Chapter 8

Riverrun – The Dance

Sansa spent most of the feast stealing glances at the man beside her and trying to keep from pinching herself that Tywin Lannister was here, sitting beside her. And had strode into the Hall and announced to the entire hall that they were to be married!

Sansa had to admit that the pictures had not done his handsomeness justice; the man radiated power and ruthlessness, even in a Hall filled with men that could snap her neck with a single hand.

There was something about Tywin that was so uniquely him. Sansa suspected he demanded attention wherever he went, and even though Hoster Tully ruled in this hall, she did not doubt for a single moment who the most powerful man in the room was. It was this man that she was seated next to and would now, apparently, marry!

Sansa wondered if she should be scared of him; after all, his reputation was one of a man who was calculating, intelligent, politically astute, ruthless and controlling. His entire life was dedicated to maintaining the Lannister prestige and ensuring his house was the most respected in Westeros - or if not respected, feared.

She supposed that adage about powerful men being attractive was being proven right before her eyes. Cause holy hell was she attracted to this man! She wanted to climb him like a monkey climbs a tree!

For a brief moment, Sansa wondered what her friends and professors at Lannisport University might say, should they see her now. She must have chuckled for Tywin leaned in, closer to her his full attention back on her.

Sansa knew it was written that Tywin mistrusted laughter because of how many people laughed at his father and the way his father acted. But he seemed drawn to hers, and Sansa refused to be anything but herself. He'd come for her, not the other way around. He could deal with all her quirks- including that she was a person that liked to laugh and smile.

"What is on your mind, Lady Sansa?"

She knew she must be grinning impishly, but she couldn't help it! She finally had an ally in this strange new world in which she found herself. She pressed slightly closer to Tywin.

"I am trying to imagine what my thesis professor might think of all of this."

His eyebrow arched. "So you were at … school, was it?"

Sansa nodded, noting that while people were stealing glances at them, the more wine and mead that flowed, the less others were paying attention to them. Except for Tywin's brothers. They appeared utterly baffled.

"Yes. I was a graduate student at Lannisport University. You were my subject matter."

She smiled at him and winked and then when back to her meal, taking care to eat daintily as a woman of this time were expected to do. Sansa had stuffed more than one bun in her pocket for a late-night snack when she was back in her chambers.

Tywin frowned. "And this is an acceptable occupation for a woman?"

She nodded. "It is. I mean, not everyone goes on to university. And I'd already done my first degree. I was the youngest in my class."

At his penetrating gaze, she blushed and thought about how to explain it.

"It's how my brain works. I can read a page in a book once and recall it with perfect clarity, days and even weeks later. It made me extremely well adapted to higher learning."

"And you studied history?"

She nodded again. "I did. General Westeros' history for my undergraduate degree. A master's degree is when you specialize in a certain subject matter."

"And that was me?"

"It was."

They were stopped from any further discussion, when her father rose and clapped his hands, announcing that the dishes would be cleared and then the dancing would begin.

"We have not one but two betrothals to celebrate tonight, and I ask for those couples to step forward and lead us in the first dance of the evening."

Sansa knew that Tywin Lannister did not dance. Ever. Even with Lady Joanna. She laid a hand on his arm.

"I'll speak to my father. I know this is not something you enjoy."

She could see she shocked him, as his eyes narrowed.

"It appears I am at a disadvantage, My Lady. You have a vast knowledge of me while I know next to nothing about you."

Sansa thought about those words, wondering how to respond. "I know facts, My Lord. What the history books have claimed is true. I am sure there are many things still to learn. For instance, you seem not to enjoy trout."

Tywin glanced down at his plate where his portion of fish remained, and Sansa swore the corners of his mouth twitched. She leaned in. "I must confess, I don't like it much either."

Their mouths were mere inches apart. "Well then, that works out nicely."

"It does My Lord," Sansa murmured, feeling desire hum through her body.

He was gazing at her with such hunger, those pale green eyes flecked with gold, that she shimmied a bit in her seat.

So this was what it was like to want someone, she thought.

It was what had been missing with almost all her dates—this spark. For a brief moment, she wondered what this man would be like in bed. She knew that women of her breeding and station should not be having such impure thoughts, but she was from 2020!

That meant that she openly welcomed the desire she felt for him and licked her lips, watching his green eyes flare.

"Careful Sansa," he said before they were rudely interrupted by her father, who was standing behind them, beaming at them. He appeared as if he'd been given a hundred golden dragons and almost rubbed his hands in glee, eyes darting between them. It was clear that Hoster Tully more than approved of landing the Great Lion as a match for his eldest daughter.

"Lord Tywin, perhaps you could start," Hoster announced just as the music started. With no way out and no way to decline, Tywin rose, all leonine grace and held out his hand for Sansa. She rose, gracefully, and sighed when the melody was one she'd learned in her endless dance classes. She almost glided across the floor and into his arms, as one hand settled on her hip, the other clasping her hand. It was an ancient version of a waltz, and as Tywin led them through the dance, Sansa quickly settled into the rhythm.

"How do you know how to do this?" he said, wonder in his voice.

"Dance class."

They were quiet for a time, lost in one another, when he finally said, "They'll have questions, Sansa."

She nodded, pursing her lips in thought.

"I believe I sent you a raven, My Lord, with my deepest condolences on the loss of your youngest son. My sincerity touched you. When word of the rebellion came, faced with the genuine prospect that your heir was a hostage of the Mad King, and your spare now dead, you finally realized the futility in remaining unmarried. Above all else, you value your House and family name. Knowing that a match between our houses would only strengthen your position, you rode for Riverrun the moment you heard my father had been injured in battle, praying to the gods that you were not too late to ask for my hand in marriage."

Sansa saw his eyes go wide and his nostrils widen.

"You have a flair for the dramatic."

Sansa grinned. "Do you have a better story?"

He thought for a moment and then shook his head, glancing towards his brother, Kevan, whose eyes were locked on his. "My brother Kevan will not believe it."

Sansa snorted. "Then let us tell them I am a time traveller from nearly seventeen hundred years in the future, and we've been sharing dreams for the past nine months. I'm sure that won't end with me locked away and you the laughing stock of Westeros."

Tywin glared at her.

"I do not appreciate japes."

"I adore them."

He spun her around, his grip tightening. He was just about to speak when her lips twitched. "Lannister's do not act like fools, right, My Lord." She winked at him, again.

The hand on her hip squeezed, and Sansa gave a little moan of pleasure. "You are a bold one, aren't you?"

"I am a modern woman, Tywin."

"Who is now in the past. And about to become a Lannister. We must always behave above reproach."

The reprimand was clear, and Sansa felt it hum through her.

For a moment, grief and the vulnerability of her predicament washed over her, and she felt exposed. She was baiting one of the most ruthless men in the realm. And for what? To prove something to him? Sansa knew she could never compete with the woman Tywin loved. At best, all she could hope for what that he'd treat her well. She was lost in her mind when she felt him stroke his hand across her hip.

"I am a harsh man – it is best you learn that now."

"No, it is I that should apologize. I should not jape in such a manner." She looked away from him, suddenly mortified of how she was acting. This wasn't a joke; this was a dangerous place, and Tywin was her best chance at survival.

Sansa felt like an idiot. She was treating this like a game, and it was anything but. She'd been so caught up in it all that she forgotten the danger that lurked everywhere.

She knew all eyes were on them, and this Westeros was nothing like the one from where she had come. There, she was hardly thought of as 'bold' – more like boring. Here, she was likely to cause a scandal without even trying since there was just so much she didn't know. It was little things, like talking to a man alone without a chaperone or touching someone when she shouldn't. Her brain hurt, sometimes trying to remember everything.

Before Tywin could reassure her that he wasn't quite as angry as she seemed to think he was, the music had stopped, and her uncle, the Blackfish, was there to claim her next dance. She was still frowning and looking upset when he was forced to leave her side. He knew that he'd already cause enough tongue to wag tonight with his highly unorthodox behaviour; it would hardly do to hover and snarl at any man who might touch her the way he wanted to.

Tywin stalked off to the corner, upset at himself. He knew she was not from this time; he knew she was likely still reeling from the death of her father. The mere fact that she'd survived and fooled the entire household was a testament to how intelligent she was. She needed his help, but she also had to understand just how dangerous this time was.

Tywin was flanked by his brothers, who said nothing but glanced between them and Sansa. Finally, when she was done with Brynden, Tygett shot Tywin a look. "I thought we rode here to declare our intentions for war, not to secure a marriage. But since marriage it is, I shall introduce myself to your bride."

Then he was gone, and Tywin had to stand there and watch his brother dance with Sansa.

For her part, Sansa could see the resemblance between Tywin and his younger brother, Tygett. She knew that they had a rocky relationship and that this fourth child of Tytos had often felt overshadowed by his big brother. And he was eyeing her suspiciously.

"I do not know what you have done to bewitch my brother, but trust me when I say, you will be watched."

Sansa hadn't known what to expect, but Tygett warning her not to hurt Tywin was not it. She smiled at the lion.

"I will not fail you. I want this marriage, Ser Tygett."

"You will not replace Lady Joanna. She holds all of his heart. At most, he'll bed you and get another child on you, in case the worst were to happen to Jaime. But that is all. If you wish for more, you'll not find it with him."

Sansa knew that most women would crumble, but she was well aware of the love the Great Lion had for his wife.

"They were quite the couple, weren't they?"

Tygett looked slightly stunned, so Sansa pressed on.

"I do not wish, nor could I ever hope to replace Lady Joanna. She was his first and only love. I am well aware. But perhaps we might make one another less lonely for a time; mayhap we might even be friends, or at the very least, I might be a helpmate. And I am eager to see your home. I've heard it is unrivalled in Westeros for great keeps."

Tygett shook his head in bewilderment. She was right. Casterly Rock was the best castle in the Seven Kingdoms - but almost no one but Lannister's felt that way.

"Who are you?"

Sansa gave him a soft, sad smile.

"I am Lady Sansa Tully, soon to be your good sister, Ser Tygett. And perhaps you and I might be friends as well someday."

The song ended, and the man from the West appeared thoroughly confused and stunned as Sansa smiled at Lord Eddard Stark, who was next.

"I suppose it is time we get acquainted," he said, his northern accent much thicker than any other Sansa had heard in the hall. She found she liked it; it reminded her of home in a way.

"I suppose it is."

They were quiet for a time when they heard a peal of laughter and saw Hoster brush a kiss across Catelyn's cheek. She blushed as she caught Ned gazing at her.

"My sister is a good woman, Lord Stark. She will make a fine wife for you, and not just because of her duty. Perhaps, if time allows, you might spend some time and get to know her before the wedding."

Ned's eyes looked startled, and then they lit, with the first signs of something besides grief that Sansa had seen. He swallowed hard, and Sansa was reminded that they were the same age.

"Do you have a suggestion, My Lady?"

"She adores walks in the godswood, and her favourite treat is anything sweet. She likes music more than poems and stories more than dancing."

Ned nodded and then looked uncertain. "Winterfell is a large keep, My Lady. It is not like these castles in the south, but there is a fine library there, and glass gardens as well. Mayhap I might suggest she bring some flowers North with her."

Sansa beamed at the man, proud of him. "I think she'd enjoy that, Lord Stark." They twirled around, the man from the North not nearly as graceful as Tywin had been. "It is hard for women to leave their homes, to make a place beside their husband. I think, and I will speak with her, but if you were to tell her about the North and what you love about it, she might warm quicker to it."

Ned's eyes lit. "Starks have a long history, My Lady."

"You are the descendants of the First Men," Sansa murmured, almost in awe. "Your son will have the blood of the first kings, My Lord." She was talking to an ancient Stark! It was wild.

The music ended, and Hoster announced that it was the last dance. Sansa swallowed her disappointment when it was Kevan and not Tywin waiting for her.

"Where is he?" she asked Kevan softly as she went into his arms.

Kevan frowned. "Gone to his chambers, My Lady. But do not worry about yourself. He's always had a flair for the dramatic."

"Alright."

They did another spin around the center of the Great Hall, Sansa lost in her thoughts when Kevan spoke again.

"It's been a very long time since I've seen my brother so … determined, Lady Sansa. He raced to get here."

"Truly?"

Kevan nodded. "May I ask you a question?"

"Yes, of course. We will soon be family." Sansa smiled at that statement, and Kevan shook his head, wondering how Tywin had come to win such a lovely woman to his side.

"You do not seem – intimidated by him, as many are."

"He's fascinating," she responded, eyes alight.

Kevan looked for a lie in her blue eyes but found none. She appeared to be telling the truth. It was unbelievable. Tywin Lannister had been called many things over the years, but fascinating had never been one of them.

"And the Rock? Is it as wonderful as I've re… er heard?"

Kevan chuckled, wondering what Tywin had gotten himself into with this one. He, too, had thought they were coming to Riverrun for at least negotiations, and perhaps to formulate some type of plan to extract Jaime from Kings Landing. Never would Kevan have guessed that Tywin planned to marry again.

"It is. You will love it there."

When the music ended, Kevan gave Sansa a kind smile.

"I look forward to welcoming you to our family, Lady Sansa."

She dipped into a perfect curtsey. "And I look forward to getting to know you all better. Including your wife, Lady Dorna."

Kevan knew already that Sansa would bring joy and light back to Casterly Rock, although he worried how Tywin's daughter might react when Sansa arrived, married to her father. Cersei was fiercely protective of her mother's memory and slightly unhinged as Kevan was coming to suspect.

He watched as Sansa was surrounded by her father and his knights, to be escorted to her bedchambers. Satisfied she was safe for tonight, Kevan spun and went to find his brother. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

Riverrun – Bedchambers

Tywin slammed the door to his chambers, hating that he'd been pushed to such a childish display of emotion. Sansa was unlike any person he'd ever encountered and for a good reason. He'd been enchanted with her for nine long months since that very first dream.

He could deny many things in this world, and he'd ignored several others. But his feelings, whatever they may be, for Sansa Stark were not something he could escape.

Tywin had never had to woo Joanna. They had been assumed, and his marriage easy. Joanna had fit seamlessly into life at Casterly Rock, a Westerlands woman through and through.

But Sansa was anything but. He'd raced here, unthinking of the consequences, the sheer need to be near her, to claim her as his, a driving force inside him.

He'd loved Joanna as best as he could, but he'd never felt this compulsion for his wife like he did for Sansa. And that brought with it guilt. How could he feel so much for someone who was so different from anyone he'd ever known?

He knew that Sansa would not fit seamlessly into his life - that she would upend it. And there was a part of Tywin that was utterly intrigued by that.

Normally, anything that made him feel out of control, Tywin ruthlessly cut from his life. But he knew he could not allow Sansa to go. His heart and his brain were at war, and he didn't know which one to listen to.

He was hunched over a desk, his mind racing, when his door banged open and in strode Kevan and Tygett. For one brief moment, Tywin did not feel like the Great Lion, but a brother that had hidden his true intentions from his family.

But he could not tell them the truth; no one could ever know the truth about Sansa. He had to protect her, and that started immediately, with his own family.

He recalled the 'story' Sansa had concocted, on the spot, quite brilliantly if he did say so himself, and turned to face them.

"Tywin, what is going on?" Tygett blustered.

Of course, he'd be the first to speak and question him. As if he had any right to talk to about any decision that he made. What had Tygett done for House Lannister?

"I am securing our future, the legacy of House Lannister."

Tygett sneered. "So, you've given up on Jaime?"

Tywin moved so quickly that he was across the room, his fist connecting with Tyg's nose. His brother howled as blood dripped.

"Seven hells," Kevan muttered.

Tywin had Tyg doubled over as he drove his fist into his stomach.

"I will never give up on Jaime!" Tywin roared, enraged that his brother would dare imply such a thing.

"First Tyrion, now Jaime. You're acting like a besotted fool while Jaime is a captive in King's Landing."

"I am no fool!"

"Did you ever look at Joanna in such a way?"

Tywin snarled and punched Tyg again, dropping him to his knees. His brother's eyes glared up at him, defiant.

"I told Lady Sansa that you'd never love her the way you did Joanna. Your heart died that day, Tywin, and there is no use pretending it did not," Tyg spat, blood dripping out of his mouth.

"You did what?" Tywin thundered. "You dared to speak with her?"

Tyg's eyes blazed with righteousness. "Can you promise you'll be different? You hated Tyrion, the very person that Joanna gave her life for. What is it about this woman? How long before your guilt causes you to mistreat her? To become the cold, brutal man we all know you to be?"

Tywin's jaw clenched, and his fist balled again. The worst was that he knew Tygett's words were not untrue. Could he truly take another wife and not be crippled with guilt over Joanna?

"Enough!" Kevan bellowed. He rarely raised his voice, but this was ridiculous. They were destroying the room and acting like fools.

Tywin's head whipped around to his second brother.

"Tywin, enough."

Tywin stepped back from Tyg, shaking his head. He glanced down at this younger brother who rocked back on his knees, glaring at him.

"I will not answer to you, Tygett. You have refused to do your duty, and I will do mine again. And you will not speak to Sansa again about what I feel for her."

Both Lannister's looked at Tywin before Tygett shook his head.

"Why now? At least answer us that."

Tywin sighed. "You are both aware I attempted to make a match between House Tully and House Lannister. When Lady Sansa wrote to me after Tyrion's death, I began to see that there might be a way to do that still."

He glared at Tygett.

"Jaime is my heir. I will never give up on him." Tywin paused; his face pained for a single moment.

"But the reality is that Aerys could kill him at any moment. He knows what it would do to me, should he harm Jaime. If I am married, Jaime might actually be safer, since Aerys knows I will produce another heir."

"And the rebels?"

"With their victory at Stoney Sept, the rebels have angered the King. He demands my army in King's Landing to protect him. I must go, but I can choose which side to fight for."

Both Kevan and Tygett were fixated on him. His pale green eyes were filled with conviction.

"Timing is everything. We have a single chance to get this right."

Kevan's eyes lit as understanding dawned.

"You mean to take the Throne," he whispered.

Tywin's head gave a tiny jerk.

Tygett looked stunned.

"The King will fall and if you think I mean to follow Robert Baratheon, think again. I've spent the past twenty years beholden to a man unfit to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and I refuse to spend the next twenty in the same hell. But I need allies and a wife. Through Sansa, I gain the North and the Riverlands. They are allied with the Vale and the Stormlands. It's messy, and I don't trust Robert, but…"

Kevan simply nodded. "We are with you, Tywin. Always."

Tygett grunted his approval.

"How do you still hit so hard?" he grumbled, stumbling to his feet, wiping at the blood that still dripped. He had a broken nose and black eye.

Tywin snarled at Tyg. "Careful around Lady Sansa."

Tyg nodded.

"Negotiations will begin in earnest in the morning."

"I'll be there," Tyg said before leaving Kevan and Tywin alone.

"I know you say this is for our house, for our family, but it has been a long time since I've seen that look on your face, Tywin."

Then Kevan walked to the door, leaving the Great Lion alone. Before Kevan was through, Tywin's voice stopped him.

"What look?"

"Happiness."

Kevan was smiling as he left, leaving a slightly stunned Tywin behind.

Things in the Riverlands were about to get very interesting indeed.

Sansa had slipped into bed, her mind racing about everything that had happened this evening. She'd prayed that Tywin would somehow find her, and he had. Things had been going well between them, and then, the man had reprimanded her and disappeared from the Hall.

To add insult to injury, his brother, whom she knew he was not close with, reminded her that she'd never match up to Lady Joanna (not that she needed THAT reminder) while looking at her with suspicion.

Only Kevan had appeared willing to give her a chance.

The reality of living in 283 Westeros crashed over her. Up until now, it had mostly been a game, a fun distraction from her grief and a challenge not to mess up.

But now things felt real – very real! They were discussing marriage!

She was about to be married, and she'd spoken no more than twenty sentences to a man that she was now expected to marry. And there was no way to back out of it. Her father had two other options in Robert and Jon just waiting in the wings. So even though Tywin had kind of been an ass, he was still, her best bet.

That didn't help her sleep, though, as her mind raced. When her door cracked open, she thought that maybe it was Tywin, coming to find her.

But it was her sister Cat. Wondering what she might want, Sansa was surprised when her sister pulled back the covers and crawled into bed with her.

"I've been an awful sister," Cat blurted out suddenly. Sansa turned and looked at her.

Cat shook her head.

"I was so jealous that father was allowing you time to choose your husband when I was being forced North. But now, Sansa, to see your sacrifice in marrying Lord Tywin."

Catelyn shuddered.

"Are you sure, sister? That you want this?" Cat asked, her voice gentle. Sansa had never heard her use that tone with her, and it was nice she decided. Perhaps they could be friends after all.

"I am," Sansa said, realizing the words were true. Tywin had been a jerk tonight, but surely, she could bring him around.

"He's mean, Sansa. And harsh. And your son will never be his heir; he has Ser Jaime for that."

"I know." Sansa didn't really care about an 'heir' – not the way the people in the past were obsessed with them.

"Oh, Sansa. It is what father has always wanted, a match between our houses, but I did not think you'd be willing to give up your dreams of a love match."

Sansa was still holding out hope that maybe, one day, she might make Tywin fall for her. Meanwhile, she had to be practical.

"Don't worry, Cat. I think that deep down, he will be a good husband. Perhaps not right away, but in time."

The women were silent for a moment, and Sansa realized she liked this newfound closeness with Catelyn.

"I spoke to Lord Eddard and told him what you liked. He seems nice, Cat."

Her sister giggled. "He does. He'd quite handsome, isn't he?"

Eddard Stark was not known to be as dashing as his brother, Brandon, but it seemed Cat was willing to give him a chance.

"He loves the North, Cat. I know we follow the Seven, but he seemed quite excited to share that with you. And he said he had a library for you, at Winterfell." Sansa paused. "He seems kind and honourable. I'm happy for you."

Cat sighed, and there was a dreamy quality to it.

"I was devastated when I received word of Lord Brandon's death, as you well know. But we hardly knew one another. Mayhap this marriage will be more than I thought it could be."

Sansa stroked a hand down Cat's long red hair. "You are a good woman and a true sister. I know you will make this work."

They were silent again, and then Cat said, "Can I stay? We won't be able to do this much longer. I'll be in the North, and you'll be in the West."

Sansa felt the tears prick her eyes. She'd just found these people and had started to get to know them and care for them. And soon she'd be somewhere new, forced to do it all over again, with a man that did not seem to want to make any room in his heart for her.

Sansa wasn't an idiot; she didn't expect Tywin to fall in love with her at first sight. But it would be nice to think he was open to the possibility.

"I'd like that," Sansa whispered back to Cat.

Soon enough, her sister's soft snores filled the room as Sansa's mind raced.

She knew more than anything, and she had to think and plan. There were so many things she might change and make better. Including Ned Stark lying to his wife about who Jon Snow was.

That thought sent her thinking of others that might be saved – Elia Martell and her children, Daenerys and Viserys. Hell, even some of the Stark children that her 'sister' was going to have with Ned.

So much could be changed if only she could get Tywin to trust her and to listen to her.

Finally, her mind a mess, Sansa felt her eyelids drop. Whatever the problems, they would be there on the morrow, and as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but replay that moment when he stalked into the hall and claimed her in front of everyone.

Sansa was from the 21st century, but damn if all that alpha male dominance hadn't made her smile. She knew she could make him love her; he just had to give her a chance.

Riverrun – Breakfast

Tywin entered the Great Hall to break his fast, flanked by his two brothers. While he'd been upset about his behaviour yesterday and his reaction to her, he would find Sansa today and make it perfectly clear that this marriage was to save her and to strengthen their two houses.

Tygett was correct; Tywin had one great love, and that was Joanna.

Sansa would, at most, provide him with a second heir in case the unthinkable were to happen to Jaime.

He would endeavour to ensure she had pursuits to keep her happy at Casterly Rock and visit her bed on occasion when his need for her overwhelmed him.

Beyond that, he would guard himself against becoming too attached to her. She would not make him a fool, the way his father had been made after his wife had died.

Secure with his plan, he glowered through his morning meal when she barely even looked at him! She was occupied with her sister, Catelyn, the two of them speaking their heads intently together.

Tywin almost snarled when Robert and Ned took seats across from the Tully sisters, and Robert of all people complimented Sansa on her gown.

Of course, she looked stunning; she had chosen to wear red today, and if Tywin hadn't been such an unmitigated ass yesterday, he might have thought it was for him.

As it was, he had to suffer listening to her laugh at something that imbecile Robert said. It did not improve his mood, to not be seated next to her and watch other men fawn over her.

By the end of the meal, he was in a state and rose abruptly, looking at Hoster Tully. He approached the man and bent low.

"I need to speak with Lady Sansa alone before the group meets."

Hoster appeared to be debating his request! The nerve of the man, Tywin thought. He was unused to not having his demands met. Now it appeared Hoster wanted to lecture him.

"I love my daughter, Lord Tywin. When you burst into my hall, I had high hopes that you could be the man she has dreamed of her entire life. You even danced with her. But then you left the hall, and your brother made her frown, and she was not happy last evening."

Tywin's fists curled at his side. He did not need this! He just needed to speak to Sansa. He would not explain himself to anyone.

"She likes to walk in the godswood."

Relief coursed through Tywin.

"But make this right. If my daughter is not fully supportive of marrying you, Lord Tywin, I will make a match for her with Lord Arryn or Lord Baratheon. She is meant for great things, but more, she deserves a man that will love her for the incredible woman she is. If you are not that man, walk away."

Thoroughly reprimanded and in a rage, Tywin stalked off the dais to find Sansa and speak with her privately. She had to know how precarious her position was. He didn't even want to think about what might happen should she end up married to one of those other men.

She was sitting with her sisters when he approached, and Tywin saw that Kevan was with them. Trust his brother to make her smile. Jealousy roared through Tywin even though he knew that he had nothing to fear from him. Kevan was happily married and would never do anything to undermine what Tywin wanted.

And make no mistake, Tywin wanted Sansa.

"Lady Sansa, I was hoping to have a word with you this morning, before we meet with your father. He mentioned you enjoyed walking in the godswood," Tywin ground out.

Gods, he sounded like a fool imploring a pretty woman for a favour and to pay attention to him.

He was Tywin Lannister, the Great Lion, the Warden of the West, the Lord of Casterly Rock and the Shield of Lannisport.

Now he was all but reduced to begging to speak to a woman!

Expecting haughtiness and anger, Tywin wasn't prepared for her soft smile as she rose.

"I'd like that, My Lord. Perhaps Ser Kevan and Lady Catelyn can join us?"

Tywin simply nodded, too stunned by the hope in her eyes.

Why did she look at him like that?

Did she not know his reputation?

He was a cold, harsh man, and yet… there was something in her eyes that said she knew there was more than just that to him. Tywin had never allowed anyone to see that part of him, except Joanna. He was unsure what to think that Sansa seemed to see right through his fearsome reputation.

Tucking Sansa's arm in his, and refusing to think about how right it felt, Tywin allowed Catelyn to lead them to the godswood.

"I sometimes get lost," Sansa whispered to him, and he glanced down at her, arching an eyebrow in question.

She blushed.

It was adorable.

He wished he could touch her.

"In the castle. I have all these memories, all this knowledge, but not once did whatever brought me back here think to give me a map in my brain. It's been a challenge some days."

She gave a rueful little grin, almost like she was embarrassed about her confession.

Once again, Tywin was stunned that she'd managed to survive at all.

"I can imagine."

They were quiet again until they reached the godswood, and then as if knowing they needed space, Kevan escorted Lady Catelyn to the far side, leaving Sansa and Tywin alone.

Neither one spoke for a moment, and then at the same time:

"I am sorry for how I acted…

"I am a harsh man, Sansa….

They both stopped speaking and stared at the other.

"You first," she said.

Her eyes weren't quite as bright as yesterday, and Tywin saw a wariness to her that he knew came from him. She was cautious. How was it possible to miss what he'd barely had? And yet, Tywin knew if he did not make this right, he'd break this very intriguing woman in front of him.

"I do not apologize, Sansa. I am known to be a certain way, and I am too old to change."

She snorted. "Please. You're forty-one, Tywin. Not exactly ancient. And besides, it's not you that's stuck in a totally different timeline, floundering about. It's me. I need help, not for you to be a jerk to me."

Tywin stared at her. No one ever spoke to him in such a manner. He sputtered, and Sansa waved a hand.

"I mean, yes, I totally get how weird this whole thing is/was. I don't know. It makes my brain hurt to try to determine what verb context I should use to describe where I am. Because I mean, you've been dead for centuries, and I'm from seventeen hundred years in the future, and I don't really know…"

Tywin grabbed her arm, staggered, his mind reeling.

"Seventeen hundred years?" he said, his voice unusually high.

He almost felt dizzy. What magics were at work here?

Sansa nodded and cocked her head.

"Well, yeah."

"What year were you born?" he demanded, needing to know and yet, almost dreading the answer.

Sansa narrowed her eyes and told him. "I turn twenty-three in a few months."

Tywin knew his jaw was hanging open, but he couldn't help it. She was from hundreds of years in the future. He'd thought about it, of course - from when she might have come. But the reality was like a slap in the face.

How in seven hells did she end up back here? And why?

And then Tywin's blood ran cold with a new thought – what if she was never meant to stay? She already had him in fits and starts.

What if he allowed himself to feel, and she, like Joanna, left him?

He could admit to himself that he would never survive the loss of another woman he loved. But he could not say that to her. While he could never love her the way she might dream of, he could keep her safe for as long as she was in his time.

"It is incredible," he told her truthfully. He guided them to a bench, and they sat, both contemplating their situation.

"Sansa, this is a brutal world, full of danger. I know you are not from this time, but the only way I can possibly keep you safe is to marry you and bring you to my home. My name and reputation are such that no one will dare harm you once you are at the Rock."

"I know."

Tywin realized she did, probably better than anyone. The knowledge this woman must have!

He reached for her hand, almost without thought.

"Your father seems to think I've made a mess of things. He'd threatened to marry you to either Jon Arryn or Robert Baratheon. I know it must seem barbaric to you, that women must marry to be afforded some level of protection, but this is the world in which I, and now you, reside."

Sansa mulled his words, and he was given time to admire her. She was a stunning woman, and he felt the longing stir within for her. He could recall that black garment he's seen her in, miles of creamy skin on display, and that short, skin-tight gown while she danced. He'd have no issues fulfilling the physical portion of their marriage with her. Her breasts and ass were perfection!

"You are correct that while I know things about this time, there is so much that is unknown to me. I realized quite quickly that I would have to marry; I'm already scandalously old," she said, eyes bright.

Tywin cocked his head. "What age do people marry in your time?"

She shrugged. "It varies, but many wait until they have their careers established and maybe they've bought a house. Thirty, I think?"

Tywin knew he must look a fool how he was gaping at her. Thirty! How did they produce heirs at such an advanced age?

"But more and more, people aren't marrying at all, forgoing that tradition and just living together."

His mind, which was one of the sharpest in the land, was trying to assimilate what she was telling him—and failing miserably.

"I'd like to marry you, Tywin," she said softly. "I trust you. You're the only person who knows who I am really am."

Relief coursed through Tywin, so potent he was glad he was seated. He stroked a long, elegant finger over her hand, content to just sit here with her before they needed to find her father and discuss terms. Tywin imagined Sansa's dowery would be sizable, not that he couldn't pay. She would be worth every gold dragon.

"There is one thing. We cannot allow my father to marry Lysa to anyone right now."

Tywin frowned. "Is there a reason?"

Sansa sighed. "My sister is obsessed with a man named Petyr Baelish."

Tywin had no idea why she was worried about Littlefinger and shook his head.

"I don't understand."

"He is from a tiny house, pledged to house Arryn in the Vale. His father and mine fought together and were close friends. Petyr fostered here. In time, he will almost bring the realm to its knees. We cannot allow this to happen."

Tywin snorted. "If Hoster Tully thinks he's marrying all his daughter into positions of such power, he has another thing coming, Sansa. I will ensure that it does not happen."

She sagged in relief.

"Thank the gods." She frowned again.

"We have much to discuss, Tywin. But you have to understand that I am not from this time. I am a modern woman, and while I will try to act within the boundaries of this timeline, I will not be kept in the dark and patted on the head like some doll. I am an asset, and the things I know can help topple empires."

Tywin would have never thought that he'd find power attractive in a woman; he hated stupid people, true, but Sansa's bold statement and furrowed brow, not to mention the fire in her eyes, heated his blood.

This woman was all lion, not a trout! She was the perfect mate for a man like him, as long as they could keep their emotions in check.

With his power and wealth, and her knowledge of events to come, they'd be unstoppable.

As long as he didn't go and fall in love with her. He rose and held his hand out for her.

"Come, Sansa. Let's go and negotiate our future. I assume you want to be part of the talks?"

She snorted. "Of course."

Tywin did not allow the grin to cross his lips, but inside, he smiled. She was a woman, unlike any other in the kingdom, and soon, she would be his. Tywin knew that with her by his side, anything was possible.