"You shouldn't have done that"
The announcement went over as well as Sansa had expected it to, and given how she feels her sworn sword tense behind her, she thinks maybe she ought to have given him more of a warning.
He’s become more than that to her, and judging by the reaction of the room it would have done to at least let him know that her mind had been made up. She had wanted to announce it differently, perhaps under better circumstances, but with the Lords who had begun to bicker and bring up potential marriages and between their Queen and respective sons to strengthen the North, Sansa had found her teeth clenching in a way that hurt.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Jon’s voice rings out once the Lords have cleared the great hall, and Sansa supposes she could be grateful that he’s waited to voice his opinion until they’re alone.
Almost alone.
Jaime is never far from her side, and while she knows her brother is her least likely threat – he has a claim and a Queen of his own to reckon with after all – she can’t bring herself to dismiss him.
“Would you rather have me agree to the matchmaking games all in an attempt for a family to claim Winterfell through their heir?” Her voice is soft yet firm, lacking any real bite. It’s a question posed, and Sansa can tell she’s hit her mark. She’s been married twice by the decisions of others in an attempt to control the North, and she won’t allow herself to be sold off again.
If she’s to be married, and she is, it will be a marriage of her choice.
Jon’s expression softens. “Aye,” he seems to agree –perhaps not with her choice, she knows there’s too much history for him not to have his reservations. But Sansa has thought this through – the North will continue to have a Stark in Winterfell. It’s not conventional, but nothing about this is. Bran has made it clear he won’t be Lord of Winterfell, and Jon’s…
Sansa hasn’t quite digested the news herself. What the impact of this is outside of their family is one Jon will have to determine on his own. As far as she’s concerned, however, he is still – and always will be – her brother.
“But the North remembers,” Jon continues.
The saying has always brought her a sense of peace, and this time Sansa does smile. “The North will remember. The North will remember how Jaime Lannister rode North from King’s Landing alone when the truce was called. The North will remember how he fought alongside them when it mattered, and how he put the protection of their Queen before all.” The list could continue, but the Queen in the North trails off, determined to not give her sworn sword, and lover, any more reason for his head to swell given their present company.
“I’m counting on it.”
