The morning after his night with Sansa, Ethan woke to the feeling of warm skin against his.
Sansa was still curled up beside him, her auburn hair spread across his chest, breathing softly. For a few precious minutes, he simply watched her sleep. In this dangerous city, these quiet moments felt like stolen treasure.
She stirred, blinking sleepily, then smiled when she saw him watching her.
"Good morning," she whispered, voice husky. She leaned up and kissed him softly, then deeper. Her hand traced down his chest, gently avoiding his bruised shoulder.
"We should be careful," Ethan murmured against her lips. "The maids will come soon."
Sansa sighed but nodded. She dressed quickly, stealing one last kiss before slipping out of his room with a shy, loving smile.
[Daily Bond Bonus with Sansa Stark activated] [+10% recovery speed for the day]
Morning – Training Yard
The yard was quieter than usual. Many knights were recovering from the tourney. Ethan trained lightly, focusing on mobility rather than power. His shoulder still hurt, but the pain was fading faster than expected thanks to his improved Vitality.
Robb found him midway through.
"Father wants to see you," Robb said, looking serious. "He's in his solar."
When Ethan arrived, Ned Stark was alone, staring at a letter with a deep frown.
"Close the door," Ned said. Once it was shut, he looked up. "You're gaining too much attention, Ethan. The king praises you. The Tyrell girl smiles at you. And Prince Joffrey… he has been demanding your head for what happened during the tourney."
Ned rubbed his temples. "I cannot protect you if you keep drawing the wrong eyes. I need you to be smart. Protect Sansa, yes — but do not make yourself a target."
"I understand, my lord," Ethan replied. "I'll be more careful."
Ned studied him for a long moment. "You're a good man. I see that. But this city turns good men into monsters… or corpses."
Midday – The Red Keep Corridors
While walking back from the solar, Ethan felt eyes on him. He turned and saw Varys standing in an alcove, feeding pigeons on the windowsill.
"Ah, young Snow," the Spider said pleasantly. "A word, if you will?"
Ethan approached cautiously. Varys smiled his soft, unnerving smile.
"You performed admirably in the melee. Many are speaking of you. Some with admiration… others with hatred." Varys stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Prince Joffrey is not the only one watching you. The Queen… she finds you curious. And Lady Margaery? Well… she finds you very interesting."
Ethan stayed silent.
Varys chuckled. "Information is my trade, dear boy. And you are becoming quite the intriguing puzzle. A bastard who fights like a wolf, looks slightly like a dragon, and has captured the heart of a Stark daughter." His eyes sharpened. "Tell me… do you dream of more than just survival?"
Ethan met the eunuch's gaze. "Everyone dreams of more, Lord Varys."
Varys smiled wider. "Indeed. And in this city, dreams can kill you… or crown you." He leaned in. "Be careful whose web you step into."
[Favorability with Varys: 28/100 (Increased Curiosity)]
The Spider bowed slightly and vanished down a side passage as silently as smoke.
Afternoon – Private Gardens of House Tyrell
A servant delivered a short message to Ethan:
Meet me in the small rose garden behind the sept at the third hour. Come alone. — M.T.
Ethan went.
Margaery Tyrell was waiting for him on a stone bench surrounded by blooming roses. She wore a simple but elegant yellow dress, her hair loose and flowing. When she saw him, her face lit up with a genuine smile.
"You came," she said, standing up. "I wasn't sure you would."
"I try not to disappoint beautiful ladies," Ethan replied with a small smile.
Margaery laughed softly and took his arm as they walked through the garden. "You're very direct for a northerner. I like that." She glanced at him sideways. "You've been spending a lot of time with Lady Sansa. Is she the reason you fight so bravely?"
Ethan chose his words carefully. "She is one of the reasons."
Margaery stopped walking and turned to face him fully. "And what about other reasons? What do you want, Ethan Snow?"
She stepped closer, close enough that he could smell the roses in her hair.
"I want to rise," he said honestly. "I want to protect the people I care about. And I want to become someone who cannot be ignored."
Margaery's eyes sparkled. "A dangerous ambition." She reached up and lightly touched the silver streak in his hair. "Especially with features like these."
For a moment, tension hung between them. Then Margaery leaned in and kissed his cheek — soft, lingering, and full of promise.
"I enjoy ambitious men," she whispered. "Perhaps we can help each other one day."
[Margaery Tyrell Favorability: 58/100 (Strong Romantic Interest + Political Curiosity)]
She stepped back with a graceful smile. "Until next time, Ethan Snow."
Evening – Tower of the Hand
Tension was rising inside the Stark household.
Ned had received more troubling news about the crown's finances. Joffrey had been heard publicly insulting northerners. Catelyn was growing more protective of Sansa.
During dinner, Sansa sat beside Ethan (as close as protocol allowed). Under the table, their hands briefly touched. She gave him a secret, loving smile that made his chest warm.
After the meal, Sansa managed to visit his room again.
This time there was no hesitation. The moment the door was locked, they undressed each other with urgent hands. Their lovemaking was passionate and intense. Sansa was more vocal, moaning his name as he took her, her nails digging into his back. They reached climax together, holding each other tightly.
Afterward, as they lay sweaty and satisfied, Sansa traced patterns on his chest.
"I never want to be without you," she whispered. "No matter what happens in this city."
Late Night
Ethan opened the system while Sansa slept beside him.
He had accumulated enough points for a meaningful purchase:
[Intermediate Sword Technique Manual purchased – 800 SP] Sword Mastery Lv.7 → Lv.8 (Progress: 12%)
New notification appeared:
[Major Event Approaching] The Hand's Investigation Ned Stark is getting closer to dangerous truths. Your choices in the coming days will heavily influence the path ahead.
Ethan looked at Sansa's peaceful sleeping face and gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
The Game was speeding up.
Alliances were forming. Enemies were growing bolder. And he was right in the middle of it all.