authorsnote: ngl this fic is making me melt, damn I am loving it, hope you are too!

this chapter uggggggh, gurl you'll get what I mean at the end. pls let me know what you think, if you liked it! I love feedback. also still need suggestions for ships with jon!

songrecs: two weeks - fka twigs

Most royal parties would arrive at Kings Landing with a procession. She remembered when she had first arrived at the Capitol, sat in a carriage with Arya, her father on horseback in front of them, rows of soldiers proudly displaying the direwolf banner. The King and his men had ridden in front of them, with the stag banner held high. It had all felt very regal and she felt very self-important as she waved to the common people and grinned at people who shouted the Stark name. Arya had pulled faces and craned her neck to see the famous Street of Steel, uncaring about simpering common folk and royal parades. But to Sansa it had felt like a dream come true.

The procession this time as the walls of the Capitol loomed was a little different to the last.

The Targaryen banner was proudly displayed as the small company of Unsullied and soldiers marched through the walls, but there was hardly enough for a march. There was only one carriage and no noble men or women on horseback. The King did not sit atop a horse at the front as King Robert had, and yet even though the party that made its way through the gates was less than impressive, the spectacle in the air more than made up for it.

Viserion was at the front of the pack, with Drogon just off to his left and then Rhaegal further back but still close. They made a loosely formed arrow shape and the people of Kings Landing gasped and watched in awe as they flew over the city.

Aegon sat atop Viserion, windswept, in black and red Targaryen leathers, looking like a true King, the picture of a strong Targaryen leader. Compared to Robert? Compared to Joffrey and Tommen? There was no contest. The small folk and even the minor Lords and Ladies in attendance were enraptured by him, watched in awe as he flew at the front, resplendent, beautiful.

Daenerys sat on Drogon, the larger dragon, and she wore Targaryen black, no red, with her dragon necklace at her throat. Drogon roared as they flew ahead, Aegon may be the leader of the humans of Westeros but Drogon would always lead the dragons. Daenerys looked most at ease on her dragon, so sure she'd never fall, for she had bonded with Drogon as a rider long before the others had with theirs.

Jon looked good to, if a little more uncomfortable. He wore plain clothes as he often did and was less showy, always so serious and refusing to embrace anything flashy or full of pageantry. The small folk liked him though, for he was a King himself, and his stoic attitude and brooding expression certainly won over the ladies. She almost laughed as she heard the names being shouted, Aegon was just ahead in the screams of adoration, though Jon was a close second.

She had been offered a spot behind Jon on his dragon and even Aegon had offered her a place, the only time they'd properly spoken since he had asked her to come to his coronation but she had refused both. She hadn't told anyone, but she hated heights, always had, and though flying a dragon was an adventure for most, for her it made her want to vomit. And so, she took her place in the carriage, surrounded by Unsullied and other guards.

She didn't wave out the window this time or engage with the small folk. She honestly hadn't even looked out of the sliding window, she didn't want to see Kings Landing, not yet. She had been trembling slightly ever since they had passed the walls and had been working hard not to turn around and demand Blackrain hurry her back to Winterfell. At least the company in the carriage didn't make her nervous, for it was odd company to keep.

Varys and Tyrion sat opposite her, commenting on the state of the Capitol, discussing the newly renovated dragon pit where the Targaryen's and Jon (always a Stark in her eyes) would no doubt land. They seemed to talk a lot through their eyes, communicating without saying words. She recognised that, recognised that before her sat two of the most important players of the game of thrones. She knew she was sat with two of the most powerful men in the country, she also knew if Littlefinger hadn't been a traitor he likely would have sat with them.

Powerful men … once it had been Tywin Lannister, Jon Arryn, noble Lords of fierce houses, now sat a dwarf and a eunuch and they were perhaps the 3rd and 4th most powerful men in the country. How times did change.

"How are you Lady Sansa?" Tyrion spoke then and she offered him a smile, for he had always been kind of her and she knew he understood how hard this was for her, why she had to force herself to stop shaking, now she was back in the wretched place she had once hoped never to see again.

"Fine" She replied though, Littlefinger had taught her many things in his tutelage and one had been never to betray weakness. She knew not to take all of his lessons to heart, and she'd never be as politically involved as he had been, would never thirst for power in the way he had, but she had picked up things from him, things she would use to keep herself and her family safe if she needed to. With the courtesies she had developed in Kings Landing ever present she betrayed little, even her shaking stopped as Tyrion looked at her in worry.

'I am a Stark; I can be brave'

"Fine, my Lord" She repeated and nodded, both looked at her then, not in pity as she had expected but if anything they were a little curious, it made sense, she wasn't the girl she had once been. Sure, there was some of the old Sansa left but Littlefinger had changed her, even if she hadn't wished him to do so.

"How are things here now?" She asked then, wanting to move the topic along, to stop them looking at her in such a way, to stop them dissecting what Littlefinger had made her … even she didn't know that. "The smallfolk seem happy at least"

"Indeed" Varys said, and smiled at her in a funny sort of way, as though he could see what she was doing, could understand her, and though Sansa wasn't fearful of the eunuch she did shiver a little, he had a way about him, a gentleness that masked the true power he held. She could see it now and she could tell he knew she could see it, and if anything, that made him smile at her more. "With new trade from Essos and peace in the kingdoms, our King has ensured the people are well fed again"

"The smallfolk care for little else" Tyrion said ruefully, "As long as they are fed, they'll support whoever gave them the food"

"A full belly eases many qualms" Sansa said, and again the two men glanced at her as though to analyse her, "Just something my old Maester used to say" They nodded then, and Sansa dropped her gaze. This was an odd situation, an unsettling one, she knew the men were scrutinising her, wishing to know what she had learned in Littlefingers tutelage, it made her uncomfortable, and for what felt like the 100th time that day she was regretting agreeing to come to the Capitol.

And why had she come? Because Aegon Targaryen with his unfaltering honesty, charming smile and brave gaze had asked her. Because he had riled her up and then calmed her just enough to get her to agree to it. Because he had suggested she was strong enough … few men told her she was strong, she couldn't help but feel proud when one did. She was sure he had done so intentionally, to get her to come, though she wasn't sure why he had wanted her to come, he had clearly tried hard enough.

'Men only want one thing from a pretty girl'

She shook Shae's voice from her head, why had Aegon asked her to come? She could see him desiring her, she wasn't unaware of her beauty but there had to be more to it than that. He couldn't hope to marry her, not only would she refuse to ever live in the Capitol, but she wasn't a politically good match, not even under his rule! He'd likely marry Margaery or perhaps Arianna of Dorne or even some minor Lady to placate the Stormlands. So why did he want her here? It was one thing she couldn't figure out and it was bothering her.

She was usually good at figuring people's intentions out, especially now. She read people well, and yet she couldn't get a hold on the new King. It unsettled her more than the eunuch's inquisitive gaze or Tyrion's curious expression.

"We're almost here" Tyrion said as the carriage slowed, and Sansa felt her heartrate thud. The streets of Kings Landing she had avoided at had been bad enough, this would be worse. The Red Keep would be worse. "Are you alright Lady Sansa?" Tyrion asked again, for he knew what she had experienced here, knew what horrors she had faced, knew how hard this must be for her.

"Yes, my Lord" Was all she replied, it would be hard and she was sure tonight she would sob into her pillow, would scream at herself for being caught be Aegon Targaryen's pretty words and lovely smile, she would berate herself for coming to the place that had been her prison for years. But for now? For now, she would be strong, she would show strength, she would not cower.

'Wolves are supposed to be brave, aren't they?'

Damn right they were, she could be, no she would be brave. She held onto that resolve as the doors of the carriage opened, and the Red Keep loomed overhead. She held onto it as she stepped out, as the people of Kings Landing screamed the Stark, Targaryen, and Lannister names. She held onto it as she saw the steps to the prison that had once trapped her. She only faltered, but not in fear, rather shock and then disbelief and then a twinge of pleasure she tried to suppress, she only faltered when she saw him, still windswept from his dragon, arm held out for her, wicked smile on his face, ready to escort her, as he had promised. It was then she faltered, and her determined gaze melted into something of a smile and she ascended the steps easier than she had hoped.

'King Aegon! Lady Sansa!' They called, but even though she hadn't spoken to him in days, even though she was mad at him for bringing her here, even though she was mad at herself for falling it … she felt the screams of the smallfolk fade away, she missed the significant look Varys and Lord Tyrion exchanged and she just focused on him as he smiled and leaned forward to whisper in her ear.

"I told you, you could do it" He whispered, and she smiled again, which mirrored his. In that moment she forgot the horror of this place, and as the doors opened and she stepped inside she didn't tremble, shake, or falter, she walked in at his side, strong, head held high, a picture at his side.

'King Aegon! Lady Sansa!' They screamed, as the doors shut behind them and she walked with the King.

"It's inevitable" At that she rolled her eyes, and shot her most trusted advisor a glare, he raised his hands in defeat but her other most trusted advisor gave her a look that spoke to his belief and she realised she was outnumbered.

"Why do you say so?" She asked. The Capitol was not quite how she had imagined it, the smell for one had already convinced her a large public works project was sorely needed, and the state of some of the districts was abysmal but she had seen worse in Slavers Bay, everything could be fixed. The Red Keep was comfortable at least, and there was a deep pleasure thrumming within her that she was back in the home her ancestors had built, the seat of their power, even if she didn't sit on the Throne she still felt bursting with pride, and it felt good, so good. She knew Aegon felt it too.

Currently she sat with Tyrion and Varys in the rose gardens as the evening breeze danced over them. It was comfortable, though roses weren't really her thing, perhaps she'd rip them up and replace them, this was her home now, with her family, with her friends and advisors. Her home, again the pride burned in her chest and she knew as she leaned back in her chair, she was the picture of satisfaction with a hint of smugness.

"You didn't see the way they looked at each other" Tyrion said with a shake of his head as he reached for some wine, he drank less now but still plenty, she only didn't berate him as it never seemed to dull that sharp mind that had helped them win the kingdoms, "You didn't see the way she smiled at him, the look he gets when he sees her"

"I did see that, in the Eyrie" She admitted as she reached to pour herself a glass of wine, Varys took one as well, and they sat around, drinking, debating the issue at hand. "And again, in the tent"

That their King, her nephew, Aegon Targaryen was already hung up on the Stark girl.

It wasn't that Dany had a problem with Sansa, sure she didn't totally trust her, she couldn't, not after the girl had been taught under Littlefinger but she seemed harmless enough, sweet and kind. On their trip down she had never complained, had greeted all servants by name and Blackrain was already following her around like a puppy loyal to his new mistress. She seemed like a nice girl, but nice or not she was a Stark, and Aegon could not marry a Stark.

Again, she had nothing against the Stark's, Jon was half one for Christ sake and she loved him as much as she did Aegon, but a marriage to Sansa Stark would not work.

She was northern and had voiced her intent to return North when Jon did, she was of a different kingdom all together now and would do nothing to solidify or cement Aegon's rule. She was not a useful ally when Aegon was already tied to the North through his brotherhood with Jon. Aegon needed to marry someone useful to his throne, someone like the thrice wedded, never bedded Margaery Tyrell or the vixen of Dorne Arianna or perhaps some silly southern girl from a minor house. He needed to marry someone of the South that was useful to his reign, not a girl of the North who as pretty and kind as she was did not help him to secure the Throne.

"It hasn't even been three weeks" Varys voiced then, his voice always one of wisdom too, "If he's already seeing himself with her, time will not diminish that, and she is here for his coronation, another two weeks at least, his affection will only grow deeper, as will hers"

"Well we can't ask her to leave" Dany said in slight annoyance, "But he can't marry her, we need to nip it in the bud" She said decisively and her advisors both nodded in agreement. They needed to stop this now, pull it out root and stem before it grew. It was early enough neither one of them would be too upset but it needed to be done soon, they weren't even together yet, breaking them up would be easier now.

"We'll discuss it with him tomorrow, before he announces his small council" She continued on, "Or now even get it out of the way, where is he now?" She asked and she knew as soon as Tyrion and Varys shared another look.

She let out a small sigh then before picking up her wine again, this would not be easy.

"So, how are you finding it?"

Sansa smiled at the question but took a moment to think on it before answering. When she had been in Kings Landing before she would have faked a smile, rattled off some courtesies and hidden her true feelings but now? Now as Aegon asked her, she wanted to give the truth.

He seemed to value the truth, and was an honest person himself, which was refreshing for her, and she found she liked that quality. The northerners valued honesty and candour, and she found especially after her experiences she did too, though it was somewhat difficult to follow such a doctrine now, after what she had been taught.

So many people in her life had been liars; Littlefinger, Cersei, Margaery, they had all spun webs of lies to get what they wanted. Littlefingers had been complex, Cersei's greedy, Margaery's the prettiest but still lies none the less. She had been taught to lie by Littlefinger, to conceal her true feelings so they weren't used as a weakness, to cover up her distaste or anger, and yet it wasn't natural to her, she was a Stark, honest and true, and finding someone else who not only shared that quality but also enjoyed It in others was nice.

'We're all liars here' She had once repeated those words back to Littlefinger when he had spoken of the Capitol, but it wasn't true anymore. And so, as Aegon smiled down at her (and she tried not to get distracted by what a nice smile it was), she thought on his question, how was she finding it?

Certainly, easier than she had anticipated. Bar the anxiety upon entering the gate, the shakes before Aegon had met her at the stairs and a brief moment of panic as they passed the throne room … she was finding it okay. Part of her was not at ease, remembering her time as a prisoner, remembering the time she had been a scared little girl with no family, no friends nor allies, stuck alone amongst Lannister's. It was hard not to associate the place with such bad times and experiences, and yet she was finding it easier than she thought, for a few reasons.

First it was already starting to look different. The plethora of Lannister banners and the few Baratheon had been torn down, Targaryen banners dominated the halls and rooms now, the three headed dragons hanging proudly everywhere they went. She had only caught a glimpse in the throne room, but she could already see the skull of the great Balerion the Black Dread stood proud next to the Iron Throne. She wondered what other changes they planned to make, and she planned to ask Aegon about those, she wondered if she could offer suggestions but no … she would return North soon.

North, god how she missed home, and yet the ache to return to Winterfell was still very strong but not as desperate as it had been when she had been in the Vale. Perhaps it was because she was safe now? With Jon? She wasn't sure, but though she knew she still wanted to go home, the part of her that had been seeking to do so with urgency was diminishing, so much so she was growing happier she had come to the Capitol, what a change! In the carriage ride through the streets she had cursed Aegon and her own stupidity for coming here, but now as she walked with him through the paths hugging the sea she found she was happy to be here.

She supposed that answered the question he asked of her, but first she thought back to why she was finding it easier, and why she was happier to be here. The fact it looked different helped, she certainly didn't miss the Lannister motifs everywhere, but there was of course a second reason, much stronger than the first.

Aegon.

How she had crumbled to his charm, that handsome smile, his quick wit, unconcealed and unapologetic arrogance, and that honest tongue she didn't know but she had. Whilst walking through the Red Keep, he had kept her distracted with tales of public works projects he had planned, the formation of his small council and had asked her about Winterfell, claiming he hoped to know more of his brothers kingdom … not that she believed him, but the fact he had made such an effort to distract her had been kind of him, she had said as much and he had simply grinned at her before insisting she go for an evening walk with him.

And so here she was, arm tucked through his as they walked near the sea, it was evening now, a cool breeze was gentle over her skin, and she found herself far more at ease than she had ever been in Kings Landing, Aegon's presence by her side was the credit for that, and so she answered his question with a happy smile.

"Much better than I thought" She said honestly, and she was rewarded with a dashing grin on his lips, which in turn sweetened her smile, "The changes you've made have made a noticeable difference"

"Is that all?" He fired back at her with that wicked grin, bringing a pretty blush to her cheeks she wished she could hide. Petyr had called that her biggest weakness. She had learned to hide behind courtesies, harden her expression to reveal nothing and her posture to mask her true emotions but the fire in her cheeks that could match her hair? She had never been able to control that. And as she didn't use her courtesies, nor mask her emotions here in Aegon's presence, she found she didn't mind that her blush was as clear as day to him, as she ducked her head.

"I suppose there are other changes I like" She said shyly, though she grinned as she said it, "I mean … one could argue the new King has a way of putting frightened ladies at ease" At that he laughed and she followed with a giggle of her own, she liked his laugh, it was full of mirth, a hint of pride but also a delightful amount of mischief and she found it triggered a laugh in her.

"Does he now?" Aegon said, playing along which made Sansa laugh again, "I must meet this King that apparently has such a way with women then" He grinned again and Sansa's laughter continued, she found herself even moving a little closer to him, arm tucked through his already but now her side pressed to him as well, he didn't seem to mind, and she smiled at him before firing back at him.

"I'm sure he could give you some tips" His outraged expression at her comment then filled with humour and that only had her laughing harder, and he followed her in his chuckling. Sensing that their laughter would continue he led them to a bench overlooking the sea, and Sansa happily took a seat next to him, and though they unlocked arms, they did not move apart.

"I am enjoying myself" Sansa said in seriousness then, though a humour filled smile continued to play at her lips. She didn't know why she felt the need to tell Aegon more of her feelings but she found the words spilling out, "Truly your Grace, you have made my introduction back here much better than I had thought or could have hoped"

"None of this 'your Grace' please Sansa" He said with a shake of his head and her cheeks coloured as she realised she had slipped into some of her old formalities, "But I am glad to hear that, truly. I hope you'll enjoy the coronation and your time here" He paused then, a tight knot forming between his eyebrows as he thought on something, a frown coming to his lips. Sansa felt herself worrying; had she done something to upset him? Panic almost filled her stomach, for whenever she had displeased Petyr, he had always made it known, and yet his next words extinguished the panic completely, though a little gasp did leave her lips.

"I wish you did not have to go"

"I..." She stumbled then, for what could she say? The North called to her, and yet for a moment she had to assess her feelings. Was her desire to go North not as strong as it had been because she was now free of Baelish and the Vale? Or was it because of the man sat opposite her who had saved her, offended her, and then charmed her in such a short time? She didn't know, it was awfully confusing, but it gave her pause, and clouded her resolute determination to return to Winterfell.

"I know you can't stay though" He said then, and he seemed to put a tight smile on his features, Sansa hated that, hated the apparent upset in his expression and the next words left her lips with almost no thought behind them, only a desire to ease his worry, and born from the fact that the call North had lessened in his presence.

"Can't I?" She found herself whispering, her hand moving to cover his on the bench. His eyebrows shot up at that and all mischief was gone from his expression, he looked shocked, something she had not seen on him before. And yet, it only lasted a second before a small smile came to his lips, no arrogance in it, no playfulness, it was sincere, and she found she liked that most of all.

They were sat close together, almost too close to be proper, and he turned his hand to hold hers and she shivered a little as his fingers stroked over her knuckles. She should move back, turn away, shake her head, and run, but if anything, she found herself leaning in closer, and closer, and he was doing the same, closer, closer. Her eyes slid shut, and she found herself resolutely ignoring the part of her brain screaming to be sensible, to go back to Winterfell, to not get caught up by a handsome King with a charming smile. She ignored it, and as his hand moved to cup her cheek, she did not recoil, if anything she only leaned into his touch.

If someone had told him two weeks ago his evening walk with Lady Sansa, a woman he was rapidly finding himself fancying more than was just a passing attraction, would end in the two sat together on a bench, leaning in for a kiss, he would have not believed them, he would have scoffed and thought them mad, but now here they were.

She had teased him, blushed until her cheeks were the colour of her hair, grinned in such a sweet way and then dropped the bombshell that her feelings on hurrying for the northern border and not staying in Kings Landing any second more than necessary were changing by the minute. He had found himself smiling at her, laughing with her, sad she might leave and now he was leaning in to kiss her.

He knew it wasn't proper, knew it wasn't right and yet Aegon had always been, and would likely always be a man who went after what he wanted. And right now? Right now he wanted Sansa, wanted to kiss her, to make her gasp as she had before, wanted to make her feel safe and protected, but also wanted to stoke a passion in her belly he knew was there. He wanted to kiss her, to feel her lips on him, and though he knew it wasn't proper (and knew Jon would punch him if he saw them now), he could not stop what he wanted, and wouldn't stop either.

"Lady Sansa" He found himself pausing, just as he felt the ghost of her lips at his, and he shocked himself with his next words, "Are you sure?" His voice was barely a whisper, he had no idea why he was pausing to ask her consent; she clearly wanted the kiss as he did, as she leaned into him and curled her fingers with his and closed her eyes in anticipation of a kiss. So why was he stopping to ask? Perhaps because he felt so protective of her already, perhaps because he wanted to know she wanted this, he wasn't sure, but it was certainly new for him, and as she nodded he felt more at ease, ready for the kiss now he knew she wanted it to.

He leaned forward, his hand cupping her cheek, his lips just ghosting over hers, he could feel the heat of her cheeks beneath his fingers, almost hear the thud of her heartbeat, smell the sweet scent of her hair, almost taste the pout of her lip. His fingers brushed over her hair, and she let out a small mewling sound, at that he dipped forward, and pressed his lips to hers.

But only for one second, one little second that wasn't nearly enough, that wasn't the epic kiss he wanted Sansa to experience as her first with him (he tried to ignore his thoughts telling him it would be the first of many if he had his way). One small second, as he heard a loud cough behind him, a loud cough he recognised. He would have been glad to ignore it, but Sansa immediately jumped out of the embrace and let out a little horrified shriek. Aegon let out a groan himself and dropped his head forward. He saw Sansa jump to her feet, and he quickly followed her to stand in front of her, almost hiding her from view.

From the view of his aunt, arms crossed, shaking her head at him, flanked by Tyrion who looked a resigned and Varys who looked smug. He hid Lady Sansa from view and as he turned to her, she looked horrified, embarrassed and wouldn't even lift her gaze to meet his, and he knew their night was over.

"Lady Sansa" He said, falling into the more formal stance now, which he found ridiculous, a minute ago she had bene melting in his arms, now she could barely look at him! Curse his aunt and his advisors, couldn't whatever they wanted have waited? He felt they had thoroughly ruined the moment. "Why don't you head back to your rooms for the night? And tomorrow we can break our fast together?" A hurried nod from her and she turned and walked with an alarming speed back into the Keep, he could tell she was resisting breaking into a run and he almost smiled at that, of course she was too ladylike to make a dash for it. Almost smiled though, and his expression soured further before turning around to his aunt again.

"What do you want?" His tone was clipped, and Dany held up her hand in response and shook her head at him, judgement stamped across her expression, well this was not going to be pleasant and he already had an inkling that what they had interrupted was the reason they had come.

"We need to talk"

Wonderful, this would not be fun.

they kissssssed (o-k sort of). thoughts?

god I loved writing this chapter, the angst is fo real.

next chapter I might do a new pov (and if not next chapter the one after fo sure). I'm hype to have sansa back in KL, and to see the dynamic there, some of our old favs will be in the capitol now as well, so that should put some drama in too!

pls lemme know what you thought, love/hate? lemme know!

pls follow/fav and all that jazz - always appreciated.

speak soon