The days following the tourney settled into a tense routine.
Ethan trained every morning, pushing through the lingering pain in his shoulder. The bruises had turned yellow and green, but his body was recovering faster than it should. The new sword technique manual was already showing results — his movements felt cleaner, more efficient.
Current Status: Strength: 28 Agility: 27 Endurance: 26 Vitality: 24 Charisma: 28 Dragon Affinity: 9 Level: 12 (1840/2200 EXP)
He was close to leveling up again. Every training session mattered.
Morning – Hand's Solar
Ned Stark had summoned him early. The Lord of Winterfell looked exhausted. Papers and ledgers covered his table, and dark circles hung under his eyes.
"You've become close to Sansa," Ned said without preamble. His voice was low, but firm. "I am not blind, Ethan. Nor is her mother."
Ethan stood straight, heart beating faster.
Ned continued, "I owe you a great debt for saving Bran and for your loyalty. But Sansa is my daughter. She is promised to Prince Joffrey. You must understand what that means."
"I do, my lord," Ethan replied carefully. "I would never dishonor her… or you."
Ned studied him for a long moment, the weight of the North in his grey eyes. "Then be discreet. This city destroys secrets. If the Lannisters learn of this, they will use it against all of us."
He sighed heavily. "There is something else. I have been investigating the death of Jon Arryn. The more I dig, the more dangerous it becomes." He looked at Ethan. "I may need your help soon. You have sharp eyes and a loyal heart. Can I count on you?"
"Yes, my lord. Always."
Ned nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now go. And remember — discretion."
Midday – The Sept
Sansa had asked him to meet her near the royal sept. She waited in a quiet corner of the courtyard, pretending to pray. When she saw him, her entire face lit up.
They slipped into a small, unused prayer room. The moment the door closed, Sansa wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with clear hunger. The past few nights had made her much bolder.
"I missed you," she whispered between kisses. "Even though we saw each other at breakfast."
Her hands slid under his tunic, tracing the muscles of his chest. Ethan pulled her closer, kissing her deeply, one hand cupping her breast through her dress. Sansa moaned softly into his mouth.
"I keep thinking about last night," she breathed. "About how you felt inside me…"
She pressed her hips against him, clearly wanting more. Ethan groaned, fighting for control.
"Not here," he whispered. "Too dangerous."
Sansa nodded, but her eyes were dark with desire. "Tonight then? My room. Mother and Father will be in a meeting with the Small Council."
"I'll come."
She kissed him one last time, slow and full of promise, before fixing her dress and slipping away.
[Sansa Stark Bond strengthened] [Daily Intimacy Bonus active]
Afternoon – Meeting with Margaery
Margaery had sent another invitation — this time to a private lunch in the Tyrell gardens.
She waited for him under a canopy of flowering vines, a table set with wine, fruits, and honey cakes. She looked stunning in a pale pink and gold dress.
"Ethan," she greeted warmly, standing up to kiss his cheek. "I'm glad you could come."
They spoke for nearly two hours. Margaery was clever, charming, and subtly probing. She asked about the North, about his loyalty to the Starks, and about his ambitions. Her questions were wrapped in sweetness, but Ethan could feel the calculation behind them.
At one point, she reached across the table and lightly touched his hand.
"You could do great things here," she said softly. "With the right allies. House Tyrell values strength and loyalty… and ambition."
Her fingers lingered on his for a moment longer than necessary.
[Margaery Tyrell Favorability: 62/100 (Romantic Interest + Political Alliance Potential)]
Before he left, she gave him a single red rose.
"For the brave wolf who keeps surprising everyone," she whispered with a playful smile.
Evening – Tension in the Tower
When Ethan returned to the Tower of the Hand, the mood was dark.
Ned had spent the entire afternoon in the Small Council. When he returned, he was furious but silent. Catelyn looked deeply worried. Robb told Ethan in private that Ned had discovered something troubling about the royal children — though he wouldn't say what.
Joffrey, meanwhile, had been spreading rumors. Several Lannister servants had begun openly mocking northerners and calling Ethan "the upstart bastard."
Night – Sansa's Room
After midnight, Ethan slipped into Sansa's chambers using the hidden servant passage he had memorized.
Sansa was waiting for him in a thin silk nightgown, candles lit around the room. The moment he barred the door, she was in his arms.
This time they didn't hold back.
They made love with passionate intensity. Sansa was loud enough that Ethan had to cover her mouth gently as she climaxed, her body shaking beneath him. They went twice — the second time slower, more emotional, staring into each other's eyes as they moved together.
Afterward, Sansa lay on his chest, tracing the Silver Wolf Ring on his finger.
"I don't care what my father says," she whispered. "I choose you. No matter what happens."
Ethan held her close, but a part of him felt the growing danger. Ned was getting too close to the truth. Joffrey's hatred was deepening. Cersei was watching.
The walls were closing in.
Late Night – System Notification
While Sansa slept peacefully beside him, Ethan checked the system.
[New Main Quest Unlocked] The Hand's Truth Help Ned Stark uncover the secret of the royal children… or choose your own path. Reward: Major Reputation Shift + 5000 EXP + Special Title
[Warning] Joffrey Baratheon's hostility has reached critical levels. An assassination attempt is likely within the next 10 days.
Ethan stared at the blue screen floating in front of him.
The story was accelerating.
He gently kissed Sansa's forehead and closed his eyes, holding her tighter.
He had love. He had growing power. But in King's Landing, nothing was safe for long.