Melody got dressed as quickly as possible, her face still flushed. She realized that she must have drunk more than she thought the night before and, according to her friends, when Melody drank, she tended to get extra friendly. Even to the point of removing clothing when she shouldn't.

When Melody felt she looked at good as she could, she exited her room. The woman had long since quit being startled whenever she opened her door. She had gotten used to Sandor being there. "Yer fiancé's waitin' for ya." Melody groaned. She'd forgotten about breakfast with Jaime that morning. "Let's get this over with," she sighed, knowing she really didn't have a choice.

Sandor followed Melody down the stairs. He immediately noticed her discomfort at the thought of having breakfast with Jaime. While he pretended to be worried about Melody's safety, Jaime really didn't care for her. He didn't want to get to know the woman he was supposed to be spending the rest of his life with and Melody? She just didn't care. She put in the effort she was supposed to if only because she didn't want to hate the man. That became even more obvious as the two sat down in the cafe.

Sandor took a seat at the table behind Melody and Jaime's, so he could survey his surroundings. He was within earshot in case Melody needed him. The whole time, Melody kept asking Jaime questions about himself in an effort to make things less awkward between them. Jaime would answer, but then go back to talking about the wedding and their marriage. Never once did he ask Melody a question about herself, other than her relationship with her family.

Jaime's back was to Sandor, but he could still see Melody's face. He could tell her mood was drastically decreasing the longer the morning went on and, by the time the two returned to the Baratheon Estate, Sandor knew Melody was ready to get as far away from Jaime as possible.

"Forgive me, Jaime, but I'm afraid I have a full schedule today. I'll see you at dinner," she said quickly before turning and walking toward the garage. Sandor followed, as always, but, to his surprise, Melody didn't head for the limo. Instead, she made her way over to a beautiful candy apple red 1960 Thunderbird. He let out a low whistle. "Are you coming or not?" Melody nearly snapped at the gaping man. Without saying a word, Sandor climbed into the passenger seat.

Melody pulled out of the garage and sped away from the mansion. Away from the stifling home she had come to see as a prison. "Where are we goin'?" Sandor asked and Melody slowed down a little. "I'm, uh not really sure actually. I just had to get out of there." Sandor hummed in response and didn't object to Melody driving until they came to an out of the way theater. It was in a seedier part of town, but Sandor always kept a gun on him.

Melody opened the door of the theater and walked in like she owned the place. In all honesty, she probably did. The Baratheon's owned several businesses. "Melody! It's been weeks since I've seen you," a voice called and Melody's face actually broke out in a smile. "Hey, Varys. How are things going?" The bald man smiled at her. "Very well. We should have the place up and running soon."

For the first time since meeting her, Sandor saw a genuine smile appear on Melody's face. "That's wonderful! I can't wait!" Melody turned to Sandor and laughed at his expression. "What?" she asked. "What is this place?" Melody looked around. "This is a theater, Sandor. I used some of my inheritance from Robert to buy it. I figured if I can't live my dream of being on stage, I might as well help those who can."

Sandor was once more taken aback by the woman's kindness. Robbed of her own dreams, she continued to move on. Instead of being angry or spiteful, she chose to help others. None of the Lannisters had that trait, nor did any of the Baratheons Sandor had come in contact with. "Oh, by the way, your brother is in the back," Varys said, interrupting Sandor's thoughts.

"Why would Stannis fuckin' Baratheon be here?" Sandor wondered out loud, making Melody giggle. "Stannis doesn't know about this place. I'm sure he meant Renly." Varys grinned. "Indeed I did." Melody turned and made her way up onto the stage, with Sandor at her heels.

"He certain is a loyal guard dog, isn't he?" Varys asked Melody who frowned. "Don't talk about him like that. Sandor is more than a body guard." She looked back at him with a soft smile. "He's my friend." Varys gave the dark-haired woman a knowing look. "Friend?" Melody blushed at the implication. "Yes, Varys. Friend." Melody gave herself a mental pat on the back. In all honesty, she was beginning to see the man as more than a friend.

He was always there for her when she needed him. True, that was his job, but he didn't have to listen to her worries or complaints and he didn't have to keep her from making a right ass of herself the night before. He didn't have to keep an eye on her with Jaime. He didn't have to do any of those things, yet he did. Melody trusted him more than she'd ever trusted anyone besides Renly.

Speaking of, Renly looked up from the desk when Melody came in. "Mel!" He got up and wrapped his arms around her. "Where were you last night, Ren? I could have used your support. In fact, I haven't seen you around for weeks." Renly frowned deeply. "Our charming brother disowned me." Melody gasped and her eyes widened. "What?! Why?" Renly's frown upturned into a smirk. "Because I did something to taint the family name...I eloped." 

(a/n: I promise it will pick up soon!! Thanks for sticking with me so far! I have the story planned out, it's just getting it there!)