Tyrion & Sansa's Chambers ,Red Keep - King's Landing, Crownlands - The Next Morning
Tyrion had woken up with a strong headache from all the wine he had drunk yesterday. His body was a little sore from the chair he slept on but it was better than sleeping next to Sansa, making her feel uncomfortable.
His waking up was not pleasant, being awoken by Shea with a slap on his cheek. It was not that harmful but the message was passed as he glared silently at him, while he helped Sansa get dressed.
However, once she checked the white bed sheets and saw no blood, she finally looked at him. Yet, she said nothing and merely exited the room, leaving him and his new wife alone.
Before any of them could speak, someone knocked on their open door and Tyrion was surprised to see his brother standing there.
"Good morning, brother, Lady Sansa," he greeted and entered the room but only a few steps.
"Ser Trystan," Sansa greeted, a small smile on her lips and she even gave a formal half-bow for him.
Tyrion noticed the way the corner of his brother's lips twitched upwards and how the mood of his new wife quickly changed upon seeing the young Lion.
"Trystan," Tyrion greeted back, slowly lifting his short body to sit by the edge of the chair.
"You do not look good, brother," he pointed out.
The Imp rolled his eyes. "Yeah well...that chair is not as comfortable as one might think," he pointed out, making Sansa feel slightly guilty.
Trystan's eyebrows frowned faintly and looked between his brother and his new wife, eventually letting his eyes go to the undressed bed. As the pieces fell into place in his mind, relief replaced his confused features.
"Of course," he said, the weakest of smiles forming.
He knew his brother would not harm Sansa and was not really surprised that they did not consummate their marriage. A part of him thought Tyrion would try because Father ordered it but once again, the dwarf was too righteous and stubborn.
"Why are you here, brother?" the said brother asked, upon seeing his wife too shy to truly talk to the younger Lion.
Immediately, his expression changed to a serious one. "Mother has invited us all to break fast with Father, as a family," he explained, placing his hands behind his back.
This shocked Sansa and Tyrion even, although the Lion quickly found control of his mind and focused on the important question in front of them. "Why?" he asked.
Trystan glanced at his feet for a moment, a sign that he was feeling slightly guilty or awkward. It was not something uncommon for his siblings to see but it was new for Sansa, who could see a less formal side of the Half-Lion.
"Mother wants Sansa to get to know us and mostly she gets to know her," he explained, choosing not to tell them that he was partially responsible for this idea.
Tyrion paled a few tones as he jumped to his feet. "I can't believe I am saying this but she is mad," he commented, confusing his wife. "Father has never sat as a family with anyone that was not truly a Lion other than Good-Mother," he reminded him.
The Half-Lion shrugged his shoulders. "She wants to know and she persuaded Father, so—"
Sansa, who had been watching them from the sidelines, found the courage to speak up. "I am afraid I do not understand, it is just family breaking fast together," she said, making the two Lions look at one another.
"Uhm, Lady Sansa..." Trystan started, clearing his throat. "It's not really like that. I mean, it can be but it's...hard," he confessed, trying to use the right words in order not to scare her.
Tyrion rolled his eyes. "What my golden boy for a brother is trying to say is that we do not have such family gatherings, at least not with our father. If we ever do, it is strictly to talk about our responsibilities and what we must change and do better to please him."
The young Stark girl parted her lips. "Oh," she exclaimed, not sure what to say. "You do not think that..." her voice started to fade, too worried and awkward to say the words but they understood her.
"I am not going to lie to you, Sansa. Perhaps he might, although because it is you—I mean you are not one of his children directly—he might be more discreet or avoid the subject while you are present."
Trystan nodded. "Father might be strict but he does have proper manners for a Lady, something that is often seen lacking from many other Lords," he said and noticed the relief in her blue eyes, making him feel satisfied a little bit that he managed to help her.
But he knew it would not be enough because they had not started the game yet, let alone entered it.
"However," Tyrion butted in. "We do need to inform her on some ground rules because Father will remain mannered if she doesn't give him a reason not to be," he explained. "You might want to sit down, Sansa."
The girl was confused but nodded, choosing to sit on the edge of her unmade bed. Tyrion walked her way and sat next to her but left a respectful distance between them while Trystan just took a few steps forward but did not dare to approach too much.
"What...what should I do, my Lord, Ser?" she asked and looked first at her husband and then at the Half-Lion.
"For starters," the Lion said, "you do not speak on your own. Better not talk at all unless you are asked a question. Father does not enjoy blabbering and is not happy to hear things he is uninterested in."
Trystan joined. "I know this might sound ridiculous, Lady Sansa, but I advise you not to look at him in the eyes directly."
"But do not look away; it is a sign of disrespect to him. Better try to keep casting your eyes down or focus on his clothes rather than his face."
"Cersei tends to look at one of his ears in order not to bend her head in front of him," the Half-Lion pointed out.
"Oh, and do not try to truly lie to him, he will see right through it. However, do not try to speak openly about a subject that you have different views on, like your brother or the war. Better speak a few words and plead ignorance, show him you are not truly any threat," Tyrion added. "And of course, under any circumstances do not try to joke or make a joke for that matter."
Sansa blinked, hands folded on her lap, but it was clear she was getting rather worried. At first, she thought it was a family moment and she understood some strictness but this sounded all...too much.
Trystan, seeing her skin paling a shade, chose to interfere. "Brother, you are scaring her," he pointed out.
"I am scaring her? I am trying to help her survive this...this idea. And you are the one that told her about eye contact, speaking as if Father is some sort of beast," Tyrion argued and then glanced at the girl. "I am sorry, my Lady. We did not mean to worry you, it's just..."
Surprisingly, Sansa took a deep breath and lifted her head up. "I understand, my Lord, Ser," she said with as much confidence as she could find deep within her at the moment. "I will do my best to please Lord Tywin and not upset him."
The Half-Lion felt bad for scaring her that way but he was worried about her, about this idea. He knew his mother would be present but at the same time, he just wanted things to go smoothly.
He did not wish for Sansa to be terrified of them, especially after what Joffrey had done to her so far. Yet, he knew it was for the best because Sansa was part of the family and she needed to know how all this worked.
He made a mental note to find her sometime later and properly explain to her how their odd family hierarchy was and what she should be aware of. If she remained passive and did not stand out to their father, he would most likely not bother with her and that would allow her more freedom.
"You will notice that Tyrion might make jokes about the situations and Cersei might be a little bit more outspoken but do not let them influence you. They know what they are doing and they do often get some sort of comment from Father," he told her, his green eyes softer now that a small part of his worries had left.
"What about you, Ser Trystan?" Sansa asked curiously, her blue eyes not once having truly left him.
Somehow, his presence gave her more confidence and despite their warnings, she felt stronger and better knowing that he would also be present. However, she did have her mental questions and she would not mind if someone answered them for her.
"My brother is merely a mute at the table. Head low and speak only when spoken; it is his favourite technique to avoid any conflict whatsoever," Tyrion commented, almost scoffing. "There is a reason why he is Father's golden boy, well more than one, but this certainly helps."
Trystan cleared his throat and shifted his weight from one leg to the other, clearly feeling uncomfortable with Sansa hearing his 'title' given to him by his siblings. "I do speak up on my own when it's proper. I just find it better to lay low and just let it all pass."
"Of course," his brother mocked him. "At least our good mother will be present, so there might still be hope."
This made Sansa finally look from the charming Ser Trystan to the Imp by her side. "Why is that, my Lord?" she asked, getting bolder with her questions.
"Father is always more civil when she is around or at least more patient with us," he explained. "We are not sure why but we do not question it. She is also far better at small talk than him. I even doubt he will truly say anything or much for that matter."
Sansa nodded, feeling slightly less worried. At least Tyrion and Trystan would be there, which was something. Even if Joffrey were to be present, she doubted he would try something, especially after seeing how he backed down when the Lion and the Dragoness moved against him.
She was curious to finally meet the famous couple that she had heard and read about as she was growing up. Not a day would pass during her lessons that she did not hear of their achievements, accomplishments or the wars they had won.
Despite the years they spent in Casterly Rock, history books never forgot them. Seeing them a few times at the Throne Room already and even yesterday at the wedding feast, she knew those books were far from lying.
The three of them walked to the Tower of the Hand and eventually were escorted by a guard to a different room than the one of the Hand's study. It was not the same where they had the Small Council meetings either.
This one was a narrower and older room, made mostly of stone and brick. There were a few windows but they did not seem to have the best view or offer the best lighting either. Thus, candles had been lit at key places.
The table in the middle was made of wood while eight chairs in total were placed around it; three at each side, one at the end of the table and one at the head. The main chair at the head of the table was empty but the one on the right was occupied by Visenya, while Cersei was on a chair next to her.
Upon seeing them, a welcoming small smile formed on her pink lips as she stood up while her stepdaughter chose to remain seated. "Boys," she greeted and then her eyes fell on the timid, quiet girl between them. "You must be Sansa. It is a pleasure to meet you at last."
Immediately, the Stark girl gave a deep bow. "The honour is all mine, Lady Lannister," she said, her voice low but confident enough not to stutter.
"Come, sit," she instructed and sat back down at her chair, ignoring the eye-roll from Cersei.
Trystan took the chair to the left of their father's chair, Tyrion sat next to him and Sansa by his side, thus keeping her as far away as possible from the Old Lion.
Speaking of him...
"Where is Father? Where are Joffrey and Tommen?" Tyrion asked, realizing three members were missing.
Servants filled their glasses with water as Visenya kept her eyes on them. "His Grace is to eat in his chambers and Prince Tommen has already eaten and is attending his lessons as we speak. I thought this was more proper as a small family meeting," she informed. "Your father had a last-minute thing he needed to do as Hand and is to join us shortly."
Plates of food started to be placed in front of them and Sansa noticed the variety and the quality, being far better than the one she was usually served. She remained quiet and watched, feeling that the atmosphere was not that tense and Cersei was not even properly looking at her or bothering her.
Tyrion turned to one of the servants. "Bring us some wine, will you?" he told the boy, who nodded and left in a hurry.
Cersei tilted her head faintly to the side. "Didn't you have enough yesterday? Or did you manage to throw it all up by the time you reached your chambers?"
The Imp did not seem to be offended by her words, used to them by now. "I will let you know that there is never enough wine in my opinion. I do believe you are simply jealous that I can stand it better than you."
Cersei extended her goblet for a servant to fill it with wine, preventing the boy from going to Tyrion first. "Oh please, as if I wish to get wasted and embarrass myself."
The boy moved around the table and went to fill Sansa's cup but Tyrion covered it with his hand. "She is not drinking, but I am," he said and brought his cup with his free hand, passing it to the servant.
"One glass, Tyrion, maximum two," Visenya said in a more motherly tone, sitting with her back straight on the chair as if she were sitting on the Iron Throne.
"But—" the Imp tried to argue but a look from his good-mother made him stop his lips from moving. Eventually, he pouted. "Fine. I will drink afterwards either way," he mumbled like a child.
"Better go hide it, brother, now that you said it; she will take it from you," Trystan joked, stopping the servant from filling his cup with wine.
"She wouldn't. She knows that wine is from the few things that make me happy," he argued.
Somehow, this small scene in front of Sansa was kind of amusing but also relaxing. She could see a more normal family, where siblings taunted each other and a mother to ensure things did not get out of hand.
A friendlier atmosphere in the room that made her feel less and less tense by the minute. She noticed that no one had started to eat yet so she copied them, wondering if it was because the Old Lion was not present.
She did not mind though, happy that Joffrey was not present and would not have to worry about him.
Suddenly, the man of the hour appeared by the door, like a living shadow that materialized out of thin air. Everyone immediately stood up to greet him and Sansa did the same, being the last one to get up from her chair since she had been taken off guard.
The boys had not warned her about that part.
Tywin walked into the room and moved to the head of the table. He did not sit directly but placed his hand on the chair while his eyes found Sansa's.
The young Stark girl took notice of the bright green colour that seemed to exist in all of the Lannister siblings but also the flecks of gold, something that only Trystan seemed to have. Remembering what Trystan had told her, she adjusted her eyes lower and focused more on the pin on his black jacket, the symbol of his status as Hand of the King.
"You must be Lady Sansa, the latest addition to our family," he started, sizing up the silent girl from close.
"It is an honour to meet you, Lord Tywin," she said, doing her best not to cower under his hard gaze and give a formal deep bow.
"Hmm," the Old Lion exclaimed and sat on his chair, allowing everyone else to do so.
Everyone started to eat, the tension in the room existing but that did not stop Tyrion from eating with less manners or Cersei from passively glaring at him. Sansa tried to remain proper and eat as she was taught, although she immediately felt bad upon seeing how perfectly posed Visenya was.
She glanced at Cersei, seeing her with similar manners but far less perfect than her good-mother. Lord Tywin was also formal but in a little more casual way, yet each one of his moves was made with confidence and certainty.
Sansa tried to keep her attention on the food but she could feel his gaze upon her form, silently studying her. However, just like the boys had said, he remained silent and did not seem truly interested in talking or questioning her.
There was a small silent exchange between Lion and Dragon, some sort of telepathic communication being done only with their eyes that no one else could understand.
"Lady Sansa," Visenya said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "You have been to King's Landing for a while now, haven't you?"
"Almost two years, my Lady," she said, her blue eyes adverting towards her.
Her face was less strict than that of her husband but her eyes were kinder, softer even. It reminded Sansa of her mother, who seemed strict on the face but had a good heart and her gaze was always different when she would look upon her children.
"And how do you like the city so far?"
"I am afraid I did not have the time to truly explore it but one day I would like to, my Lady," she said, barely glancing at Cersei as she felt her stare upon her.
Visenya seemed to notice this and cleared her throat first, sending a warning look at Cersei while disguising her actions by drinking some water. "Then perhaps we can pay it a visit together," she suggested, earning different looks from the Lions around her. A small smile formed on her lips as she lowered her goblet. "I do know of a few good places since my time growing up here. I do believe you will like them."
The idea of being out of the Red Keep that had been her cage and prison for so long excited Sansa, a bigger smile of gratitude and happiness forming on her lips as her face seemed to glow, her skin less pale and dark.
"It sounds like a wonderful idea, my Lady," she explained and then remembered where she was, she felt the sharp gaze of Tywin and she quickly withdrew herself. "I mean, I would not want to bother or waste your time—"
"I insist. It was my suggestion after all."
"You will not go alone," Tywin suddenly said after he finished chewing. His sharp gaze was mostly directed at Tyrion but his eyes did fall on Trystan's form as well. "You will go with guards, Trystan and Tyrion can join you." He said, although it was more of a directed order to all the party members and not just her.
"Me, Father?" the dwarf questioned, surprised by the suggestion.
Tywin drank some water. "Yes, you. You are her Lord Husband, aren't you?" he asked rhetorically, making Tyrion lower his head faintly. "You should spend some time with your Lady Wife as well," he continued but the message he was trying to pass was evident.
He wanted him to spend more time with his Lady Wife than return to his old self and find a whorehouse to visit and get drunk.
Tyrion understood what his father meant all too well, as did his siblings and even his good-mother. They knew him and their father by now, to know when they should read between the lines, which was pretty much nine out of ten times he was talking to them.
Perhaps it was the topic or the atmosphere from before but Cersei took the chance to leave her comment. At first, she scoffed at the idea, earning the attention of everyone in the room. "Oh please, the only places he knows in King's Landing are the brothels he spends all our family money in!"
It was a low blow, intended to humiliate Tyrion in front of Sansa and make her feel uncomfortable, more than she was already.
However, Tywin was not going to allow that, not after Cersei had opened her mouth and disrespected Visenya at the family meeting last time. He slammed his goblet on the wooden table, the sudden action and noise frightening Sansa, who involuntarily flinched.
"Cersei," Tywin said, calling the Lioness only by her name but the threat in his tone was dark and evident.
Immediately, the Lioness bowed her head and said nothing else, not wishing to be the victim of yet another terrifying, stern and threatening gaze from her father. She did not wish that, not since the last time that was a few days ago after he verbally attacked Visenya with her words.
The Dragoness let out a sigh, seeing how easily the mood changed and how her attempt to help Sansa relax around them was almost fully ruined. She had warned Cersei, before the others arrived, to behave herself but apparently, the Lioness was not in the mood to listen.
Trystan glanced at Sansa with worry, seeing her shaken from the sudden reaction of his father but she had managed to hide it quickly. This was a good sign but it did not ease his worry, knowing that she was more slightly frightened by now.
Everyone continued eating and the discussion between them was rather limited, a little bit forced even. Visenya did try her best but Sansa had withdrawn to herself and was trying not to upset the Old Lion.
However, the Stark girl could finally understand what Tyrion and Trystan were telling her when they were describing their father and how things worked, let alone how he ruled.