but she could feel Littlefinger staring. Something about the way the small man looked at her made Sansa feel as though she had no clothes on. Goose bumps pimpled her skin.
Petyr cut a pomegranate in two with his dagger, offering half to Sansa âYou should try and eat, my lady.ââThank you, my lord.â Pomegranate seeds were so messy; Sansa chose a pear instead, and took a small delicate bite. It was very ripe. The juice ran down her chin.
Her aunt had brought only three ladies with her, so they pressed Sansa to help them undress Lord Petyr and march him up to his marriage bed. He submitted with good grace and a wicked tongue, giving as good as he got. By the time they had gotten him into the tower and out of his clothes, the other women were flushed, with laces unlaced, kirtles crooked, and skirts in disarray. But Littlefinger only smiled at SansaÂ
Lady Lysa and Lord Petyr had the third-story bedchamber to themselves, but the tower was small ⌠and true to her word, her aunt screamed. It had begun to rain outside, driving the feasters into the hall one floor below, so they heard most every word.
âPetyr,â her aunt moaned. âOh, Petyr, Petyr, sweet Petyr, oh oh oh. There, Petyr, there. Thatâs where you belong.â
âI wish you could see yourself, my lady. You are so beautiful. Youâre crusted over with snow like some little bear cub, but your face is flushed and you can scarcely breathe. How long have you been out here? You must be very cold. Let me warm you, Sansa. Take off those gloves, give me your hands.â
âYes. I swear, I wonât ever kiss him again, or ⌠or entice him.â Sansa thought that was what her aunt wanted to hear.
âMay I come into your castle, my lady?âSansa was wary. "Donât break it. Be âŚ" âGentle?â He smiled.
âI told you that nothing could please me more than to help you with your castle. I fear that was a lie as well. Something else would please me more.â He stepped closer. âThis.â Sansa tried to step back, but he pulled her into his arms and suddenly he was kissing her. Feebly, she tried to squirm, but only succeeded in pressing herself more tightly against him. His mouth was on hers, swallowing her words. He tasted of mint. For half a heartbeat she yielded to his kiss.
I did not expect you back so soon,â she said. "I am glad youâve come.ââI would never have known it from the kiss you gave me.â He pulled her closer, caught her face between his hands, and kissed her on the lips for a long time. âNow thatâs the sort of kiss that says welcome home. See that you do better next time.ââYes, Father.â She could feel herself blushing.
when her father had been brokering the marriage between Lord Corbray and his merchantâs daughter, heâd told her that young girls were always happiest with older men. "Innocence and experience make for a perfect marriage,â he had said.
Petyr Baelish took her by the hand and drew her down onto his lap. âI have made a marriage contract for you.â
Who could be a better husband than our own bold Lord Protector? Though I do wish he had a better name than Littlefinger. How little is it, do you know?â"His finger?â She blushed again. âI donât ⌠I never. .â
âMAY I COME INTO YOUR CASTLE, MY LADY?"Â
Sansa, Petyr and sexual overtones