The morning after the tourney, the Red Keep woke up slowly.
Ethan's body ached everywhere. His left shoulder was badly bruised, his ribs sore, and there was a shallow cut above his eyebrow. The maester had wrapped his shoulder tightly, but every movement reminded him of the three Lannister knights who had tried to take him down.
He sat on the edge of his bed, testing his arm. The pain was manageable.
Current Status: Strength: 28 Agility: 27 Endurance: 26 Vitality: 24 (+1) Charisma: 28 (+2 from Silver Wolf Ring) Dragon Affinity: 9 Level: 12 (920/2200 EXP)
The Vitality point had come naturally from pushing his body to the limit yesterday.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Sansa slipped inside before he could answer, carrying a small basket of bread, cheese, and a flask of watered wine.
"I brought you breakfast," she said softly, closing the door behind her. Her eyes widened when she saw the bruises on his torso. "Gods… you're hurt more than you let on yesterday."
She set the basket down and gently touched his bruised shoulder, her fingers trembling.
Ethan caught her hand and kissed her palm. "It looks worse than it feels. I'll heal."
Sansa's eyes filled with emotion. She leaned in and kissed him carefully, as if afraid she might hurt him. The kiss quickly deepened. There was a new urgency in the way she touched him — like the tourney had stripped away the last of her hesitation.
"I was so proud of you yesterday," she whispered against his lips. "Everyone was watching you. And you fought for me."
She climbed onto his lap, careful of his injuries, and kissed him harder. Her hands roamed over his bare chest, tracing every bruise and muscle. Ethan groaned softly as she pressed herself against him.
"Sansa…" he murmured.
"I'm ready," she breathed, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. Her cheeks were flushed, but her gaze was steady. "I don't want to wait anymore. I want you. All of you."
Ethan searched her face. "Are you sure?"
She nodded, biting her lip. "Yes. Here. Now. With you."
Their First Time
Sansa stood up and slowly let her dress slip from her shoulders. It pooled at her feet, leaving her completely naked in the morning light. She was breathtaking — pale skin, soft curves, and nervous beauty.
Ethan pulled her back to him gently. They kissed as he laid her down on the bed. He took his time, kissing every inch of her — her neck, her breasts, her stomach — until she was trembling and breathing heavily.
When he finally entered her, Sansa gasped, gripping his shoulders tightly. There was a moment of pain, but she held him close.
"Keep going," she whispered. "Don't stop."
Their lovemaking was slow and tender at first, then grew more passionate as Sansa became comfortable. She moaned his name softly, her nails digging into his back as pleasure overtook her. Ethan was careful with his injured shoulder, moving with her rhythm, kissing her deeply the entire time.
When she reached her peak, Sansa buried her face in his neck, her body shaking with release. Ethan followed moments later, holding her tightly.
They lay together afterward, tangled in the sheets, breathing slowly. Sansa traced the silver streak in his hair with her finger.
"I love you, Ethan," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. "Truly. Not like in the songs… but real."
"I love you too, Sansa."
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 100/100 (True Love + Complete Devotion)] [Harem Member: Sansa Stark – Fully Bonded] [New Bond Skill Unlocked: "Winter Rose" – +15% recovery speed when resting together + Emotional comfort]
Midday – Tower of the Hand
News of Ethan's performance had spread. When he joined the Starks for lunch, the atmosphere was mixed.
Ned looked at him with quiet approval. "You fought honorably. The king himself mentioned you this morning."
Robb clapped him on the back (gently). "You made the North proud."
Arya grinned. "You knocked that big knight on his arse. It was brilliant."
Catelyn, however, watched him and Sansa carefully. She had noticed how close they had become. Her expression was complicated — gratitude mixed with concern.
After the meal, Ned pulled Ethan aside.
"You're gaining attention," Ned said quietly. "Both good and bad. Joffrey has been complaining about you to his mother. Be cautious. This city rewards neither honor nor bravery."
"I understand, my lord."
Afternoon – Royal Gardens
Margaery Tyrell found him again while he was walking to clear his head.
"You were magnificent yesterday," she said, linking her arm with his as they strolled. "The way you fought against those three knights… it was quite heroic."
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping. "Many ladies are talking about you now. The mysterious, brave northern bastard."
Margaery stopped and turned to face him, her beautiful brown eyes sparkling.
"I meant what I said before," she murmured. "I would very much enjoy spending time with you. Privately."
She brushed her fingers lightly against his hand.
[Margaery Tyrell Favorability: 55/100 (Strong Romantic Interest)]
Before Ethan could respond, she smiled and walked away, leaving the scent of roses behind her.
Evening – Unexpected Visitor
As night fell, Ethan was returning to his room when two gold cloaks stopped him.
"Her Grace requests your presence."
Cersei received him in her private chambers this time. She was wearing a deep crimson gown that left little to the imagination. Wine and two goblets waited on the table.
"Sit," she commanded.
Ethan sat carefully. Cersei poured wine for both of them and handed him a goblet.
"You performed well yesterday," she said, sipping slowly. "Better than I expected. My son, however, is furious with you." She smiled coldly. "He wants you punished."
She stepped closer, studying his face.
"But I find you… intriguing." She reached out and traced the silver streak in his hair again. "There is something about you. Something that doesn't belong in the North." Her voice became a whisper. "Tell me, Ethan Snow… who are you really?"
Ethan felt the danger in her words. "Just a bastard trying to survive, Your Grace."
Cersei laughed softly. "We both know that's not true."
She leaned in until her lips were inches from his ear.
"Be careful whose side you choose. The game is only beginning."
[Favorability with Cersei Lannister: 31/100 (Attraction + High Suspicion)]
She dismissed him with a wave, but her eyes followed him until he left the room.
Late Night
Ethan returned to his room exhausted but satisfied. Sansa was already waiting for him, curled up in his bed.
She smiled sleepily when he entered.
"Come here," she whispered.
He joined her, and they made love again — slower this time, more intimate. Sansa was more confident, whispering his name as they moved together.
Afterward, as she slept peacefully in his arms, Ethan stared at the ceiling.
His life in King's Landing was accelerating faster than he had planned. He had Sansa's heart completely. Margaery was interested. Cersei was watching him closely.
And somewhere in this castle, dangerous wheels were turning.
He gently kissed Sansa's forehead and closed his eyes.
The Game of Thrones had truly begun.
And he was no longer just watching from the sidelines.