Chapter 11

The Woods Outside Riverrun: Sansa and Tywin

Kevan was still leaning against the tree getting his bearings and watching her. He had an almost goofy expression on his face and Sansa kept smiling at him. After all, it was well documented that Kevan Lannister was extraordinarily loyal to his eldest brother.

When Tywin rose, he finally let go of her. Immediately, Sansa felt his loss. What was it about this time and the emotions that were coursing through her? Did this time amplify her feelings?

She'd been on multiple dates with guys in her own time and had never felt even a smidgen for them as what she did Tywin after a few days. As much as he kept saying he couldn't wait to be married, Sansa felt the same way.

There was something about this man, this very complex, very dangerous man, that drew her like a moth to the light. It was as if they belonged together and the universe had done whatever necessary to make that happen.

But even with that draw, he was not an easy man and this life would be hard. It would take work and constant communication. Was he even capable of that?

His behaviour a few hours ago with Sandor had been atrocious, and she did not regret her reaction. But she did feel like it could be explained if she thought like Tywin.

That was what she'd been studying after all. The psychology of the Great Lion.

Between his father's choices, his wife's violation and his own inability to protect those he loved, Tywin had issues. Added to all of that, he was very clearly an alpha male, used to being in charge, giving orders and having his word be considered absolute.

Sansa was not used to such a man. They would have to discuss the Clegane brothers, and some of the stuff from his past in greater detail, perhaps once they were married.

Sansa did not think that Tywin would allow a man like Gregor, who clearly had very little respect for any authority figures, to simply go unpunished for his sins – no matter how great a fighter he might be. There were others in the West, men like Tygett and Jaime, Addam Marbrand and Sandor, that would more than makeup for Gregor Clegane's brutality should he lose his head for the crimes he'd committed. And he should lose his head. The entire realm would be much safer with him gone.

But that was a matter for another time, or day, Sansa realized, as Kevan was speaking to her.

"So, you're a Stark?"

She nodded and then smiled as Tywin found a blanket, placing it on the ground beside her before turning to go back to their mounts. She watched, amused and delighted as he tended to the horses while she settled in beside Kevan.

"You care for him. Already," Kevan said quietly so only she could hear.

"I do. Very much."

"He's a difficult man."

Sansa snorted. "That's an understatement." Kevan gave her a quirky smile at that.

"But he loves deeply, Sansa. Please trust me on this."

Sansa cocked her head, noting that Tywin had turned back towards them – he'd be here any moment so she had to be quick.

"Tell me honestly, Ser Kevan. Can he allow himself to love again?"

Kevan's face crinkled into a warm smile. "Oh, you're a clever one, aren't you. The answer is yes, although it won't be easy – it will take a strong-willed and passionate woman to bring him fully back to life."

"I don't need easy," Sansa muttered. "I just need a chance."

Kevan squeezed her shoulder. "I'm glad you are here, Sansa. But how did this all happen?"

Tywin joined her on the blanket, beneath the large tree where the shade kept the afternoon sun from baking them in their clothing. Old-timey Westeros clothing was not made for a lovely spring day, Sansa thought, somewhat sourly.

She missed shorts!

And sweat-wicking fabric!

And not being covered from head to toe.

Still, there was something to be said for this moment. After he sat beside her, Tywin tugged her closer to him, and she sort of got to lean on him. He had a smell about him that she loved – perhaps sandalwood? And his long, lean body was all ranged out on the blanket, all that contained power at rest right now. She wasn't fooled for one moment that the two lions she was between weren't two of the deadliest men in the realm. But for her, they'd made themselves less scary.

"Tywin?" Kevan asked again. "How did this happen?"

Tywin ran a hand through his blond hair and looked the most uncomfortable that Sansa had ever seen. She patted his knee.

"You can trust us," she said, giving him an encouraging smile.

He grunted.

"Nine months ago, I had my first vision. You were in what I now know, to be the ruins of Casterly Rock – my chambers - and you were with your father. You were going off about how you wished you could have seen it in its glory – the Rock that is."

Sansa was mesmerized by his tale, immediately transported back to that moment. She remembered it with perfect clarity.

"It was my graduation present from my father. We were travelling to the ruins of the major castles in Westeros. The Rock was last as I was staying in Lannisport for university."

"You don't have castles in your time?" Kevan asked, and Sansa shook her head.

"No. I mean, we have the ruins, from the Great Houses. But it's been hundreds of years since anything like this," she waved a hand vaguely in the direction of Riverrun.

"You were wearing short pants, and your hair was up in some type of long tail, and he called you Princess. He said you'd always been fascinated with House Lannister."

Tears filled Sansa's eyes as she recalled her father's voice. "He never understood my fascination with you or Casterly Rock, but he always indulged me."

"I thought you were a princess."

Her smile was watery. "No, just his- that was his nickname for me."

Tywin stroked a finger down her cheek. "Soon enough, you'll be a Queen, Sansa. My Queen and not just the realm's."

Oh.

My.

God.

Tywin Lannister was peak romance right now, Sansa thought! Who else could say she'd be his queen and not have it come off as a line or cheesy as can be???!

No one - that's who. Only the Great Lion.

Their gazes held, lost in one another and they were only interrupted by Kevan, who was smiling like a fool at the two of them.

"But what triggered this? I mean, if it's a ruin, surely many people visited Casterly Rock."

That was true. The Rock was a major historical site. Hundreds of thousands of visitors came through each year. What had made her visit different?

Sansa's eyes went wide as she looked down at Tywin's hand, now resting on his thigh.

"Your sigil ring! That's the day I found your ring."

"This?" He held up his hand, and Sansa's fingers touched it.

"It was duller, more aged. There was this secret nook, in the wall, and inside the ring. I knew I shouldn't take it, but something compelled me to."

Both Tywin and Kevan exchanged a meaningful glance, and Sansa felt she was missing something important.

"What?"

Tywin cleared his throat. "Sansa, this ring belongs to the head of House Lannister. My father wore it, and his father and his father's father."

She nodded. "Yes, I know."

"So why was it hidden in a place that only Kevan and I know about? Why was it not passed down to my son? And his son? Why was it abandoned at the Rock?"

Sansa's stomach dropped, and she felt the blood drain from her face. Her mind was racing. It was clear that Kevan must have taken it from Tywin's body to give to Jaime after Tywin had been killed. Obviously, something had to have happened to prevent that. It struck her then that these two men sitting beside her would be dead in less than twenty years if the old course of history played out. Of course, things had already changed, but would death come for them nonetheless?

"How did I die, Sansa?" Tywin asked quietly but the demand clear, having worked it out for himself. The only way his ring would be hidden away was if something catastrophic had happened to his family, to his house.

She shook her head. "No, I cannot," she whispered, her voice tortured. "Do not ask me that, Tywin. Things have changed so much…"

He frowned, seeming to accept her answer, for now. "At least tell me if it is soon?"

"What is soon?"

"In the next year or two."

"No."

His shoulders relaxed marginally. "Thank gods," and he was looking directly at her.

"But what triggered the vision, I wonder?" Kevan asked, unaware of the intense by play happening between them.

Sansa was trying to recall that day, and then her eyes went wide. "I cut myself; on the stones at the Rock! I remember thinking I was an awful person for taking it, but I was so enraptured by you."

She blushed and promptly forgot that Kevan was sitting there.

Tywin's lips quirked.

"Go on."

Gods he was so handsome right now, like some fallen golden god, sprawled out, arrogant conceit on his face. It made him no less handsome. Her heart raced while her core clutched in need. She wanted Tywin, in every single way a woman wanted a man, even knowing exactly who and what he was.

She shook her head at him but spoke anyway, feeding his already massive ego.

"Well, you have to understand that my father taught history at the high school level." At their confused looks, she laughed and explained how the school system in her time worked.

"And all youth are in school?" Kevan asked, and Sansa nodded.

"Yup. Anyways, I'm a Stark, so of course living in the North, it was all Bran the Builder and Queen Sansa. That's who Dad says he named me after."

"Who in the hell is Queen Sansa?" Tywin asked, totally bewildered.

Oh crap, she thought. Queen Sansa had been crowned years after both of these men had died.

She waved a hand and wondered what else she'd screw up. This was so hard this burden of knowing everything and yet not knowing what she might have already changed.

"Not important. Anyways, what is pertinent to this story is the fact that I was obsessed with House Lannister, and more specifically, you."

"Me?"

She nodded, "Yup," and popped the p, winking at the two of them.

"Why?"

"I mean, it was such a love story, right? You and Lady Joanna in such a brutal world. You were so powerful and had such a reputation of being cold and calculating, and yet, it was known that you loved Lady Joanna so much. You never took another wife, and for me, well, that drew me in. I wanted that."

Tywin frowned, clearly having never thought of himself in such terms. "Wanted what?"

"To be loved like that, Tywin. To meet a man that would love me the way you loved your wife. I mean, come on! You were never associated with another woman after your wife died. Trust me, that translates across time. The idea of one true love."

She sighed dreamily and then frowned. Then she appeared incredibly sad and felt the tears well up in her eyes.

For Tywin it was like watching her heart shatter in front of him before he could do a single thing to prevent it.

Because he knew what she was thinking, Tywin gave his brother a pointed look. He needed to speak with her, alone, immediately and fix this.

"Well, I'll just go check on the horses," Kevan said, heaving himself to his feet. "A few minutes, Ty, then we need to get back."

Tywin nodded and reached for Sansa's hand the moment his brother gave them privacy.

"You must think me so stupid. I know you loved her, Tywin. I know you loved only her. I'm sorry that I want that…."

He retook her lips, firmer this time, carding his hands through her hair and cutting off her words. She needed to stop whatever line of thinking was going on in her head. She had no idea what he felt for her.

When she pressed closer to him, he held her in his lap, loving the feel of having her in his arms. He drew back and gazed at her for a moment.

"Sansa, I need you to understand something - something I am trying to figure out myself."

Their lips were practically touching, and she just wanted to kiss him again, because then maybe this wouldn't hurt quite so much.

"Alright."

"Listen to me, Sansa. I loved Joanna, yes, as best I could. But I was also young and full of rage and needed to prove myself to everyone. I was determined to restore honour to my house and my family. When we wed, Joanna and I made sense. Neither one of us were easy people, Sansa. And neither one of us desired to try to find another match. We fit, in the way that your favourite boots feel; comfortable and well broken in."

Sansa's nose wrinkled adorably, and Tywin's cock, already hard, pulsed. Fuck, he wanted this woman. Wanted her in a way he'd never ever recalled wanting his wife.

"What are you saying?"

Her blue eyes were confused, and Tywin knew it mirrored what was going on in his heart and his head.

Sansa had woken more than just the lion inside him; old, dormant feelings and dreams had also roared back to life. Dreams that he'd had before his father had made their entire house the laughing stock of the West. He'd had to be hard from such a young age since his father was so soft, that he knew it had been impossible to open himself up entirely to his first wife.

And, if he were frank, he wasn't sure that Joanna ever would have welcomed that. They had slotted themselves into their assigned roles and the expectations of their positions and carried on. Tywin could never imagine Joanna ever having berated him the way Sansa had, nor racing across an open field, or even this – sitting half on his lap, kissing him.

Joanna had been the perfect highborn woman, a true testament to her breeding and upbringing.

But Tywin's heart demanded more now.

It demanded an equal- a woman that would match him in every way possible.

"I am saying that there were many reasons I did not marry again. But not one of those reasons is that I cannot fall in love again," he whispered to her. "With the right woman."

Her lips trembled, and he saw the hope in her eyes.

"Are you sure? I just want a chance, Tywin."

The breath that shuddered out of him felt like it released ten years of pent-up grief and longing. He missed the companionship of Joanna and the comfort of a wife, true, but more, he missed the intimate moments that existed between a married couple. Sansa was tearing down each barrier he'd carefully constructed around his battered heart, demanding so much from him that his head spun.

He could live to see eighty-name days and know he would never deserve this second chance. But he was greedy and he was snatching it with both hands. Sansa was his.

"You have more than a chance, Sansa."

"Good."

She snuggled deeper into his arms, and Tywin glanced up to see Kevan shaking his head, indicating they had to go. Gods, he wanted nothing more than to get this wedding done and then spend time with Sansa. Each time they started to discuss the future, they got sidetracked or off on some other tangent. He needed time with her – just her.

The fear he'd seen in her eyes when he realized he'd died, clearly sooner than he'd wished, was very real and needed to be addressed.

There were issues with Cersei and Gregor Clegane. And that was nothing of what Jaime was going through, so far away from him, let alone if Robert would hold true to his word.

In short, things were a fucking mess. And yet, Sansa was here, with him. She was real. She was touching him. And despite his many shortcomings in her eyes, she kept coming back to him. That had to count for something, right?

Tywin was not a fanciful man, but this woman had been in his mind and his heart for months. She had been brought back through some magic he could not explain, as if she'd been made for him.

For all he loved Joanna, and he had, he truly had, she was as much a product of this time and upbringing as any other noble-born woman.

She was not Sansa, nor could she ever have been.

And Tywin was beginning to suspect that Sansa would demand so much more of him than Joanna ever had.

Tywin held Sansa for a few more minutes before he reluctantly rose and helped her to her horse.

She gave him a rueful grin. "I always have the best of intentions when it comes to telling you things, Tywin and then –" she waved a hand about. "Perhaps when we are at the Rock, we might have more time. Time like this."

Tywin stilled her with a single touch, the idea of her in his home, overwhelming. Her bright blue eyes were locked on him as if expecting an answer, something he thought close to hope shimmering there.

She wanted his reassurance that he'd continue his courtship of her after their marriage, he finally deduced.

Well, of course, he would. He was already imagining the jewels he could drape around her, the library at the Rock, and his favourite spots in his home he'd share with her.

"That can be arranged," he said, his voice not expressing the excitement he felt. She made him feel like a young man, giddy with possibility.

Pleased with his answer, she held out her hand to be helped onto her horse. "This would be much easier if I had my riding habit." At his confused look, Sansa continued. "Breeches and proper riding boots, Tywin."

He almost swallowed his tongue, imagining his soon-to-be wife, cavorting around Westeros in breeches! That would never, ever happen. He would be the only man to ever see her legs.

As it was, she was already a far more competent rider than he had ever imagined. He wondered what other skills she might be hiding as they began their journey back to the castle.

"I do have one more question for you, My Lord," she said, and by her tone, he knew it had to do with Sandor Clegane. Resigned, Tywin sighed.

"Yes?"

"Explain what that was with Sandor back at the kennels."

Tywin was quiet for a time, knowing that both Kevan and Sansa would hear his answer.

"He is below you, Sansa. You are to be a Lannister. And my family has not had the best of luck when it comes to vassal houses and their loyalty. We were nothing but the laughing stock of Westeros, with the King three times having to send men into our region to restore order. My father almost destroyed our Great House."

"Sandor is loyal, Tywin."

His green eyes narrowed.

"His family was barely more than commoners, Sansa only elevated because of one brave act by his father. You are to be Queen."

So, it was a class thing, Sansa realized. She knew that for as long as she lived here, in this time, she would never really understand class the way those that had been born into this time did. And how it mattered so much to them.

Theoretically, she got it.

Emotionally she did not.

"The last time a lord of the Rock got too friendly with his bannermen, Sansa, the results were devastating."

She knew that he was talking about the death and destruction he'd rained down like a vengeful god on Houses Tarbeck and Reyne. Hell, they'd made a song for him, with the words known even today.

"The Rains of Castamere is known even in my time, Tywin."

He appeared oddly proud that the song had survived until her time.

Sansa knew there were just some things she'd never understand – like Tywin's rigidity when it came to class distinctions and his very clear ideas about proper Lannister behaviour. But he had answered her question, so she needed to meet him halfway.

"I am trying to understand, Tywin. I am. But Sandor is a traumatized young man, who needs compassion," she told him gently. "I promise if we show that to him, he will repay it tenfold with his loyalty."

Tywin held her gaze before he finally spoke.

"Perhaps I overreacted."

Sansa knew that Tywin did not 'apologize,' so that was likely as close as she was going to get to him admitting he'd been wrong. It was something.

"Sandor Clegane will be loyal, Tywin, if shown even a modicum of support for what he has been through. He is more than worth your time to make things right with him. And to deal with his brother. He is a true monster."

They were quiet as they approached Riverrun both lost in their own thoughts. The sun was setting and they found Sandor Clegane in the stables, tending to the enormous black warhorse he had claimed. Sandor startled when he saw them, but Tywin gave him his due; he did not run, nor did he cower in front of him. He was already taller than Tywin and if he kept up his training, he'd become even more formidable.

Sansa gave him a pointed look, that said, fix this!

Tywin cleared the stables of all but him, Sansa, Kevan and Sandor. Sandor tensed his shoulders, and for the first time, Tywin looked closer. Was it possible his face has been damaged because of his brother? An elbow to his side and Sansa's now pleading eyes forced Tywin to clear his throat.

"Clegane, what happened to your face?"

Sandor jerked his head, a defiant look in his eyes and snarled, "Bedding caught on fire."

Tywin all but heard Sansa roll her eyes. He knew Sandor was lying through his teeth!

"Enough Sandor," he said. "I have been told that your story is not true."

Sandor stiffened but said nothing.

"Your father did a great service to my house, saving my father from the lioness that attacked him. It elevated the Clegane's to their own keep. But now I have heard disturbing rumours about your mother, sister and father – and your brother." Gregor was a true brute.

Sandor hunched over, hiding his face. Tywin did not miss the flinch of his shoulder when he mentioned his brother, and his guts twisted.

How in seven fucking hells had he missed it? Tywin was not above monstrous acts, but to kill one's entire family?

"Lad, he is your liege lord. You owe him the truth," Kevan said, his voice gentler than Tywin's.

"Why? My own father lied to cover up his acts. Three men had to pull him off me as I screamed! I was barely more than a pup, playing with a discarded toy and he did this!" Sandor pointed to his face, and Tywin had to force the bile down. It was a hideous scar. The pain must have been incredible.

"And your family?"

Sandor shook his head and mumbled about his mother and sister, both having an accident. Then he raised his eyes to Tywin's, and he saw the deep-seated pain, but more, the betrayal that no one had held Gregor to account for his actions.

"Like my father, that went hunting with Gregor and came back dead."

Tywin knew that Sansa said this man would grow up to be as loyal as they came, and that was without her interference and belief in Sandor. Imagine what he would be now?

Tywin would not apologize, but he could make things right. He stepped closer to Sandor and cupped his scared flesh in his hand. Sandor startled as if he couldn't believe someone would dare touch his cheek.

"You will guard Lady Sansa when we ride back to Casterly Rock – with your life if needs be. And when we are there, Gregor will answer for his crimes. In return, you will pledge your loyalty to me, Clegane."

Sandor swallowed hard. "You'll make him pay for what he did?"

"I am Tywin Lannister, and my word is law in the West, Sandor."

Their eyes locked.

"I'll guard her, and you. I'll swear my vows to your family, Lord Lannister."

At that moment, Tywin knew he had created a bond that would pay dividends for years. Sandor was so eager, so desperate for any type of justice, for attention, for a family that it almost buckled Tywin's knees. His almost wife had been right. Again. It wasn't about the House one was born into, but the character of that person.

"Ser Tygett is here, Clegane. You will become his shadow and serve him in whatever capacity he requires. I will speak to my brother tonight."

Quickly, lest anyone see the emotion in his eyes, Tywin turned to make his way inside Riverrun, leaving Sandor in Kevan's care. Kevan was good at things like that, and Sandor's life had just changed dramatically.

Of course, Sansa was all but chasing after him, running to keep up with his long strides.

"My Lord," she called, and he turned back to her, a snarl on his face.

"What?" he snapped at her.

Gods, these feelings were overwhelming, crushing him, forcing him to confront things he'd left tucked away in the deepest recesses of his heart and mind. And this woman was like sunlight shining into all the dark places inside of him.

They were alone, thank the gods.

"Thank you."

She stunned him, this woman from the future. She humbled him. She forced him to be something different. She forced him to be better, Tywin realized.

"Sansa, I am very close to carrying to my room and not letting you leave."

Her blue eyes flashed with mischief. "Please," he said, fist clenched. "You have to go." His legendary control was so close to fraying he felt it along his nerves.

"I'm going."

He gave her a look as she stood there.

"I am. But Tywin, I'm glad I'm marrying you tomorrow. In any lifetime, I'd choose you."

She darted in, so quickly he could not stop her, and pressed her lips to his. "When I see you tomorrow, it will be to become your wife."

Too choked with emotion, Tywin could only nod.

"Sansa you are …" he had no words, no way to adequately express the excitement and hope he felt. He was standing upon a precipice to an entirely new life, with her by his side. And he wanted it with his entire being.

"Your eyes say enough. Until tomorrow."

He cocked his head. "Until tomorrow."

Then in a flash, she was gone, and Tywin could only watch her go, praying that tomorrow arrived fast and that no one dared to stop his wedding to Sansa.