CHAPTER 68: SANSA

Sansa, seasick and haunted by Joffrey’s death, lands with Littlefinger at his meager tower on the Fingers. Littlefinger declares they will not continue to White Harbor; instead, Sansa must assume the identity Alayne Stone, his natural daughter, to evade Varys’s spies. He outlines a Braavosi backstory for her and dismisses any safer cover as too conspicuous.

Over fruit and wine, Littlefinger lectures on players and pieces, then reveals elements of his scheme: the Kettleblacks serve him, not Cersei or Tyrion, and the Tyrells—prompted by Olenna after he seeded tales and songs—aimed to protect Margaery by eliminating Joffrey. He hints Olenna straightened Sansa’s hair net, using its black amethyst to poison the king, while Ser Dontos merely delivered Sansa to escape.

Eight days later, Lysa Arryn arrives with a small retinue. Spurning ceremony, she insists on marrying Littlefinger immediately, and they are wed and bedded that night. During the revels, Marillion corners Sansa and attempts to force himself on her, but Lothor Brune intervenes with a blade, sending the drunken singer away.

At dawn, Littlefinger departs the chamber as Lysa summons Sansa and is told her true identity. Lysa, wary of Lannister wrath, orders secrecy, plans to darken Sansa’s hair, and boasts of keeping the Vale neutral and impregnable. She questions Sansa’s maidenhood and rails against Tyrion, then proposes that once Tyrion is executed Sansa will secretly wed Robert Arryn.

Lysa instructs Sansa on pleasing and yielding to Robert, reminding her that Winterfell has fallen and gratitude and obedience must replace pride. Littlefinger announces they will leave for the Eyrie that afternoon, with Sansa’s new identity and Lysa’s schemes set in motion.