Just then, the door to the audience chamber was pushed open.
A tall figure walked in, followed closely by a woman also clad in armor, looking valiant and heroic. Sansa's gaze was immediately drawn to the leading man.
He had the signature silver hair and purple eyes of a Valyrian, and those purple eyes were as deep as the purest gemstones, without a trace of madness, instead radiating a composure and majesty that belied his age.
His features were as exquisite as a sculpture, and he wore black and red valyrian steel armor, covered by a golden cloak. The three-headed dragon sigil on the cloak seemed to come alive under the light, appearing both majestic and opulent.
Was he Viserys Targaryen? Was this the person Arya mentioned in her letter, the one she had prayed for a whole month? He was so handsome, Sansa couldn't help but say to herself, much more handsome than Joffrey.
Viserys walked up to them and stopped. His gaze swept over Sansa and Jeyne's faces, finally settling on Sansa.
Sansa's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously gripped Jeyne's hand, her body tensing slightly. She saw that Viserys's gaze was primarily fixed on her.
His gaze seemed so calm and profound, as if it could see through all the fear and unease in her heart. It also made all of Sansa's previous doubts about Viserys vanish into thin air.
"Miss Sansa Stark?" Viserys spoke, his voice sounding deep and magnetic to Sansa, carrying a natural kingly aura.
Sansa curtsied slightly, a Southern court etiquette she had learned in King's Landing, though her movements were a bit stiff now. She tried to keep her voice steady, saying, "Yes, His Majesty Viserys, I am Sansa Stark."
Viserys nodded and said, "I know you have suffered much in King's Landing, Miss Stark. And your father, Lord Eddard Stark—though our houses are enemies, I still believe he was an upright man; he should not have died in such a humiliating way."
Hearing her father's name, Sansa's eyes instantly reddened. Moreover, she felt that Viserys's voice carried a convincing power, giving her an indescribable sense of familiarity, like a family member she hadn't seen in a long time.
"I promise you, House Lannister will pay the price for their actions," Viserys continued.
Hearing these words from Viserys, the grievances and sadness Sansa had bottled up for so long seemed to find an outlet at this moment, but she still forced herself to hold back her tears.
This was the first time in so long that someone had spoken so directly about the suffering she had endured and promised her that the Lannisters would pay.
She looked up at Viserys through tear-filled eyes. At that moment, his deep purple eyes seemed incredibly attractive and captivating to her.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Sansa's voice still carried a hint of a sob, but it was much firmer than before.
Varys, standing to the side, took all of this in, the smile at the corners of his mouth becoming even more pronounced. It seemed this young Dragon King had not only gained great military power over the years but also knew how to win people's hearts. The eldest daughter of House Stark had clearly succumbed.
Behind Viserys, Rhaenys curled her lip; her brother was using his charm to attract other girls again. She decided that tonight she would make Viserys fulfill what he had promised her, to prevent any future accidents.
Viserys gave Sansa a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Jeyne Poole, who was so nervous she could hardly breathe, and asked, pretending not to know, "And this is?"
"Your Majesty, she is my friend, Jeyne Poole. Her father is the steward of Winterfell," Sansa introduced quickly, fearing Jeyne might be slighted because of her low status.
Viserys said to Jeyne in a gentle tone, "You needn't be afraid. With me, you are both safe."
Jeyne took a timid look at Viserys, then quickly lowered her head and whispered, "Ye... yes, Your Majesty."
Only then did Viserys truly take notice of this young girl. She looked smaller and thinner than Sansa, but her skin was delicate and fair, and her eyes were moist like those of a startled fawn, revealing a pitiable timidness.
Clearly, during those days in Red Keep, the pressure she had endured was no less than Sansa's. Viserys gave Jeyne a gentle nod, then returned his gaze to Sansa.
"Miss Sansa," Viserys's tone became solemn. "I know there is an old grudge between House Stark and the House Targaryen, but what is past is past. I have returned to Westeros not to perpetuate hatred, but to end the chaos and strife of the Seven Kingdoms, and then unite everyone to face the enemy of the living. The North is the most important part, so I hope we can set aside our differences for the future of all Westeros."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a sincerity that touched Sansa's heartstrings again. She stared blankly at Viserys. For the long-suffering Sansa, his words carried an alluring hope.
She thought of her mother and brothers far away in the North. How were they now? Was Winterfell alright? If Viserys could truly bring peace, then...
"Your Majesty," Sansa summoned her courage, looked up into Viserys's eyes, and said, "Regarding my family, do you have any news of them?" This was her primary concern at the moment, more important than her own safety.
Viserys saw the urgency and worry in Sansa's eyes and understood. He spoke gently, "I have already sent people to the North to deliver word. I believe there will be a response soon. However, based on the information currently available, your family should all be safe for now."
Hearing Viserys's promise, Sansa's tense body finally relaxed completely. She gave Viserys a deep bow and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Viserys raised his hand slightly, signaling her to rise, and said, "No need for such formality."
Then he continued to Sansa, "Red Keep has just undergone an upheaval and might still be in some chaos. You two stay here for now; I will have someone arrange comfortable rooms for you. Also, your sister Arya is living well in Valyria, and she misses you very much."
At the mention of Arya, Sansa couldn't help but ask, "Arya? When can we meet?" This was her only source of hope during her time in the cold Red Keep.
Viserys looked at Sansa and said, "Don't worry, I have already arranged for someone to go to Valyria to fetch her. You sisters will be reunited soon."
Hearing that she would soon see her sister, excitement welled up in Sansa's heart. She looked up at Viserys, her eyes filled with affection, and said, "Thank you, His Majesty Viserys."
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