She was stunned by his fealty. Men had knelt before, but they were paying obeisance to a title. They were saluting one potential future that was now impossible, for Sansa would not be queen. Not any longer. Certainly not so long as she wore a bastard's name, and only now was she beginning to feel guilty for her continued lie. But although she liked Gendry, she could not yet trust him.

"Rise," she commanded in a voice barely above a whisper. "I will have no vows from you." Vows are so easily broken. Only this was a little like receiving a taste of what life would be like with bannermen of her own. Bodies she could count on. Reliable support. No wonder her father had always walked so proudly, knowing the strength at his back. She'd learned only too late what it meant to support him fully.

"All I want are simple assurances that you will stay with us a while."