Chapter 36

Do you guys want shorter chapters. I can break up the pov's into different chapters or keep it the same.

King's Landing – Tywin

Two days after they'd moved into the Lannister mansion and the people had returned to King's Landing, in an orderly fashion, he might add, Tywin received word that Ned Stark had been spotted less than an hour from the Dragon Gate, on the King's Road coming south.

Tywin was in his study with Sansa, whose eyes lit upon hearing this news. She'd been waiting anxiously for Ned's arrival, worried that they'd changed too much from the history she knew and that he might not make it here as he had before.

There was a great relief in her eyes, and Tywin knew it was because, in Lord Eddard Stark of 283, Sansa saw a glimmer of the father she'd loved dearly. Her grief over her father's death was still raw and fresh.

She immediately put down the book she'd been reading, jumping to her feet.

"I must find my sister and inform her," she said, hurrying from the room, brushing past Jaime just as his son entered the impressive study.

One thing that Tywin always had surrounding him, wherever he lived, was books. The Order of the Maesters might think that they had the monopoly on knowledge, and for many that might be a true statement. But he'd always found pleasure in reading, and his study was one of the finest in all of Westeros – save perhaps what one might find at Oldtower or Highgarden.

Jaime's nose wrinkled as he noted the book Sansa had left haphazardly on the sofa where she often read. Tywin recalled how she had explained learning disorders to him one evening, especially one called dyslexia. It wasn't that the person wasn't intelligent – indeed, she reassured Tywin that many people with this disorder had average or above-average intelligence. The trouble with reading had something to do with how the brain processed language, and it explained the struggles Jaime had when he was young.

Tywin took a moment to observe his heir, noting the remarkable change in Jaime since he'd escaped his duty as Kingsguard. More than anything, Jaime's stories about guarding a man who did horrible things to those he was supposed to protect and the toll it had taken on his son, convinced Tywin to abolish the entire order.

"Where is Sansa off to?" Jaime asked with a bemused smirk, glancing at her retreating form.

They were close, Jaime and Sansa – friends as much as family being of a similar age. Sansa seemed to understand Jaime in a way few others did, and he was gentler and softer around her as if he didn't mind letting the façade of the golden lion drop in her presence.

Jaime had not yet asked Tywin what happened to Tyrion and Cersei, not for details anyways. Tywin knew it was coming, and he would not lie to his son. He would tell him exactly what had transpired at the Rock while Jaime had been in King's Landing. His son was owed the truth, as brutal as it would be to hear. Tywin wasn't a fool. There were challenging discussions before he and Jaime – but he was determined to be honest with his son.

But that topic was not a discussion for today. Today was about Ned Stark's arrival. At the urging of his wife, Tywin was determined to change the acrimonious relationship between Ned and Jaime that had happened in the other timeline.

There was no reason that Jaime, Stannis, and Ned couldn't form some type of understanding if nothing else. His son would do well to have other lords his age that he was friendly with. There was a solid block of them that would shape this kingdom for years to come and Tywin wanted that for Jaime.

Jaime was anxious for news of Arthur Dayne, a man who was his personal hero, but they had yet to share what was happening at the Tower of Joy with him. Soon, but not yet. The timing was critical to their plans and if Tywin were to tell Jaime where Arthur was, his son would likely rush off to Dorne and that was not what Tywin wanted or needed from him.

"She is off to find Lady Catelyn to inform her that her husband has been spotted," Tywin responded to his son.

Jaime grinned and took a seat, looking every inch his heir in his golden armour and tousled blond hair.

"I've never met a woman with a mind like hers. And her energy. She never stops," Jaime said, chuckling.

Tywin allowed an indulgent smile to form. He liked that Jaime and Sansa were close and enjoyed that Sansa seemed to make friends easily, drawing people to her effervescence. There had rarely been such a joyful presence in his life or in his homes and her influence was felt everywhere.

Tywin had found her in the kitchen the other day, asking his cook endless questions. She was perched on a stool, with her notebook in front of her, quill in hand as she interrogated the poor man.

Tywin had to promise that he'd let her come back to get her out of there, his cook giving him a baffled look.

Highborn women, soon-to-be queens, usually didn't care about how the oven worked and what time the bakers had to wake to get the bread done for the day. Nor did they care about how many barrels of ale they had in storage or the best way to preserve fruit.

Sansa's brain was a marvel, and now that the immediate danger had passed, she was once again soaking in her surroundings.

Such was life with Sansa, and Tywin would have it no other way. Her curiosity was infectious, and she made him feel young again. He longed to be able to show her everything in King's Landing – including the markets, the butchers, the bakers, and where the merchant ships came in. She asked him endless questions, and he generally only had answers for her half the time, but he found himself that much more observant about life in general with his wife from the future by his side.

"She has mentioned that Lord Stark reminds her of her own father."

Jaime's eyes widened. "That must be odd for her."

Tywin hummed.

"Yes. Not that this Ned and her father were anywhere near the same age. Her father was at least twenty-name days older than our Lord Stark. She says there are more differences – physical ones but also in their personalities. This one's hair is darker and appears far sterner than her father and far less prone to smiling."

"She was close with her father," Jaime stated, and for a moment, an uncomfortable silence stretched.

There was no doubt that Tywin had lacked as a father. Especially when he recalled his visions and how he'd observed how Sansa interacted with her own. She told him once that her father was one of her closest friends, which seemed almost ludicrous, both the concept of a 'best' friend and that her father would occupy such a position.

But upon hearing that, there was an awareness in Tywin of what he was missing in his own life. He had never had that closeness with his children. Jaime, perhaps, in fleeting moments. But it wasn't prolonged, and often his grief and rage had him stepping back from his children. It was something he now regretted, not that he knew if he were even capable of changing. There were many fascinating concepts that Sansa shared with him, but there were many odd behaviours from the future that Tywin could never see embracing. Somehow, he'd find a balance.

The good news was, Tywin knew Sansa would be a doting mother; she'd demonstrated that with the cubs. She might worry she was too young, another preposterous idea, but Tywin knew she was the perfect age to have her first child. And hopefully many children after that. He found himself wishing for a large family once again.

The raven to Casterly Rock had gone out the evening they'd come back to the capital, requesting Lord Sandor's presence, along with the that of the cubs, here. Tywin was excited to see them again, wondering how much they'd grown. Not that he expressed the sentiment openly. His new wife might soften him, but they were in King's Landing, where all manner of enemies lurked. Tywin had a reputation to maintain and to be perfectly frank, he didn't like showing emotions around anyone but Sansa and his close family members.

What Tywin did know was that the lion cubs would be a sight here in King's Landing – his house sigil come to life again and solidify the gods' acceptance of his reign. The people would go wild for them and as they grew, Tywin knew that both cubs would be fearless defenders of him and Sansa both.

"She was. She still grieves his death," Tywin finally responded, knowing that he and Jaime were also missing key members of their family. In the quieter moments, the people missing from their lives felt like a gaping hole.

Cersei. Tyrion. Gerion. Their losses were great.

Word had come that Genna had woken from what Sansa called her coma, and while she was still abed, she was regaining her strength. Tywin never thought he'd see the day when he was grateful for such news, but he was. Even losing vital members of their family, House Lannister remained strong. And if Tygett did his duty and married Elia Martell, well, that was one more alliance brought into Tywin's sphere of influence.

"I still have questions," Jaime said to him. "I still need to know what happened – what transpired to set events in motion that ended in such utter devastation. I lost so much, father."

Tywin nodded, hearing Sansa and Catelyn's excited voice outside in the hall. He could not argue with the losses his son had endured. Both siblings. His closest childhood friend. A beloved uncle. It was why Jaime needed this family all the more.

"And I will answer them all. Whatever you wish to know," Tywin said, rising just as his wife burst back into the study.

Seeing both Tully women side by side, Tywin thought there might be something to her worry that she was pregnant with twins. Her stomach was significantly larger than Catelyn's, and Sansa was a few inches taller than her sister. He'd call for a Maester to examine her within the next week. He still needed to question Pycelle regarding Elia Martell's health so getting the man to his mansion under the guise of looking over his wife would not raise any suspicions.

"We are ready to go, husband," she said brightly, smiling at him.

He reached for her hand and then nodded at Lady Catelyn, who gave him a shaky smile. She seemed slightly uncertain and Tywin remembered that she'd had very little time with her husband before fate and war had separated them.

"My dear, I am sure your husband will be overjoyed to see you," Tywin said, quite benevolently he believed. He was not known for his magnanimity.

"I do hope so," she said, resting her hands on her stomach.

"Sister, he will be so happy to see you, and that you are pregnant, he will not know what to do first. Kiss you or scoop you up into his arms," Sansa pronounced.

Catelyn Stark blushed but she seemed to be quite pleased with that thought.

Within the hour, their horses were saddled, and they left mansion row, Tywin, Sansa, Jaime and Catelyn. A contingent of loyal Lannister guards joined them, their cloaks gleaming crimson with a golden lion on the back. They were part of the new City Watch, under Kevan's command. So far, the re-populating of King's Landing had gone smoothly and without incident.

There was one more person that was critical to greet Ned Stark.

Stannis Baratheon arrived outside their mansion, on a black warhorse, his house sigil proudly displayed. The man's armour was black and silver, the black stag on a yellow background distinctive.

"Lord Stannis, ready to reclaim your army?" Tywin asked with a nod to the stern man.

"I am Your Grace. Lord Stark is an honourable man, and I wish to thank him for his loyal service to my brother."

With that, Tywin led the small procession down Mansion Row and through the wealthier area of King's Landing. Crowds lined the streets, eager for a glimpse at their new King and Queen. Tywin's expression was as stoic as ever, but his wife, his beloved, delightful wife, smile and waved and then blew kisses to the people, who cheered her name. He could only imagine what their reaction might be when their lions joined them, and the common people learned of the reforms Sansa wanted to implement.

Soon enough, they were outside the old Dragonpit, and Sansa's eyes widened.

"It's so large," she said with wonder.

"Well, the earliest dragons were huge," Tywin responded.

Her eyes widened. Then she laughed and shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I thought you said dragons."

Tywin frowned.

"I did. I've seen the skulls myself beneath the Red Keep. Balerion, known as the Black Dread, was the largest of all the dragons since Aegon's Conquest. His wingspan was said to be so large that his shadow could engulf entire towns when he passed overhead. His teeth were as long as swords, and his jaws were large enough to swallow an auroch whole or even one of those hairy mammoths that are said to roam the cold wastes beyond the Port of Ibben."

Sansa's jaw had now dropped, and she was gaping about.

"You're telling me they are real? Dragons and mammoths and …"

She swallowed hard and shook her head.

"No. It cannot be. Dragons cannot exist."

Tywin snorted at her.

"They are as real as you and I and these horses we ride upon. Gone now, for decades, but once the very thing that brought all of us to our knees." Tywin paused. "What did you think we spoke of when we talked about dragons?"

She shrugged.

"I don't know. A lizard or a weapon. Something that those from Valyria had managed to create that could not be found in nature. Or just the invaders themselves! I didn't think of an actual fire-breathing dragon!"

Her voice had risen, and she began to pant hard, almost hysterical.

Worried now, Tywin reached for the reigns of her horse and pulled her to a stop.

"Sansa, breathe," he commanded, watching as the others now gave them funny looks.

"Go on. We will catch you at the next turn," Tywin ordered, needing a private moment with his wife.

When they were as alone as they were going to get, Tywin gently tilted her chin in his hands.

"Tell me what has you so worried."

She shook her head again before the words began to tumble out.

"There was a battle – the Second Long Night. It was fought with an enemy that was said to be the reanimated dead. A man, a dead man, commanded them: an army that did not eat, did not sleep, did not stop. They were said to be relentless, wanting nothing more than to turn every living creature into one of them, and they came from the Lands of Always Winter."

Tywin frowned. He's heard of the First Long Night, of course. He was a learned man, and it was a crucial battle in the history of Westeros. It was the reason for the Wall and for the Night's Watch.

"And did humanity win?"

"Barely. But that's not the point, Tywin. The point is that for hundreds of years, we have believed those to be tales – embellished stories passed down through the years about foreign invaders. None of us believed that it was real. That there was this Night King with his White Walkers that were coming for us all. That there are ZOMBIES!" She cried. "Everyone knows that zombies are not REAL!"

Tywin couldn't quite believe her reaction. It seemed slightly out of character for Sansa, who had always handled things with such calm composure since he'd met her. Even during the dinner attack, she'd maintained her equanimity. He was trying to understand why this Second Long Night had her so upset.

She was panting again and shaking her head, muttering, "How can any of this be true?"

Tywin had never heard the term zombie before, but judging by Sansa's overreaction, they weren't something she thought real, even though she appeared almost fearful of them.

"Why do you now believe this Night King creature to be real? What has suddenly changed?"

He didn't quite understand. Sansa had always talked about the Targaryen invasion as if she understood why each region had bowed to the foreign invaders. It wasn't armies that brought Westeros to its knees but flying beasts that spewed fire.

Did she think them all so craven and so poorly defended that they would give into a regular army?

She gave a hysterical little laugh.

"Don't you get it? If dragons are real, then all of it is real. Giants. White Walkers. An army of the dead. Witches. Greenseers. Magic!"

She hissed that last word as if she didn't even want it passing through her lips. Tywin had assumed, wrongly he now saw, that Sansa had chalked up her appearance in his time period to magic as he had. After all, what else could it be? Briefly, he wondered what she believed had brought her back in time.

"Sansa, you are not from this time. I thought that you of all people would realize that sometimes the unexplainable is at work."

Tywin was a logical and pragmatic man, but even he knew that there were otherworldly forces in the world in which he lived. Not everything was explainable.

"But –" she sputtered, protesting even though for once she appeared to have nothing to say.

"Come. We can discuss this more later. Perhaps not everything burned when Aerys set the Throne Room on fire. There may be still a dragon skull or two left over for me to prove to you that the beasts were real."

Tywin knew there was a snap to his tone. His wife's eyes narrowed. He couldn't help it.

Did she think he was a fool all this time, speaking of dragons as mere metaphors?

She appeared reluctant to move her horse along and catch up with the others.

"I didn't mean to sound hysterical," she snapped.

Tywin sighed. A day that had begun so promising had now begun to spiral out of his control.

"Sansa, I promise that we can discuss this in far more detail tonight – when we are alone. If nothing else, we might take some time and explore the dragon pit in the next few days. There are sure to be bones and chains and the cells in which the dragons were kept near the end, all of which you can examine to your heart's content."

She sighed and then bit her lip, giving him a slight smile.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like a bitch."

Tywin frowned, but before he could respond, she kicked her horse and began to race after the rest of their family. Tywin followed her, wondering just what had happened with his wife. But whatever it was, something had her spooked.

They arrived at the Dragon Gate to find Catelyn, Stannis, and Jaime waiting for them. In the distance, there was the thundering of hooves, the unmistakable sounds of an army. They were waiting, ranged before the gates when the first Stark banner was spotted on the horizon.

Sansa grinned at her sister.

"Your husband is close."

Catelyn merely nodded, her entire focus on the small hill a league away. When the first horse crested the hill, she hesitated only a moment until the rider out front came into view. Then, without caring for her safety, Catelyn Stark kicked her horse and was racing towards her husband.

Ned must have realized at the same time who was coming for him, for he did the same, breaking away from Robert's vanguard and galloping towards his wife.

Sansa's smile was huge as they watched the two finally meet. They were off their horses and running towards one another until Ned had Catelyn in his arms and swung her around.

It was only when Tywin and Sansa joined them that Ned finally put Catelyn back on the ground, drawing his wife to his side. The look on Ned Stark's face as he looked up at Tywin, who was still mounted, was one of wary hope.

"Your Grace," Ned said, his voice husky.

"Lord Stark," Tywin said. "Your wife, alive and unharmed. She has conducted herself admirably in your absence, and I am pleased to have gotten to know her better in her time with House Lannister."

Ned's eyes widened, and he looked at Catelyn when suddenly his eyes slid lower. A large hand, scarred and dirty, slid over her swelled stomach as if he just realized that his wife was pregnant.

"Catelyn?" he asked.

Catelyn's lip quivered before her hand joined his.

"It's true, My Lord. I am pregnant with your heir."

For a moment, Tywin wondered if Ned Stark had heard his wife for the man was standing there, staring at her. Then his lips were on hers, and he was kissing her like a man starved and had been denied food for a month.

There was a sniffle, and Tywin looked to see his wife crying.

"I'm so happy for them," she said to him.

Tywin was pleased as well, although his reasons were far less altruistic than Sansa's. A strong Ned Stark in the North was good for his alliance, to shore up his reign.

When Ned finally released his wife for a second time, Tywin heard the approach of other riders and looked up to see those lords that had responded when Ned had called his banners to join the Warden of the North in his war against House Targaryen.

It was easy enough to recognize Brynden, the Blackfish, Tully. The uncle of the two Stark sisters gave Tywin a knowing nod as if to say that the issues they'd discussed at Winterfell had been taken care of.

Joining the Blackfish were Lords Arryn and Royce from the Vale and several lords from the North, including Roose Bolton, Jorah Mormont, Rickard Karstark, Wyman Manderly, Greatjon Umber and Howland Reed.

Tywin could practically feel his wife's excitement as she was getting a first-hand look at yet another army from ancient times and those men that pledged their loyalty to House Stark.

When all of them were quiet, it was Ned that spoke first.

"We received word that King Aerys has been dispatched from his Throne; that he set fire to his own Hall, and it was only because our alliance, led by Houses Lannister and Baratheon, that so many were saved."

Tywin nodded.

"It is true. King Aerys has been removed from power."

Ned's face soured.

"And I suppose the King is without his head."

The bitterness in Ned's voice was evident as the young Northern Lord did nothing to hide it.

Once again, Tywin was grateful for his wife and her wise advice.

"Lord Stark, he is not. He is a prisoner and the Mad King's head is still attached to his rotten body, although I did relieve him of his cock."

That startled Ned, who smiled with grim satisfaction.

"If I may be so bold, can I ask why he is not dead?"

Tywin sighed, not wishing to get into this here and now. But perhaps there was something to be salvaged from this moment. If those from the North heard why Tywin had stayed his hands, perhaps that would win him even more favour with those at Ned's back. He hadn't made very many alliances with those in the North. They were different from the rest of Westeros, and winning approval from them was important but difficult as they tended to be suspicious of those from the south.

"There are many people, many Houses that King Aerys wronged. You are not the only man who has a grudge against him, but you are the one he wronged the greatest. My son, Jaime, was present when your father and your brother lost their lives at Aerys' cruel hand."

It was horrific, the deaths of Rickard and Brandon Stark. Even Tywin's normally strong stomach had churned thinking about it.

"For that alone, I would give you the honours, Lord Stark, of taking Aerys' head. And we are family," Tywin added with a pointed look at Lady Catelyn, who was still in Ned's arms.

Ned startled before the corners of his lips turned up slightly.

"You honour their memory, Your Grace," Ned said and then dropped to his knees.

Something unnamed surged inside of Tywin, knowing he had the support of a man like Ned Stark. From Sansa's stories, he knew that this had never happened in the other timeline.

Others behind Ned slid from their horses and did the same, including Lord Arryn and the Blackfish.

"House Stark and the North honour's the pledge we made at Riverrun. We support your claim to the Iron Throne and pledge fealty to Tywin Lannister, first of his name."

Others murmured the same words while Tywin, Sansa and Jaime looked on. Sansa looked particularly pleased, and when the men rose, Brynden told them that they had Barristan Selmy secured in their retinue along with several other lords from the Crownlands that had fought for Rhaegar.

"They will be held with the others. My brother, Kevan, is overseeing the prisoners."

"We've also returned the bodies of Robert and Rhaegar," Ned said gruffly, helping Catelyn back onto her mount. He then did the same, and when he was on his horse, Ned joined him and rode beside Tywin, towards the Dragon Gate.

"I see that Lord Stannis is here," Ned said to make conversation. There had been other reunions, between lords from the Stormlands and their new Lord Paramount. Tywin thought that region would be much better governed now with Stannis in charge.

Tywin nodded, finding himself warming to the man from the North.

"He is. He has ensconced himself within the Baratheon mansion in the capital and was pleased to ride out to meet you here today." Tywin paused. "I think you will get along well with him, Lord Stark."

Ned grunted and looked slightly unsure of where he might be staying until Tywin spoke again.

"Your wife is staying with us, as will you, Lord Stark. Our household is full. Jaime was able to escape King's Landing with Elia Martell and her small daughter. Lady Elia has since given birth to a son named Aegon and they are also at the Lannister mansion, along with my two brothers, Kevan and Tygett."

Ned looked surprised at that news, and realizing that he lacked information, Tywin sought to update him before they arrived inside the city.

"After we left Casterly Rock, I sent a raven to House Martell in Sunspear. I knew that they were reluctant to send men to Aerys' cause but also hesitant to outright defy him considering the man held their sister as a virtual prisoner in the Red Keep."

Ned frowned.

"So, it was planned? Ser Jaime's defection with Princess Elia?"

Tywin gave a rueful shake of his head.

"No. Not at all. In fact, I was stunned when I learned what my son had done. He did so a great peril to himself. Aerys sent men after him. It was how my brothers Kevan and Tygett found Jaime – surrounded by men sent to kill or capture them, defending an innocent woman and her small child."

Ned said nothing as the Dragon Gate grew closer, his army and what remained of Robert's behind them.

"How did Lord Stannis become involved?" Ned finally asked.

"I sent word to House Martell that we would keep Elia and her child safe if they were to march north – only instead of continuing to King's Landing and then to the Trident, they were to turn east, to Storm's End and liberate the Baratheon seat. They accepted my offer, and soon enough, Lord Stannis and Prince Oberyn met my army outside King's Landing."

"And the wildfire?" Ned pressed.

Tywin felt his lips turn down. He still hated that they hadn't been able to prevent it from starting, even if the damage was contained only to the Red Keep.

"A plot by a mad king to burn everyone alive. He thought he'd be immune and emerge as a dragon," Tywin sneered, not bothering to hide his disdain at the folly of his one-time friend.

"How did you prevent it from spreading?" Ned asked as they thundered through the gate that was guarded by men loyal to him. All seven gates were in Lannister hands.

The containment of the wildfire was yet another sore spot for Tywin and one he wasn't quite sure how to deal with. He hated to be beholden to anyone – especially Lord Varys.

"The Spider," was all Tywin said.

What was he to do with Lord Varys?

The man was a loyal Targaryen supporter – something Sansa had confirmed. His network of spies in King's Landing was legendary, and with Targaryen children alive, how long until it was Varys that led a rebellion against him?

Sansa didn't like to discuss such matters, although she understood the gravity of the situation. She'd commented more than once that Varys was not a man they could trust.

As if sensing his dark mood, Ned Stark said nothing more, his eyes widening only slightly as they passed by the edges of Flea Bottom and then the dragon pit.

"Tell me, Lord Stark. Have you ever been to King's Landing?" Tywin asked, already knowing the answer.

Ned shook his head, and Tywin sneered.

"It is a contemptuous place full of liars and thieves, as well as being crowded and dirty."

Tywin did not hide his dislike for the capital.

For once, Ned threw his head back and laughed.

"Gods, to hear Robert speak, you'd think you loved this place."

Tywin did not let his surprise show, although inside, he wondered what other tales Robert had told Ned to poison the man against him.

In Sansa's timeline, Ned had been angry at him for sitting out the rebellion – for hedging his bets and waiting until the right moment to strike.

Ned blamed Jaime for slaying the King and never asked why his son had made his choices.

Seeing the need for vengeance in Eddard Stark's eyes, Tywin wondered how much of their hatred could have been reduced had they just found some common ground.

"I much prefer Casterly Rock, Lord Stark," was all Tywin said in response, face settling into a grimace.

What if Robert had told Ned other lies?

How hard would Tywin have to work to earn this wolf's trust?

"I prefer Winterfell as well. Even over the Eyrie, where I spent several years, fostering. Winterfell always felt like home."

Knowing this was a pivotal moment in this burgeoning relationship, Tywin allowed Ned Stark a glimpse of his own preferences.

"I understand. The Rock is … incomparable, although I am sure all men feel that way about their family's great keep. Perhaps one day, we shall visit one another. I know that Queen Sansa has mentioned going North."

Ned's eyes widened as if he realized what an honour that would be. He swallowed hard and nodded.

"The North would welcome you, Your Grace."

Tywin's lips twitched.

"My wife is quite captivated by your region. She has been speaking to your wife about direwolves. I thought I should warn you."

The affection Tywin held for Sansa was apparent. Indeed, he did nothing to hide how much he loved his wife and her spirited ways.

Ned appeared momentarily at a loss of words.

"So, it is true? She found lion cubs in the hills of the Westerlands?"

Tywin was pleased that the tale of the cubs had spread even to Ned's army at the Trident. It only added to their growing reputations.

At this, Tywin let out a genuine laugh.

"She did, Lord Stark. Your wife can attest to their veracity as she has spent several days and nights caring for them."

"My wife?" Ned asked as if he couldn't quite reconcile that bit of information.

Tywin now smirked. "Yes. As I stated, she has fit in well with my household."

After that, they were joined by Sansa and Catelyn, and so Tywin allowed his wife to do most of the talking, her infectious joy pulling reluctant smiles from Ned Stark.

The man couldn't entirely hide his reaction to the mansions that overlooked Blackwater Bay, and his mouth actually dropped open for a moment when they entered the Lannister one.

Members of his household greeted them, all eager to make an impression. Tywin slid from his horse and then helped Sansa from hers, his hand lingering on her back.

"Pleased?" he asked her quietly.

She beamed at him and then, much to Tywin's delight, went up on her tiptoes to kiss him, her hands on his face, the affection she felt for him quite apparent.

Tywin might be King of the Seven, but this woman was the real treasure in his life.

"I am husband, although we are missing our lions, and I do wish to speak with you further about what I learned today. It bears further examination," she almost muttered to herself.

Tywin's chest rumbled. He swore the only time Sansa's brain was off was when she was sleeping, and even then, perhaps not entirely, for she often woke with 'ideas' she wanted to implement.

She'd started a book where she scribbled down everything she wished to change in Westeros. Of course, half the time, she was distracted by the ink or the quill in which she used or how the ink flowed across the parchment. He'd found an entire piece of paper with his wax seal stamped in various places as if she'd been experimenting on her own.

Uncaring about decorum, Tywin drew her closer, pressing her against her white mare, one arm around her back, so her body was flush against his.

How such a creature, utterly perfect for him, had come into his life, he didn't know. He'd done nothing to deserve Sansa, but he cherished her all the same. Nuzzling her now, he felt her breath hitch.

"Yes, further examination, perhaps in our bed, undisturbed," he murmured into her ear before he found the spot on her neck that drove her mad with desire.

"Tywin," she moaned, making his cock roar to life.

She said his name like that – often. Of course, when she did, they were alone, and he was buried deep inside her body, but still. He liked that she wanted him so much. Their passion for one another hadn't dimmed in the least. If anything, he only wanted his wife more each day, knowing what she felt like when he was making love with her.

A discreet cough had Tywin turning his head to see who dared interrupt him.

Of course, it would be the Blackfish, Tywin thought somewhat sourly.

The man thought himself his equal, though he'd hardly done his duty to his House. Brynden remained stubbornly unmarried and without his own heir. Recalling their conversation at Riverrun, Tywin reluctantly let Sansa go. While he had no secrets from his wife, for many in the realm, it would be unheard of for two lords such as them to discuss their plots in front of the Queen.

Sansa barely refrained from rolling her eyes, muttering something about sexism and the idiocy of men as she gave Tywin his privacy with her 'uncle.'

Brynden smirked, rocking back on his heels as Sansa pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and said she was glad to see he'd survived the wars.

"I'm too stubborn to die, niece," he said, puffing out his chest.

Sansa rolled her eyes at him and then hurried towards her sister and her husband. Tywin watched her go, uncaring that he appeared a smitten fool.

"You love her," Brynden said bluntly, breaking the silence.

Tywin didn't answer, merely grunted. Of course, he loved Sansa. Everyone in the realm knew this, and Tywin was not ashamed of his feelings for his wife.

"Did you have something you wished to speak with me about? Or were you merely wishing to make a rather obvious observation?"

Brynden didn't appear fussed by the snarl in Tywin's voice at all.

"Hoster will be pleased she's pregnant. He knows Jaime is your heir to the Rock, but with you taking the Iron Throne, the blood of House Tully will be in the next King."

Tywin barely reacted. It was ironic that Sansa was a Tully and a Stark and that both great houses would be present in the next King of the Seven, although Tywin could hardly tell Brynden that.

"As long as she survives the birth," Tywin muttered, unable to tear his eyes away from his wife.

Seeing her standing next to her sister, who was as pregnant as she was, Tywin had to wonder if Sansa was right. Was she pregnant with twins? She was much larger than Catelyn, her stomach far more prominent. He had to wonder at the fickleness of the gods if they were to do this to him again. Joanna had never fully recovered from the birth of Cersei and Jaime. If Sansa did have two babes in her womb, what might that do to her?

Shaking himself from those melancholy thoughts, Tywin turned back to Brynden Tully.

"Tell me, did Robert die as has been reported?" he asked the man from the Riverlands bluntly.

Brynden grunted and nodded. "Aye, he did. The wound from Rhaegar was a fatal blow."

"Good."

Brynden didn't have much more to say about that. Both men heard the laughter of the Tully sisters, and the Blackfish allowed a rare smile.

"Gods, my brother will be crowing about this for years. One daughter ensconced in the North; the other on the Iron Throne."

Tywin grimaced. He loved Sansa but hated that Hoster might feel he'd gotten one upon him. Not that Tywin would have ever said no to marrying Sansa. Indeed, no matter what obstacle was in his way, he would have removed it to have her as his wife.

She caught his eye then and beckoned him over. Helpless to do anything but respond, Tywin strode away from Brynden Tully, leaving the man grinning at his back as he walked towards his wife. Let the realm say what they would about him and his love for Sansa. She was all that mattered in this world, and Tywin would do everything within his considerable power to keep her safe and free from any who may wish to harm her.

King's Landing – Sansa

They had arrived back at the Lannister mansion in time to get Lord Eddard Stark settled into his apartments with his wife. Sansa saw how overwhelmed the man was, and she didn't blame him in the least. The Lannsiters, as a family, were overwhelming. And there were several of them here.

Catelyn was beyond excited to have her husband back by her side. There was no mistaking their care for one another. The scene outside the Dragon Gate had touched Sansa's romantic heart. She wanted them to be as happy as she was with Tywin and thought, with some help, and far fewer secrets, that they would be.

Arriving at their home, Sansa recalled how Ned's eyes had widened as he'd taken in the splendour of the Lannister mansion. She was excited to have Ned here and hoped she'd have some time with him to discuss matters she thought were necessary for him to know about.

Ironically, that had come far sooner than she'd imagined, as she'd found Ned wandering through the massive library in the mansion, a look of stunned wonder on his face later that evening.

Most of their household had gone to bed, but there were still a few of them up. Including Ned Stark. Sansa didn't think the man was entirely comfortable inside their mansion and she hoped to put him at ease.

He was wearing a dark quilted doublet and equally dark breeches, with black leather boots. He had his family's ancestral sword, Ice, strapped to his side and his dark hair tied back in a half knot at the back of his head.

Sansa knew he was soon to turn twenty-two, and she could barely imagine the heaps of responsibility on his shoulders. He was a second son that had never been expected to find himself in the position he was in. But here he was, just like she was, and they had to live the lives they'd been handed. Sansa hoped that she could forge a genuine friendship with this man, not only for their alliance but simply because he reminded her so much of home.

"It's overwhelming, is it not?" she said, hoping the lightness in her voice would coax Ned into speaking with her.

Tywin was busy with Kevan and Tygett, and Catelyn must be sleeping. Her pregnancy seemed to make her quite tired, whereas Sansa felt filled with boundless energy.

"The library or the mansion itself?" Ned asked, gesturing to the cavernous room.

Sansa grinned at him and stepped further into the room. The doors were open, and they were standing quite far away from one another, so nothing untoward was happening. Not that it ever would. This man looked far too much like her real father for Sansa to ever harbour any feelings like that about him.

Besides that, Barba was here. Her loyal companion would ensure that this meeting was on the up and up, and she'd keep whatever she and Ned talked about between the three of them.

"Would you like some tea?" Sansa asked him and watched as Ned startled.

He appeared unsure of how to answer her, but as if knowing she was the Queen and being unable to say no, he nodded. Quickly Sansa called for service along with some of the lemon cakes she loved. She grinned a bit sheepishly at that as she took a seat and gestured for Ned to do so as well.

"I'm afraid that since I've become pregnant, I've had a yen for them, and Tywin indulges me."

That was perhaps an understatement. Sansa was aware of precisely what Tywin would do for her. Providing her with lemon treats was hardly the most impressive of his feats.

That earned her a smile from Eddard Stark, who took a seat and gave her a warm smile.

"Your husband seems quite taken with you."

Sansa grinned.

"I know he is fearsome, and his reputation is well earned. But he's an incredible man. I hope you have time while you are in King's Landing to get to know him better. We are family, after all."

Ned appeared slightly startled by her boldness and merely nodded. Deciding it was best to take control of the conversation, Sansa waved in the servants with their tea service and then poured a cup for herself and Ned. The man looked positively lost with the dainty cup before him, and another giggle escaped Sansa's lips.

"It's alight. You can have a treat instead."

She sipped her tea, sighed, and watched as this huge and very fearsome-looking man attempted to hold the delicate cup in his large, scarred hands. Sansa had to give the man props for trying.

"Thank you for letting my sister come with me to the Rock. It was lovely to have her by my side when I went to my husband's lands. The Westerlands are beautiful, but it was a bit overwhelming," Sansa said, hoping to put him a bit more at ease and reassure him that Catelyn had been a welcome addition to their family.

"I am glad she was with you." Ned grimaced. "After that … situation on our wedding night, I knew that the only person I could trust with her safety was Lord Tywin."

Sansa bobbed her head.

"I missed her," Ned said, somewhat gruffly, and Sansa swore her heart melted.

"She missed you as well. She was always eager for an update, and we prayed, often, to the Old Gods, for your safe return."

That seemed to startled Ned.

"How?" he said, wonder in his voice.

"There is a small weirwood tree at the Rock; it's hardly any bigger than a shrub. But we did our research, and we know that House Stark adheres to the old ways, and we wanted our prayers to be heard by your gods."

Ned appeared pleased by this. "Does your sister believe in the Old Gods?"

Treading carefully now, Sansa hesitated as she thought about her words. Again, what had once been only an academic debate was now a reality. And the last thing Sansa wanted to do was speak on something so intensely personal for her sister.

"I think that my sister still believes in the Seven. But," she said as Ned's face fell, "Perhaps it is something the two of you can discuss. I know that Winterfell is large, and a small sept so far North might help her adjust."

Ned seemed to warm to that idea, and Sansa broached another complicated subject as the man greedily ate the treats that their cook had baked. Sansa imagined that since he'd been at war for nearly two years, Ned Stark hadn't had many occasions for something sweet.

"I am sorry for the loss of your friend," she said, wanting to get Robert's death out of the way. She would not mourn the man. He was a loathsome human and one she thought had very few redeeming qualities. But she knew that Ned was close with him, and for that, she'd pay her respects.

"You did not like him," Ned said, an intensity to his voice that Sansa had not yet encountered.

She notched up her chin.

"I did not. He was unpleasant and uncouth and dangerous, I believe."

Ned said nothing, gazing into his half-full cup of tepid tea.

"I was eight when I was sent to the Eyrie to foster under Lord Arryn. While most noble-born sons know that they will be sent away from their families, it is difficult to express how challenging it was. Robert was my friend. He was a year older than I was and larger than me. We bunked in the same room and trained together each day. All the tasks that we were given, we did together."

There was an ache in Sansa's heart for this man. She longed to reach out and grasp his hand. He'd lost so much in his young life – father, brother, sister, and best friend. In so many ways, they were similar, and she wished she could tell him that she, too, was an orphan.

"I can't imagine," Sansa said truthfully. She loved her father, and the idea of being sent away from him at such a young age was horrific.

Ned's lips quirked.

"If you have sons, they will be expected to foster somewhere in the realm, Your Grace." Ned paused. "Perhaps at Winterfell."

Understanding dawned.

"And your sons? Would you send them to the Rock?"

Ned was quiet for a time.

"I appreciate everything King Tywin has done. His army was needed to take King's Landing. But he is a hard man to trust."

Sansa fought her first instinct; to defend her husband. She understood that she always had a slightly skewed outlook on Tywin and even more so now that she was his wife.

"I will not sit here and disagree with you on something that is the truth. My husband is a difficult man. Harsh when required. Suspicious of those he does not trust. Brutal when needed."

Ned snorted, and Sansa felt her lips quirk.

"It is true. I love Tywin, but I am well aware of what he is."

"And what is he, Your Grace?" Ned asked boldly.

"He is a man that believes in family, in legacy. He will do whatever it takes to protect both. He is loyal to those that have earned it, and he is the man I love. Entirely. He has my whole heart, Lord Stark. He is a complicated and complex man, but he is good for the realm."

Ned held her gaze. "You believe that?"

"I do."

Sansa met Ned's gaze, needing him to see that she believed everything she'd just said – for she did. She did know what Tywin was capable of, but she also knew what a man like him in charge of the realm could do for Westeros.

Since discovering that dragons were real, everything had changed for Sansa. She had no idea if the stories of the Long Night were just stories anymore.

What if there really was an army of the dead beyond the Wall?

What if dragons came back?

What if giants were real?

If any one of those things were a possibility, there was far more to be worried about than just those who might want the Iron Throne. And their alliances would be even more critical than ever, especially with House Stark in the North. Sansa couldn't imagine how to prepare for an invasion if they weren't on good terms with Ned Stark, Warden of the North.

"The Mad King wronged my husband as well. Badly. And yet, he kept Aerys for you. Tywin knows of your sacrifice – what House Stark lost at the hands of House Targaryen."

Ned's lips pursed, and he finally set the tiny cup down, clearly weighing his options.

"My wife, your sister, she has spoken highly of her time with House Lannister. She enjoyed getting to know you, and she says you made her excited to come North to Winterfell."

Sansa said nothing, holding her breath, wondering what Ned Stark was going to do.

"I don't much like the south," Ned muttered.

Sansa laughed.

"I find it exciting. I haven't had a chance to explore very much because Tywin is worried—"

"Rightfully so," came her husband's deep, amused and slightly exasperated voice.

"Tywin!" Sansa cried, rising to greet her husband.

He strode into the room, full of confidence, his eyes taking in the tea service. When he was close enough, Sansa hurried to his side, loving how his large hands came around her middle, one resting on her swelled stomach while he pressed her lips to her.

"Wife," he said, the hand on her back stroking her like a cat.

She leaned into his touch. She drew such strength from this man. She was well aware of what he was. None of Ned's fears were unfounded. Tywin was ruthless. And deadly.

While she largely agreed with Tywin and his reasons for maintaining the Seven, she did wonder if he would ever give it up. Power was a heady thing, and legacy was something that Tywin spoke about endlessly. Sansa wouldn't say he was obsessed with it, but he was determined to establish a dynasty that would last well beyond their lifetime.

She gave a happy sigh and snuggled in closer to Tywin. No matter what he was, this man loved her. She hoped that maybe, over time, with her knowledge and her reforms that she might soften him ever so slightly. Even now, he hadn't sent death squads after Rhaella on Dragonstone or Lyanna in Dorne. Rhaenys and Aegon were in this very mansion, safe and secure. That had to count for something.

"Lord Stark, I hope you are enjoying your stay with us. I am afraid that I must speak with my wife privately. Please let me know if you require anything else."

Ned bowed his head. "Your Graces, I thank you for your hospitality."

With that, Tywin slipped his hand into hers and drew her from the library, through the hallways and then up the grand staircase where they turned to their private quarters. There were guards, even here, men that Tywin trusted implicitly to keep them safe. After what happened at the Rock, he would take no chances with her.

Once they were inside their rooms, where they had complete privacy, the lock clicked closed. It was a sound of comfort. They went through their nightly routine, so comfortable with each other. Tywin helped her with her gown. It was a part of the day she loved when she had this time with just him.

Here, alone, where there were no demands to take his attention from her, Sansa cherished this time with her husband.

Standing before a large mirror, she felt her core ache at the picture they made.

Her tall, handsome husband was behind her, brushing her hair away from the back of her neck before placing an open-mouth kiss there. He made her shiver; how gentle and yet how passionate he was with her.

He worked the stays of her dress, confident and sure until he could slide it off her shoulders and down her arms, where it caught, pooling around her stomach. His hands were there, covering her mounded stomach, and she found his eyes in the mirror.

They were so intense that her breath caught.

"Do you ever wonder what we are having?" he asked her.

Sansa thought about that and shook her head before placing her hands over his.

"No. Not so much. I wish I could know that the baby is healthy and that they are developing properly. I've attempted to eat well – getting as much folic acid into my system as possible, drinking lots of water, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. But if there is a serious problem with them, then it is out of my control."

"It is out of everyone's control," he countered, and she gave a soft smile.

"In modern times, they can do surgery on a child while it is still inside its mother."

Tywin looked shocked at that revelation. Sansa chuckled softly, drawing one of his hands up to her mouth and pressing a kiss to his palm. She felt the roughened flesh; even kings in these times had callouses on their fingers.

"Sometimes, I wonder what our lives would have been like had you come forward to my time instead of me coming back to you."

Sansa watched her husband's eyes widen at that thought, and she knew she'd stunned him again. It was as if he'd never imagined it, whereas she'd spent countless hours thinking about such a scenario.

"Do you miss your time?" he asked, voice low and intense.

Sansa gave the question considerable thought. She didn't want to brush it off. They'd talked about this on occasion but not lately and not since so much had changed. She was nearing half a year of being back in ancient Westeros and almost a year and a half since the visions started. And now she was no longer just Tywin's wife. He'd made her a Queen. It was a fair question to be sure.

"I miss things about my time, but I don't miss the time itself. Not how alone I was," Sansa answered truthfully.

Tywin grunted and reached into a pocket in his tunic, producing a small, square box.

Sansa's breath caught, and she wondered what he'd done now.

Everything Ned Stark had said about her husband was true, but he was so much more than just those things. He was thoughtful and loving and gentle with her. He was her friend and her teacher and her lover and so many other things that she didn't think she could name them all.

He chuckled as she turned in his arms, needing to face him. Her dress was still pooled around her waist, and she wore only one of the ancient bras she and Barba had fashioned, but Sansa didn't care. The moment was just for them.

"I listen to everything you say, Sansa. Sometimes, I admit, I do not understand it all, but one thing you spoke of has stuck with me."

Tywin flipped open the lid of the little velvet box. Nestled inside were two golden and ruby rings – one for a man and one for a woman.

"Tywin," she breathed, hardly daring to believe what was happened. Somehow her husband from this very ancient time had fashioned them wedding rings. And gorgeous rings at that!

"I hope this is correct. You once spoke of wedding rings. How in your time, when a man and a woman were married, they each wore a ring on the third finger of their left hand, as a symbol of their love and as a way of pronouncing to everyone that they were taken."

Sansa swore she stopped breathing as he plucked the delicate gold band that had a large ruby in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds from its box and held it in his fingers. He took her left hand in his and slid the ring on her finger.

"I want every man, woman and child who gazes upon you to know that you are mine, Sansa. From this day until the end of my days. I have loved two women in my life, and while I hate to compare you to Joanna, what I have found with you, it consumes me. You are my entire world, and I will love no other but you. I will take no other into my bed. I will father children with no other. You are my heart. My life. My world. My wife and my Queen."

The ring fit perfectly, as Sansa somehow knew it would. She tore her gaze away from those green-gold eyes she loved so much to look down at her left hand. She now had a wedding ring!

Perhaps it was silly or childish, but seeing that ring there now, a ring that announced to the entire world that she was taken – that she was a wife – meant something to her. It meant everything to her. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed this symbol of marriage, modern as it was.

Unable to help herself, Sansa carded both her hands into Tywin's hair and dragged his face closer to hers. She brushed her lips lightly over his.

"Thank you," she said, to overcome to think of the words to express what this meant adequately. Thankfully, her husband seemed to know. His chest rumbled, and then he pressed the ring box into her hand.

"Will you do the honours for me?"

Tywin wore his sigil ring – that golden lion's head that had started this all. But that was on his right hand. He rarely wore any other jewelry although they'd discussed the crowns they would have commissioned. There would be no mistaking this ring when she slid it on his finger.

Her hands were shaking slightly, although why she could not say. They had been married for months, connected for even longer, and now pregnant with their first child. She didn't doubt Tywin's love for her, nor the fact that he would remain faithful to her. He was not a man that strayed.

But as she slid the golden band onto his fourth finger, a surge of satisfaction roared through her blood. He was hers!

She held his hand, stroking her elegant fingers over the band, loving what it looked like there.

When she raised her eyes to his, she saw all the love he felt for her, echoed back, between one another.

"You are mine, Tywin. From this day and for all my days. Mine to love. Mine to grow old beside. I will be your Queen and raise your children. I will listen to you when you are right, and I will argue with you when you are wrong. I will love no other. I will take no other into my bed or into my body. I will be true to you and our love. I am your Queen, and you are my King, and I would come through time for you, again and again, to find you, my lion. You are the other half of my heart."

Sansa realized that they'd just said new vows to one another. It was a momentous occasion, especially considering how tumultuous the past few months had been.

His lips were on hers, demanding and insistent as Sansa pressed herself against her husband. She was scooped up into his arms as he strode across their large chamber and then deposited gently on the bed. Tywin rose above her, all sinewy muscle and barely contained power.

This man was the King!

He was her husband and her lover and her best friend and the most powerful man in the realm.

"Sometimes, I worry you are nothing but a figment of my imagination. That I have gone mad, and they've locked me up at the Rock, and I am only dreaming about you and this life we have crafted."

Sansa leaned up and kissed him, again and again.

"I am very real, Tywin."

Her hands were on him now, undoing his doublet and pushing it aside.

"Thank the gods," he muttered as they worked in tandem to rid themselves of their clothing.

Soon enough, Sansa was naked, giggling a bit as Tywin cursed his boots before kicking them off and striding back to their bed. She scrambled back against the mound of pillows and let her legs fall open. She was already primed for this man, but the look in his eyes meant he wanted to feast.

Sansa had no objections.

The man was dedicated to her pleasure and leaned over her to take her lips before he moved on, brushing that talented mouth along the curve of her jaw, finding those spots that only he knew about.

What was it that made her pant with the thought that only Tywin had ever seen her like this? He was the only man to know what she looked like in the throes of an orgasm. The only man to know what her wet heat felt like as he sunk inside of her. The only man to know what she tasted like and how to make her come, screaming his name as he worked her body over, coaxing peak after peak from her.

There would never be another for her – not in any lifetime.

"What are you thinking?" he murmured, kissing her ear and sucking the lobe, as one hand cupped a breast, far more tender now that she was pregnant and flicked the nipple.

She moaned and then turned, so their faces were close. His body was so much larger than hers. Harder. Scarred and tanned.

Sansa loved the differences in them.

"That you are the only man that will ever know me this intimately," she told him truthfully.

There was a look in his eyes – possession. Desire. That she was his and only his. It was a bit like being caught by a hungry lion, though Sansa knew this man wouldn't hurt her – not purposefully, at least. They'd probably have their battles, as all married couples did.

She pushed that thought aside and instead focused on the very powerful man that was now between her thighs, gazing down at her naked form.

"Do you know what it does to me, to know that you came to me, untouched and so unspoiled? That I am the one man, the only man in which you will know pleasure from my lips, my hands, my cock?"

He stroked her mound and then laid a light tap there, making her arch up, offering herself to him like some virginal sacrifice. However, she was far from a virgin anymore.

"I love it when you speak dirty to me, husband," she purred and pinched her own nipples.

Tywin's eyes darkened as he stroked through her aching flesh, the lips of her cunt parting to give him access. She was still so tight, and part of the pleasure was how he worked to make her ready for him. Her husband was an impressive man, and she liked the slight bite of pain whenever he entered her, how she could feel her body stretch to accommodate him.

"You're being naughty," he growled, although they both knew it was a game they loved to play.

This was something she was happy to have given Tywin Lannister. The sexual freedom to explore all his deep, dark desires.

She grinned at him.

"I was serious, husband, about one day tying you up."

He was kissing his way down her thighs, fingers still stroking inside her, making her gasp.

"And what would you do if I allowed such a thing?"

Sansa was delighted that he appeared curious instead of hostile to the idea.

"I'd spend an hour kissing and touching you. Making you beg. Making you moan. I'd see how much I could make that cock leak and tease you mercilessly, husband."

Thankfully, he seemed intrigued and turned on by the idea and not at all put out by her boldness. It was something else that was a massive plus in the Tywin column – for as powerful as the man was, and in a time when women were often not treated as equals, Tywin had surprisingly few reservations about their power dynamic in the bedroom. Or anywhere, really. There were times when decorum and sheer survival called for her to act and behave in a particular manner. But by and large, Sansa had somehow married a man that seemed to value her worth as equal to his own.

It was a heady feeling.

She sat up, bold now and tugged his lips closer, kissing him hard.

"I just want to give you the same pleasure you give me," she told him when she finally let him breathe again.

Tywin grinned.

"Then watch as your lion feasts," he ordered.

Sansa did just that, watching on as he lowered his mouth to her cunt, parting her lips and taking her clit into his mouth and rolling his tongue over the taunt bud, as he sunk into her with his fingers, so that soon enough, she was digging her hands into his hair and crying out his name. Barely sated, she was panting when he somehow flipped her onto her knees.

Sansa wiggled her arse as he smacked it, parting the globes and running his fingers down her seam and back into her wet pussy.

"Gods, you're just begging to be fucked aren't you, little one?"

That voice. Good lord, that voice. Sansa could only moan and press back against him, seeking more. Her first orgasm had barely taken off the edge, and now she wanted more. Needed more.

Thankfully, he seemed to be just as on the edge as she was, for she felt the head of his cock nudge her entrance before, in one brutal surge, he buried himself deep inside her.

Sansa moaned, low and long and then gripped the headboard as Tywin fucked her hard, hands on her hips as he slammed into her, over and over again. She lost herself to the pleasure – to what his dick felt like as it ruthlessly opened her up, again and again. To the pounding of her heart and the way her breasts swayed, her nipples that barely grazed the counterpane but even that slight contact made her climb higher and higher.

She knew this orgasm would devastate her, and that was before Tywin wrapped a hand around her hair and tugged. Sansa welcomed the slight bit of pain, in such sweet contrast to what he was doing to the rest of her body.

He somehow rocked back onto his thighs and brought her with him so that her back was flush against his chest. Gods this man was power personified!

He had a hand on her hair, the bite of pain there edging her higher as another hand went to her clit, to work her over just how she liked. She could only imagine what they looked like, as she was plastered against his body, his cock buried deep inside her.

"Ride me," he commanded.

Sansa turned, caught the look in his eyes and could only nod. She dug her heels into the bed as he tapped her clit and pinched her, driving his cock into her as she slammed down on him, pushing him deeper inside of her than he'd ever been.

"Tywin," she wailed, knowing when the orgasm hit, she was going to go off.

"That's it, my love. Fuck your husband," he ordered, and she doubled her efforts as she felt the tidal wave of pleasure wash over her, riding him for all she was worth, giving herself over to whatever this man demanded of her.

Sansa screamed and swore that she blacked out, unable to do anything but give into what she was feeling. He was grunting and filling her with his seed, so much that she felt it pooling out of her cunt and running down her thighs and onto his, covering them both.

She might have added to the mess with her own orgasm, though she was in no frame of mind to analyze how that had been so good. All she could do was rest against her husband as Tywin gently maneuvered her back down to the bed and withdrew from her, more of their combined spendings leaking from her body.

Sansa gave a happy, contented sigh.

He was standing there, looking at her thoroughly debauched; she had his cum drying on her legs, her cheeks flushed and hair an absolute mess. She grabbed a pillow with what little energy she had and threw it at him.

Tywin smirked at her disheveled state.

"Quit looking so smug," she said, but really, she wasn't complaining.

What woman didn't want to be fucked to within an inch of blacking out from the pleasure?

"Imagine what the realm would say if they knew how greedy their queen was for orgasms," he said, the modern word rolling easily off his lips. Of everything she'd taught him, he seemed to like that one and making love best.

Naked and confident, Tywin strutted across the room to gather a warm washcloth. Her body was overly sensitive, and he took his time cleaning her and then himself, putting the room back into some semblance of order, though why he tried was beyond her. Their servants were well used to what they got up to inside their bedchambers.

When he was done, he joined her in bed and settled before he opened his arms and she snuggled into his embrace.

Sleepily ensconced in her husband's arms, her cheek pressed against his chest while he stroked a hand down her naked back. She pressed a kiss to his chest and nuzzled closer, needing to be surrounded by him. If her eyes had been open, she would have been delighted to see how her new wedding ring looked against her husband's muscular chest.

"We still need to discuss zombies, Ty," she murmured.

His chest rumbled, and his lips were on her head.

"We will, my love. We will."

With that, Sansa closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her, knowing that their battles were just beginning but with this man by her side, they would be back the enemies that came for them.

She didn't care what had brought her back in time – whatever it was, whatever the reason, she was beyond grateful for them. Because Sansa knew that this love was a once-in-a-lifetime love and nothing she could have ever found had she stayed in the future. No matter how harsh, how brutal, how trying ancient Westeros was, this was where Tywin was.

And so, it was where she was meant to be with the man who was her destiny and a future that was yet to be written.