while he appreciated what she was trying to do, saving him worry, it was useless. He would always worry about her.

Despite his wife's reassurances that her illness due to the pregnancy, and backed by the Maester on that account, Tywin hated seeing her sick. She was already a fair woman, her skin creamy and unblemished.

But now? She often looked wan and pale. So he greedily took the offered bedchambers and was glad she spent considerable time in the bath, easing the ache from their punishing ride.

He took a seat as she lay back and held up the raven with the distinctive emblem of House Martell, watching as his wife got the significance immediately.

"And what does Dorne say?" she asked.

He slit the wax and then scanned it, allowing his pleased reaction to show.

"They have brought their army North and turn to Storm's End and will meet us at King's Landing in a month."

Both of them knew this was a significant departure from the history that she knew. While they had no way of knowing if that would be better or worse in the end, there were already so many differences in this timeline that having House Martell on their side could only be viewed as good.

That night, after Sansa had managed to eat some bread and soup, Tywin had made love to her on a real bed, knowing it would be some time before they'd be afforded such privacy again.

She fell asleep almost instantly, and he held her close as his mind raced. They had heard no word from Kevan and if he'd located Jaime. His son might have taken a different route home, but Tywin didn't think so. The Gold Road was the most direct path to safety for Jaime.

Before they departed Deep Den, Tywin sent a raven to Oberyn, who was marching North towards Storm's End, confirming that they would meet outside the gates at King's Landing.

Tywin was expecting word back, as he travelled with a master whose entire job was to ensure that Tywin could send and receive ravens wherever he was.

Now they were two days out from Deep Den and just making camp when he let out an exasperated sigh. His wife insisted on being 'helpful' when his men made camp. Which generally meant she was fascinated by what they were doing and got in the way. Considering her condition, it exasperated Tywin to no end.

"Sansa, please, take a seat."

She frowned.

"I've been sitting all day, Tywin."

"On a horse!" he snapped, wondering why she had to be so stubborn.

She rolled her eyes at him.

"Thanks, Captain Obvious," she muttered.

He had no idea what she was talking about, but it was a clear insult. He was just about to use his Lord of Casterly Rock voice on her when the thundering of horse hooves alerted them to riders approaching.

Immediately she was surrounded by some of his best men, while Tywin rested his hand on the pommel of his sword. He hoped it was Kevan, returning with Jaime, but there were closer to Reach territory than Lannister now, and anything was possible with the realm at war.

"Stay behind me," he ordered his wife and Catelyn Stark, and both women nodded, sensing this was not a time to test him.

With moments it was clear that it was indeed Kevan and Tygett, along with Jaime and Elia. Logically Tywin knew it was hugely significant that he had the Crown Prince's wife and young daughter in his possession.

Emotionally? Tywin had eyes only for his son.

Jaime was off his horse within moments, and Tywin moved quickly to embrace his son, never thinking this moment might come. Two and a half long years apart, and Tywin had worried every day that Aerys might kill Jaime. Now he was here, and he was safe and unharmed.

"Father," Jaime's choked voice reached Tywin's ears, as he shook and sobbed.

What in seven hells had he gone through in King's Landing? Tywin wondered. Sansa had shared some of what she knew, but it was worse, seeing Jaime like this.

"Son. You're safe now," Tywin tried to reassure him, stepping back and cupping Jaime's face in his.

Gods, he loved him.

"You came for me. With your army," Jaime said in wonder, gazing at the massive Lannister retinue in the camp.

"Of course, I came for you. I was always coming for you."

"Is it true? What Uncle Kevan says? That you come to liberate the city and not destroy it?" Jaime's green eyes were intense, and Tywin knew Sansa's advice had been sound. Far better for him to be looked at as a hero than a conqueror.

"It is true," Tywin said, meaning every word. His army had their orders.

"Father, the King has his pyromancers working day and night. He speaks of using wildfire on the city," Jaime told him urgently, clutching at Tywin's forearms.

"I know, son. I know. Things are in motion; Jaime and we will do what we can."

Jaime nodded, then bit his lip.

"And my siblings? What news? How is it that a house as great as ours had such tragic deaths, and one after another?"

Tywin's heart ached for his son.

As if sensing his distress, the guards surrounding Sansa had moved, and she stepped forward, to be by his side. Tywin had still not decided how much he might disclose to Jaime about Cersei and Tyrion, although he would not hide the truth from him. His son had to know what his twin had done, and keeping secrets had not worked out well for any of the Lannisters.

"We will talk, Jaime, when the time is right."

Jaime went to protest, but Tywin levelled a look at him.

"I will not keep the truth from you if the truth is what you seek. But know that you cannot unknow it, Jaime. Be sure you want to know before you ask me again when we are alone."

Jaime gave a short nod before he looked at Sansa. Tywin followed his gaze and saw that she looked pale and nauseous.

"Oh seven hells woman, you need to sit," Tywin barked out, but his gentle movements bellied the order.

"Don't snap at me, Tywin. I merely want to meet your beloved son. Surely you can manage an introduction."

"Stubborn as the day is long," Tywin muttered but held her gently by the arm.

"Sniping at me won't get you anywhere in my good graces, husband."

Their eyes had locked, and then Sansa's lips quirked, making Tywin shake his head at her as he felt his smile threaten to break free.

"You are far too independent for your own good, my love."

She cupped his cheek and pulled him down for a kiss.

"You like that about me. Now introduce me to your son before he thinks we've both lost our minds."

When Tywin turned back to Jaime, with Sansa in his arms, his son's mouth had dropped open. Tywin did smirk then. He knew that anyone who knew him before Sansa would hardly recognize the man he was with her now. Including his own son.

"Jaime, I'd like you to meet Lady Sansa Tully Lannister. My wife and pain in my arse."

If Jaime had been expecting Sansa to be upset about that, he was sorely mistaken, for Sansa threw her head back and laughed.

"Oh gods, you are too much, Tywin," she told him, shaking her head.

She dropped into a perfect curtsey, smirked at Tywin and then smiled at Jaime.

"Hello, Jaime. I'm Sansa, and I'm delighted you are alive and very pleased to meet you. Your father has been worried sick about you."

Jaime was so stunned that he didn't have anything to say, as he just looked at the two of them. Kevan clapped him on the back, joined by Tygett, who had a small bundle in his arms.

"We told you they take some getting used to."

Sansa grinned. "We do. We're impossibly in love, and I don't let Tywin get away with being a grumpy lion."

Both brothers laughed, while Tywin glowered at her.

"Sansa," he warned as she waved a hand.

"Tywin," she retorted.

Tywin could help but admire her pluck. She was by no means the perfect lady that this time demanded, but he discovered that she was perfect for him.

"What in seven hells has happened?" Jaime finally managed to ask.

Elia Martell, who had been helped from her horse, joined them. Tywin noted how Sansa immediately became more circumspect around this princess of the seven kingdoms. He knew she understood, like he did, that there was a time and a place for the more casual banter that Sansa enjoyed.

"Princess Elia," Sansa said, dropping into another perfect, deep curtsey. "Welcome to our camp. I am sorry the accommodations are not more suited to your station, but I can assure you my husband will keep you safe."

The woman's dark eyes shimmered in thanks as she returned the gesture.

"Thank you, Lady Lannister, for your most warm welcome. I am afraid that we left under trying circumstances. Safety is what I seek for myself and my daughter until I can be reunited with my family."

Tywin glanced at the horses. "Where is your daughter?"

A tiny head popped out from against Tygett's chest, and Tywin had his own shock of the evening.

"She thinks I'm a lion," Tyg growled as Elia smiled kindly upon him, resting her hands on her very pregnant stomach.

Tywin knew immediately that she would ride in the carriage for the rest of the journey. It was where she'd be safe. Perhaps she might also convince Sansa to do so.

"Ser Tygett has been kind enough to be Princess Rhae's protector on our ride here. She adores him," Elia said, her lips quirking.

Tygett let out a growl, but that only made the little girl laugh, before she finally extricated herself and ran to her mother.

"Princess, we have a carriage that will be more comfortable for the two of you to travel," Tywin said, noting the relief in her face. "And a travelling master. My wife is newly pregnant. Perhaps you might even convince …"

Tywin couldn't even finish his sentence Sansa interrupted him.

"Tywin, stop. I am pregnant, not incapacitated. I want to ride beside you," Sansa said, her blue eyes flashing.

There was a part of Tywin that loved how adventurous Sansa was – and that she wanted to be by his side. But he was also worried about her. Knowing he'd get nowhere if he ordered her about, he softened, uncaring that Jaime and Elia were there to witness this.

"Sansa, love, I know. But I worry, and you've been so sick. Just think about it."

It was the right approach, for she immediately lost that combative look and nodded. He saw how tired she was and started to bark out orders for their tent to be readied and food for his wife and for Princess Elia.

"Come, now, let's get you and Elia somewhere comfortable," Tywin said, turning to look at Jaime, who still appeared stunned.

"So it's true. It's a love match," his son said, hurt, confusion and dare Tywin thought, hope, all right there.

Sansa sensed that this was private for the two men to discuss and asked Kevan to show Elia the camp and get them set up, leaving Tywin alone with Jaime.

When it was just Jaime by his side, Tywin sighed and wondered how a man told his son that he was in love with a woman that was not his mother?

"She is a remarkable woman, and quite unlike any I've ever met," Tywin began.

Jaime shook his head in wonder.

"I never thought …" his son swallowed hard and then gathered his thoughts, turning to Tywin.

"I know you loved Mother. It was clear when I was a child, and after her death, you were a different man. But I had no idea you were even open to the idea of another wife."

Tywin shrugged. "I was not."

"Then what changed?"

"Tyrion died, and you were a Kingsguard. I had no heir, Jaime."

His son snorted. "I've seen political marriages, father. This is not that."

A rare smile graced the Great Lion's face.

"No it is not. I raced for Riverrun to secure that alliance, and Sansa herself. But she captivated me, Jaime, from the first moment I set eyes on her. I love her."

Both men saw how Sansa had little Rhae in her arms, and the little princess was laughing at Sansa, delighted by her. She was such a warm woman, so open and giving. She wasn't hardened by this time, by this life. She was sunshine, so bright and cheerful and yet strong and powerful in her own right.

Jaime nodded slowly. "I can see that."

The silence stretched as Jaime looked at Tywin. "I am happy for you, father. I am. But I am also confused and hurt. And in pain. My siblings are dead. Gerion is dead. Addam is dead. And you are not the man I've always known."

Regret, strong and swift coursed through Tywin. He had so much work to do with Jaime – owed his son so much. He let his hand settle on Jaime's shoulder, hating the white cloak that was there, but refusing to not touch his son because of it.

"I know. And in time, I hope you will come to accept my explanations for the events that transpired. Right now, Jaime, we must deal with the Mad King. People are in danger. And we have alliances in which we've given our word."

Jaime nodded slowly. "Fair."

His son frowned and then shook his head in disbelief as he looked at him.

"You mean to take the throne," Jaime whispered as if he'd finally worked it out.

Tywin didn't refute it. It wasn't a secret, and he'd openly declared his intentions to the rebels at Riverrun.

"I mean to depose a King that should no longer hold power over the seven. Whatever happens beyond that, well, only time will tell."

Jaime said nothing to that but looked a bit in awe. "He hates you. More now than ever," his son blurted out.

Tywin nodded. "I know."

"Sansa will never be safe from him."

"I know. And I will never let him near her. Not ever again. I failed one wife, Jaime. I will not fail another."

Something flashed in his son's eyes, and Tywin knew that Aerys had revealed what he'd done to Joanna. Fresh hatred welled up in Tywin. The man was a monster, and it was long past time the Targ rule ended.

A fierceness came over Jaime, as his son clasped his hands.

"I will fight by your side, father. I will liberate the city, the seven kingdoms from that madman. I care naught what they call me. Oathbreaker, a man without honour. I know what my soul dictates I do."

Pride unlike anything he'd ever felt consumed Tywin. His son was such a good man, so honourable in his own way. There would be some that might not understand, but he would always have Tywin's unwavering support.

"Together then, the lions of Lannister will ride for King's Landing, and we will take back what was stolen from us."

"Together," Jaime responded, and both men know something fundamental had changed between them. There was work to be done, but Tywin had his son back.

A few hours later, Tywin went to his tent to find Sansa dozing in their bed. He slipped into his sleep tunic and gathered her in his arms.

"Is Jaime alright?" she asked.

Tywin would never understand what he'd done to deserve this woman's love, but he was determined to earn it for the rest of his days.

"He is. Sleep, my love."

She was out within seconds, leaving Tywin to ponder this new family he was creating, with this woman by his side.

The next morning before they departed, Tywin sent a raven to Oberyn, the second in as many days, telling the man that his sister and child were safe and that the Lannister army continued their march towards King's Landing. Now it was a race against time.

Questions remained, and uncertainty swirled.

The Trident and who would emerge victoriously.

The war for Storm's End and if the Martell army could break Mace Tyrell and his hold on the Baratheon castle.

And King's Landing, where this would all come to a head.

Would Tywin arrive in time to liberate the city and kill the Mad King? Or would the arrive to see the capital on fire, the innocent the victims of the Mad King who'd finally snapped, once and for all?