Chapter 24.

Cantor Sand looked at Sansa Stark gently.

"I guess we both know what I really want. You. But… I've seen how much you love your husband. That kind of love is a rare thing", he said thoughtfully.

Sansa stared at him. The silence was heavy between them.

The pirate looked at Sansa intently when he spoke again.

"You've seen cruel things. You're familiar with death and defeat. You've experienced lords and princes lying and cheating… So I guess it's time to show you something else. Mercy and compassion from an outlaw. I have made subtle inquiries - and I found a sanctuary for the upcoming winter for you, your husband and your son", he explained.

"You don't have to give me anything in return. Littlefinger already paid me… in more ways than one. He also told me about your sister Arya - the word has it that she is in Braavos now. The next time I'm up there I'll look for her for you", he added lightly.

Sansa couldn't believe her ears.

The pirate went on.

"About the sanctuary - Lord Remus Norton lives in a small castle near Karlhold. He is my client and he is… was … also one of your father's bannermen. Not a significant one, but loyal. He was sick with fever when your brother rode to south to war - so luckily he didn't join him. And now he lives in his well-equipped castle near the coast - forgotten and undisturbed. That castle is the best place for you for now I think. I sent a raven there four days ago and he replied quickly. He is expecting you. If the winds are favorable we will be there within two weeks", captain Sand explained.

"I… I don't know what to say. Thank you. You … you really are the Knight of the Seas", Sansa stammered with tears in her eyes.

Captain Sand raised his hand dismissively.

"No tears, please", he noted with a hint of a smile.

"And please don't spread the word about this… my daunting reputation at seas would be gone forever. It would be bad for my business", he joked.

"This matter stays strictly between us", Sansa promised with a serious face.

Then she did something unexpected. She took a step closer and looked at the pirate in the eyes.

"And so does this, I hope. You told me once that you wanted a lady to kiss you by her own free will. So this is it. Just one kiss - no more, no less", Sansa said in a whisper and kissed him.

At first Cantor Sand was too surprised to respond to the gesture, but soon he was up to the task. The kiss deepened and became passionate. His hands caressed her sides and Sansa's breathing accelerated. They both felt it - the desire.

Finally Sansa broke the kiss and took a step back, stunned by the attraction between them.

Captain Sand looked at her longingly, reached out his hand and stroked her cheek lightly.

"That was quite a kiss, Sansa Stark. Perhaps… in a next life?" he mumbled hoarsely.

"Perhaps", she agreed softly.

xxx

Two weeks later Tyrion, Sansa and Bronn watched the black sails of the Northern Star disappearing in the horizon. They were standing on the large stony pier.

Sansa was holding her baby gently and to tell you the truth she felt a hint of sadness when she watched captain Sand to sail away.

Lord Remus Norton stood nearby with his trusted guards. He took a step closer and looked at them with respect.

"Come on… My lord Tyrion and my lady Sansa. We should hurry now - I would like to be back in the castle before it gets dark", he said.

"Ok, you heard that, folks. Let's go. I can't wait to get there. A decent meal and a bed that does not swing - today's best offer", Bronn replied merrily and walked to ser Remus and his men.

Tyrion nodded and smiled.

"In a couple of shakes", he exclaimed.

Then he turned to look at Sansa searchingly.

"I'm happy to be safe and free - and I can't believe Littlefinger is really dead. But I still don't get it, My lady. In three weeks you managed to tame that dreadful pirate - how?" he asked silently.

Sansa smiled in response.

"It's hard to say, My lord. He is a complicated man. I guess… a word honour meant a lot to him after all", she said thoughtfully.

Tyrion shook his head.

"Who would have thought?" he noted.

"This world is a strange place. I've learned that… princes and lords can be liars and traitors… and a goodness of the heart can be found in most unexpected places", Sansa said with a smile.

"Well said, My lady", Tyrion agreed and took her hand.

Together they walked to the shore.

xxxx

THE END

xxx

AN:

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SandyBell