Rēgulus (Sansa Stark x Tommen Baratheon)
When the dust of the War of Five Kings settled, the known world saw Westeros carved into two.
It was all the mastermind of the feared Tywin Lannister.
When the Great Lion found himself bested by the Young Wolf in every battle and Jaime Lannister became captive, and the two Baratheon brothers and Balon Greyjoy decided to stage their own rebellions, it became very clear just how precarious the situation was for the Lions. And so the Great Lion of Casterly Rock took charge of the negotiations with the King in the North to save his favored son and at the same time save his precious grandson's arse seated on the Iron Throne.
The Young Wolf kept his crown and the three kingdoms which supported him and both agreed to unite in defending their western coasts against Ironborn savages in exchange for Jaime Lannister's freedom and cessation of hostilities. The Young Wolf was also made to sign a binding agreement that he will not throw his support to any claimant or rebel of the Iron Throne.
The King in turn demanded the return of his sister but was refused and instead offered to have her married to the younger prince Tommen who will be future Lord of the Rock. It was not what he wanted but the King has observed the little prince during that damned Royal Visit at Winterfell and knew him to be a sweet child so he agreed, hoping the prince would grow up to be a better man than his cruel brother and be a good husband to his sister. As assurance of Robb Stark's sister's safety, the Great Lion agreed to have the Lady Brienne and the Blackfish be employed as her guards. And so peace was attained between the wolves and the lions.
Sansa had hoped for freedom—to go home to Winterfell—but like all her other hopes and wishes, she had been denied it. As the eldest sister of the King of the Northern Kingdoms, she is far too important for the lions to let go and there was nothing she or her Kingly brother could do about it. Not if they wanted independence of their lands from the often cruel grip of the Iron Throne.
And so like a mare to be bartered, Sansa was passed from the vile and mad boy of a king to his sweet and innocent little brother. No longer to be a Queen but the Lady of Casterly Rock and the West.
No—it surely is not what she hoped for—but it was certainly far better than her previous fate. She was thankful that she, at least, will not have to marry the mad boy king who took pleasure in being cruel and hurting others. She was grateful she's to marry his kinder and gentler brother instead.
He's adorable—her betrothed.
He's so very innocent and sweet and downright charming with his love for all things beautiful, soft and cuddly. Like flowers and kittens. And seeing this sweet and innocent boy makes her grateful, sad and afraid at the same time.
She's grateful because from him, she didn’t have to fear getting physically harmed nor does she have to listen to him shout insults and harmful words. He is too kind for that. He's more likely to cuddle with her instead and share cakes and offer to join him play with his beloved little pets.
She's sad because of her own lost childhood and felt sorrow that someday, in the future, this boy will grow up and might lose his kindness and gentleness.
She's afraid because anything can happen between now and that distant future. She feels apprehension for the boy-that someone might manipulate him and make him turn away from her, that she might not see him grow up, that someone might kill him to remove him from the line of succession and in turn leave her alone and without any protection.
It is a blessing that Tywin Lannister decided to remove her and her young betrothed from the Red Keep and positioned them at the Rock so they could both be trained for their future roles. Here, they were far from the intrigues and power struggles of court.
The Rock is a stronghold and one that can keep them safe from attacks. The people were loyal to the Lannisters which made Sansa feel better—knowing she won't have to constantly be alert and worry about other power-hungry parties trying to manipulate or use her as their own pawn in the game of thrones. The presence of her Uncle Brynden and Lady Brienne also went a long way of allaying her fears.
When they reached the Rock, Tommen trained in combat and horsemanship under the Captain of the Guards and Master of Arms. Uncle Brynden also volunteered to assist with his training—something that excited and intimidated Tommen. When he’s done training in the yard, he joined Sansa's training under Lady Genna and Lady Dorna in preparation for ruling the Rock.
Sansa refused admit it out loud but she liked learning under the two women. Lady Genna was an intimidating and strong-willed woman who demanded their best at all times while Lady Dorna was kind and gentle and always showed patience and provided support when they struggled in their lessons. She found it an interesting combination.
The rest of their time not spent in training and lessons were spent together. Sansa was not disappointed with her initial assessment of her future husband. Tommen was very kind to her and went out of his way to make her smile. He always gave her flowers taken from the gardens by his own hands. He begged the cooks to make lemon cakes and gave them to her as offerings when she felt melancholy. He invited her to cuddle and play with his cats: Ser Pounce, Lady Whiskers, Baby Fur and Spots. On her ten and fifth name day, he gifted her with a gentle mare and prepared a picnic they enjoyed down the beach, their guards with them.
While they spent their days in peace at the Rock, the rest of the southern kingdoms remained at war. The self-proclaimed Kings Renly and Stannis were still in rebellion against the Iron Throne. Battles raged between the boarders of the Crownlands, the Stormlands and the Reach. The Princess Myrcella was betrothed to a Prince of Dorne to secure their alliance.
Two years after, King Renly died and the Reach went on to swear allegiance to the Iron Throne with Renly's widow, the Lady Margaery Tyrell, married to the despicable King Joffrey. Queen Cersei and King Joffrey demanded they attended the wedding but Lord Tywin intercepted their command. So Sansa and Tommen remained at the Rock.
While the Reach now supported the Iron Throne, the Stormlands went on to support King Stannis and his claim. A few moons after the Royal wedding, King Stannis' forces attacked the capital but were defeated soundly and he returned to Dragonstone with the remains of his army.
The other self-proclaimed King Balon Greyjoy was slain by his own brother Euron and now the Iron Islands were divided between Euron and Asha, Balon's daughter. Asha, with Theon's help negotiated with King Robb and asked for his support of her claim with the condition that the Ironborn cease their raiding and pillaging.
With the Ironborn at civil war, the West saw less pillaging of its shores and the Rock a lot more safe. And with the Northern Kingdoms no longer at war with the Iron Throne and the Reach now in alliance with the Lannisters, relative peace reigned between borders.
This gave them the time and resources to address the needs of their people and renew the trade relationships halted by the wars. Sansa worked closely with the Lady Genna and Lady Dorna in planning to build hospices for the sick and wounded as wells as care houses for those orphaned by the wars. She was also able to contribute by seeking Robb's help in creating a timber trade to rebuild the Lannister fleet that was almost decimated by the Ironborn. Tommen showed support the entire time and even helped guide the rehabilitation of the Lannisport docks.
When Tommen turned ten and five and Sansa ten and seven, things started to change between them. In just a few years, her younger betrothed has grown taller than her. And more handsome too. His days spent in the training yard has made him gain a warrior's strength and grace that never failed to make Sansa weak in the knees.
Tommen was still sweet and kind and they still did the same fun activities but everything changed when one day he confessed he was in love with her and when Sansa looked in his honest and earnest eyes, she realized she had been falling for him too. After that, no more were their interactions innocent. He gained an intense look in his eyes that made her feel warmth in her belly every time he caught her gaze. When they walked the gardens with their hands knotted together, she always felt a thrill run up and down her spine. When he kissed her hands or cheeks or forehead a tad longer, her mind spun and she imagined other places in her body his pretty lips could kiss. When he embraced her or simply put his hand on the small of her back for support, she couldn't help but think what it would be like if they were in bed together. She felt like a wanton creature and cannot help but feel ashamed with her body’s reactions.
When Tommen turned ten and six and she eight and ten, the Lord Tywin returned to the Rock to assess them both. The Old Lion seemed to have found their learning and accomplishments adequate as he had no words of complaints to them.
Six moons after, their own wedding preparations started. It was all thanks to Lady Genna and Lady Dorna that Sansa was able to successfully handle all matters pertaining to her wedding and made it something that would meet the lofty standards of the Old Lion Lord.
The Dowager Queen Cersei and King Joffrey refused to attend the wedding, an act that was meant to insult them. The Lord Lannister went on a rage and threatened to withdraw all the money owed by the Iron Throne to House Lannister. Sansa and Tommen asked the Old Lion to let it be and provided reasons why it was best not to have them at the wedding. Lord Lannister was thankfully convinced. Lord Tyrion did attend, despite Lord Lannister's ire at him and expressed warm wishes to both of them and their marriage.
Of her family from the North, only her Lady Mother and sister attended, as Robb was still overseeing the Ironborn treaty with Asha, Bran was not fit to travel and Rickon was not fit for polite company. A few northern lords involved in the timber trade did join their retinue. Of the Riverlands and the Vale, Uncle Edmure, Lord Royce along with a few lords from both regions attended to witness the wedding of their Northern Princess.
It was a reunion that Sansa had hoped for in a long time. She cried upon seeing her mother and sister, who she missed terribly and who she knew she'd have less chances of meeting in the future. Arya offered to stay with her for a while but Sansa knew just how strongly her sister hated the South and the Lannisters, so she declined and assured them that Uncle Brynden and Lady Brienne were enough. She also let them meet her new husband to show them that he will be good to her. Tommen, kind as he was, assured them he will keep her safe and even promised to bring Sansa and any children they will have to Winterfell to visit. Her family clearly still had reservations but Uncle Brynden and Lady Brienne's reports went a long way of reassuring them.
The wedding was lovely and she married Tommen happily, knowing that he was a man she could trust and that he loved her.
On their wedding night, Sansa finally found what that intense look on her husband's eyes were for. Knowing it will hurt her, Tommen made sure to bring her to pleasure several times first with his hands, then with his mouth. It was extremely embarrassing, but the things he did to her body made Sansa feel so good she couldn't help but ask for more. Tommen only laughed lowly with heat in his green eyes and an infuriatingly proud look on his face and eagerly did as she asked. He played her body with his hands like a musician and supped between her legs like a starving man. He loved her while lying between her legs then rolled them over and made her ride him like a horse, his mouth on her teats. One instance, he took her like a wolf—took her hard and fast and Sansa was so overwhelmed with pleasure she feared the entire castle heard her cries. It was almost dawn when they found they could no longer move and went to sleep.
They spent their lives like this for moons. They did their duties by the day and eagerly got lost in pleasure in each other's arms at knight.
Sansa found it funny and was secretly thrilled that her husband remained sweet and kind and utterly polite during the day, especially when they're surrounded by people. But at night, he transformed into an amorous beast. He did things to her in bed, things her Septa and Mother never told her, things that made her cry or moan out loud in pleasure. Four moons after, she got pregnant with child.
The entire Rock celebrated and Lord Lannister was very pleased indeed. The pregnancy progressed very early and at only five moons, Sansa already felt fit to burst. The maester and Aunts Genna and Dorna agreed she will likely have twins. The Lord Lannister and Tommen both worried there would be complications. When she reached seven moons, Sansa's mother the Lady Catelyn and her sister again visited to be with her when she gave birth.
The birthing was bloody and painful but like with all things, Sansa persevered. When it was over, she was a proud and weeping mother of two healthy and beautiful baby boys.
Tommen was very proud young father too and kissed her deeply in thanks for her gifts to him. They agreed to name their first born Yohann for the late Lady Joanna and their younger Gerold for Lord Tywin's grandfather. Both were Lannister blonde. ( After a few weeks, they'd discover that Yohann possessed blue green eyes and Gerold with blue-gray) The Lord Lannister was a very pleased and proud great grandfather and had the bells of the Rock and Lannisport rung from sunrise until sunset, to welcome the new little lion heirs of the West.
While they were blessed, the King and the Queen were not. The Queen Margaery only gave birth to a girl Princess Joanna and had several miscarriages after. The King—in his frustration with his wife and his envy of his younger brother—cruelly hurt his Queen. The Queen bled too much and went into a long sleep no one could rouse her from.
The Tyrells were outraged with what happened to the Queen and succeeded in poisoning the Dowager Queen and the King. They then tried to have the young princess Joanna crowned and seated on the throne. But their plot was discovered by Lord Tyrion's spies and the Tyrell faction were quickly apprehended by the Lannister forces. The Lord Mace and Lady Olenna were both sentenced to death and Ser Loras was sentenced to the Wall. The still comatose Queen Margaery was returned to her brother Willas in Highgarden. She did not live for long.
The Small Council assembled, and with the actions of the Tyrells severely frowned upon, it has been unanimously decided that Tommen be crowned King and the young princess be his ward.
It was a curious turn of fate for Sansa--a great irony that she would become queen when she no longer had any desire for it and would happily spend her days at the Rock with her husband and children. But the gods were cruel and cared not for the wishes and plans of mortal men and women.
She saw that Tommen was very afraid of their new roles. He confessed he never wanted to be king, told her of his fears of all the ugly things that could happen to their family when they're seated on the ugly Iron Throne. Sansa cried with him but knew there was nothing left to do but face it head on. So she straightened her spine, looked him in the eye and assured him she will always be at his side if he promised he'd remain true to her and their family. He did.
The years that came after were very trying indeed. But they thankfully had all the help they needed.
Lord Tywin remained as Hand for seven years more until he passed away and was succeeded by Lord Tyrion who was Tommen's first Master of Coin. When Lord Tyrion became Hand, Lady Shireen took his vacated position. Lord Varys remained Master of Whisperers. Ser Jaime remained Lord Commander. Ser Addam Marbrand remained Lord Commander of the City Watch. Lord Paxter Redwyne became Master of Ships when after a rigid investigation he was cleared of any conspiracy with the Tyrell plot. Maester Pycelle was deemed too old and feeble and was replaced by another, Grandmaester Ebrose.
Many important acts were done during Tommen and Sansa's reign.
The first was their support of Asha Greyjoy's claim against her Uncle with the same conditions presented by King Robb. With the support of the Northern Kingdoms already in place, it did not take long to storm Pyke and have Euron and his most ardent supporters face justice. This saw the end of the Ironborn wars and ushering of peace in the western seas. The Lady Asha saw to redefining the Ironborn way of life with the help of Theon and their Uncle Lord Harlaw the Reader. As had been agreed, all the kingdoms saw an eventual halt to Ironborn pillaging and raping along the coast, as well as the end of their practice of taking captives and making them thralls and salt wives. The Ironborn now rely heavily in marine trade, particularly pearls, exotic clams and big fishes most nobles put on their feast tables. They also are fast becoming popular for employment in shipyards in the Free Cities.
The second most important was the accord they made with Shireen Baratheon. Upon the death of her most embittered father, with the Stormlands devastated during the wars and with very little support left, Tommen and Sansa offered the Lady Shireen the position of Lady Paramount of the Stormlands, an advisory position in the Small Council and to have a daughter of hers marry Crown Prince Yohann to consolidate their claim to the throne. The Lady Shireen accepted the offer and went on to become Sansa's most trusted and reliable friend at court.
For the House Martell, they had Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch delivered in chains to Sunspear to pay for their crimes to Princess Elia and her children. Prince Trystane was also offered the position of Master of Laws and another offer of marriage to Princess Arianne's daughter to be future Lady of Casterly Rock. It was not the complete justice the Martells have long awaited but it did come a long way of healing the deep-seated animosity between families.
Her Uncle Brynden, though sworn to King Robb, accepted the offer to join the Kingsguard. And the Lady Brienne became the first woman to be a member of the order.
Their rule also saw the creation of a new Code of Laws. The new Code saw the end of the unfair and barbaric practice of Trial by Combat and implementation of equal treatment of both highborn and common people alike in the eyes of justice. With many people tired and bitter of years of wars waged by the nobility who had no care for the consequences to the common people, and those wearing crowns and claiming titles of kings playing the nobles below them like pawns, they amassed great support to have the new code ratified and implemented. They reached out to the Citadel for Maesters who have greater understanding of laws and are bound to neutrality to serve as public adjudicators to ensure fair execution of the laws.
As women who have suffered the effects of war as children and having known and lived the helplessness of their lack of knowledge of the world outside of their titles and stations, Sansa and Shireen, with the help of Princess Myrcella and the Lady Genna, oversaw the building of learning halls for all children, boys and girls alike. This move was greatly approved and supported by the Princess Arianne and Prince Oberyn who, as Dornish, saw the importance of equality between the two sexes. They also saw to the establishment of apprenticeships for many trades which brought an increase in employment prospects for the common people and overall helped im making trade more robust.
Many years passed and many trials along the way, they saw the Southern Kingdoms slowly mended and healed.
As for Sansa and Tommen, they added to their brood four more children. Two boys. Eddard who had his namesake Grandfather's looks and Brynden who possessed the Tully coloring and their other paternal twin girls Katherine and Julienna.
As promised, their Yohann married Lady Shireen's and Lord Ned Dayne's beautiful and impressively intelligent daughter, the Lady Allara. With their parents so close friends and frequently working together, the two grew up close. Despite the close to five years difference in age, they were all relieved to see the two so well matched in intellect, temperament and pursuits. They were friends who could debate for hours and still come out as friends. And they clearly held each other in high regard and are quietly affectionate. Yohann, just like his father, is fond of giving his princess gifts to see her pretty smile. They're also very supportive of their mothers' pursuits and often joined in the planning and extending help in their projects. Sansa and Tommen were content and sure with the knowledge they'll leave the throne in capable hands.
Their Gerold married Princess Arianne's fierce warrior daughter, the Princess Elia. When the two first met, they all held their breaths when the Princess insulted their strong-willed son. Thankfully, Gerold saw it as a challenge and soon enough, the two were on a battle of wills and wits that ended in a passionate romance. On the day the two were married, Ser Jaime quipped that if Lord Tywin was still alive, he'd surely have them all hanged or beheaded for what he'd surely see as an insult to his great house. As it was, Tommen, Sansa, Prince Oberyn, Princess Arianne and Lord Tyrion all agreed with the match and found it a great end to a bad story. The Prince Oberyn was particularly loud and proud and considered it divine retribution that he got to see his grandniece, named after his deceased sister, be the Lady of Casterly Rock and the West while Lord Tywin's ashes and bones lie beneath her feet.
When their Eddard met his fierce Aunt Arya and wild Uncle Rickon and their unruly direwolves, the three, along with their beasts, bonded so strongly that their son was convinced he would be better off as Northman. And like his grandfather and aunt and uncle, he could not be swayed from his belief. And so they could only send their son on his way with all their love and well wishes when he decided to go North instead. Sansa's family in the North always sent them letters, assuring that their Ned is healthy and happy at Winterfell. Her mother, Lady Catelyn, was particularly fond of him and made him her favorite grandchild.
Brynden was the little shadow of their Kingsguard Uncles and considered to be a fighter more gifted than Ser Jaime. His interest these days was learning sword fighting and jousting and playing accomplice to his brothers in terrorizing and driving away the suitors of their cousin and sisters.
Their niece Princess Joanna grew up to be a beauty just like her mother and caught the attention of Eddard Blackwood who was named after Sansa's deceased father. Eddard was heir to Lord Brynden of House Blackwood which was sworn to Robb. Arrangements have already been made with Joanna eagerly agreeing to the match.
Julienna thought herself besotted with Lord Dickon Tarly's heir. They have talked with Lord Dickon regarding a possible match but have not agreed to any betrothal. They want their daughter to be older and wiser first before making such an important decision.
Of Katherine, Uncle Edmure's heir, Axell, has shown interest. The children were young yet so they have decided to wait and see if the children would still be interested in a marriage when they were older. If they did, it would be a welcomed decision as it would help keep strong the ties and peace between the North and the South.
As a father who was particularly more loving of their daughters and niece, Tommen worried for them endlessly. Sansa did not. She had raised them, fed them at her own breast and taught them herself, including their niece. She had them also learn under the wise Lady Shireen, clever Princess Myrcella and formidable Aunt Genna. And they were surrounded by protective and fierce uncles, brothers and cousins. They were equipped to build great lives of their own.
At the age of sixty, with forty two years of rule, Tommen decided to abdicate and pass his title to Yohann, a decision Sansa happily supported. They have done so much already, spent so much time serving the realm. They have watched sadly as most of their older families, relatives and close friends left them one after another. They wanted to spend the remainder of their years either at Casterly Rock or go visit their loved ones spread across the Northern and Southern Kingdoms at least one last time while they still had the strength. Yohann and Allara were both more than ready to take their place.
They began with Dorne, to see Myrcella and her family and say their loves and goodbyes, knowing it will be the last time they see her in person. Then they moved on to Storm's End for Lord Ned Dayne and to pay their respects to Shireen in her final resting place. Horn Hill followed where they reunited with Julienna and her brood. Then Riverrun where they spent a moon with Axell, Kat and their boys. They went next to Raventree Hall to visit Joanna's children.
Then Winterfell. The place where they first met but never thought they'd be where they were now. Where it felt like everything began.
They both visited the crypts and paid their respects. To her father Lord Eddard, who many now believed to be a catalyst of change. First for deposing the Targaryens and helping Robert Baratheon ascend the throne and second, for dying and sparking another rebellion which resulted in the splitting of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. To her mother who also played an active role in the events that brought them here. To Bran, whose fall caused her mother to act without thinking carefully. To Robb, the King who took back the North and two other kingdoms along with it. To Jon, who she was never close to as a child but nonetheless came to love in their separation. Who was named Snow but will always be one of the Starks.
They spent six moons in Winterfell. With Arya, Rickon, their Ned and his family and Robb's family. They all tried to make the best of it, knowing they might never have a chance again. It was strange. Wolves and Lions meshed together at the end of their lives when at the beginning, they were ferociously trying to rip each other's throats. If their parents could see them now.
After moons of reminiscing and laughter and tears and I love yous and sad goodbyes, Sansa and Tommen finally returned to the Rock where Gerold and Elia and their children waited. They received a very warm welcome and they knew they were finally home.
The Rock was where they spent the rest of their lives. Tommen, still the romantic between them, tried to recreate the days of their youth. He gave her flowers in the morning and asked the cook to prepare her favorite foods. They walked the gardens holding hands or went down the shore to walk barefoot in the sands. They wrote joint letters to their families and loved ones and read together when they received a response. They did try to make love and ended in failure and made up for it with slow kisses and laughter. And Sansa knew, even after more than half a century of their lives together, she still held his heart in her hands. So she told him, if she had to do it all over again, she would, but only with the same man.