Typically a royal wedding would be a long, drawn out affair. The nobility liked to bleed these things dry for every drop of happiness they could produce. The people already had cause to celebrate with the Blight ending, but what they needed now was hope.

Denerim was covered in a layer of ash and soot. At least the sky had lightened considerably from the blood red clouds that lingered for days after the battle. Outside, sunlight was starting to break through a wispy pastel pink atmosphere. Today Ferelden would gain a new king and queen, symbols of a brighter future. Camilia Cousland wasn't sure she wanted to be a symbol, but it was far too late for doubts now.

"Stop fidgeting!" Camilia sighed as Leliana braided her hair. "There, now. Stand up."

The gown was undeniably beautiful and ridiculously elaborates, but not quite as overdone as most Orlesian fashions, Leliana had said. The dress was an important symbol of wealth. One reason why a royal wedding is usually planned for months down to the last detail is so there will be time to have an exquisite dress made. But they didn't have time. Now that the Blight was over, people believed they had all the time in the world. As Grey Wardens, she and Alistair only had thirty years.

Of course now wasn't the time to think about that.

Camilia stared at herself in the cracked looking glass. Her corseted waist appeared unhealthily slender, and her hips looked a bit too wide. The just slightly off-white gown did have a sort of quite simplicity that she liked. The length of its train was rather excessive, though. Leliana had spent an hour selecting the perfect shoes, and you couldn't even see them.

"It's a lot different than armor." Camilia said, absently bringing a hand up to touch her Warden's Oath which still hung from a chain around her neck.

"It's lovely, and it suits you, whether you think so or not." Leliana replied, coming to stand behind her lover who was about to marry one of her best friends and become queen all in one day. She was amazing like that. The Orlesian's lips brushed lightly against her skin. "Having second thoughts?"

"How can I not when you do things like that?" she sighed. "I feel guilty for dragging you into this."

"I chose to stay, remember?" Leliana pointed out. "If I didn't want to, I would go."

"But I asked you to."

"I love you, Camilia." Maker curse her weakness, but something about the way Leliana spoke her name sent a tingle through Camilia's very core. "As long as that's true, I'm not going anywhere. Now I have to get ready. I'll see you at the chantry in a little while."

"So much for not going anywhere." she muttered. The bard was already gone. Camilia knew she had no right to feel this way; she had asked for this, after all. She had stood before the Landsmeet and announced that she would rule by Alistair's side. It was her duty. They were doing this for the good of Ferelden, but it was far from ideal for them.

"Ready to wed Prince Charming?" Fergus smirked, leaning casually against the door-frame. There still remained a certain element of disbelief upon seeing him.

"Then I suppose he'll be King Charming." she quipped. He laughed and hugged her. They were the only family either of them had now.

"You don't love him, do you?" Fergus asked quietly. Camilia opened her eyes, pulled away from the embrace, unable to face him.

"How can you tell?"

"I know when you love someone, sis." he said simply. "I've seen the way you look at the redhead." Camilia bit her lip. "Why are you marrying him? You never seemed to have any interest in the throne before." But then, she'd done a lot of growing up in the last year.

"Alistair is a good man, but he's not a politician." she explained. "He needs me. I didn't save Ferelden just to let it tear itself apart at the seams. Besides, I'm a Cousland; I do what must be done."

"I never thought you would get trapped in a marriage of convenience."

"Yeah, well, people change." Camilia shrugged. "I know Mother and Father wanted me to marry for love, but no one ever said the person you love and the person you marry can't be different."

Fergus wasn't sure what to say to that. A silence passed in observance of their parents' memory. It somehow hurt more now that she didn't have to grieve alone. Camilia missed them more than ever, missed their guidance.

)O(

The next few hours went by in a blur of light and noise and everyone trying to get a look at her. Camilia did recognize a few familiar faces in the crowd - Bann Teagan, Arl Bryland, Lady Isolde - but mostly they were indistinguishable. The heat from the candles combined with the too many bodies pressed together in such a small space. Camilia felt like she was suffocating.

Fergus walked her down the isle in place of her father. Leliana stood beside her, wearing a marvelous blue dress that matched the Orlesian's eyes. Camilia turned away from the woman she loved to face the man who was to be her husband.

"Just as the Maker married His divine bride, Andraste, so we gather to witness a similar bond of souls in the Maker's eyes." the Grand Cleric said. Alistair appeared more nervous than she ever thought was possible. They fumbled through the ceremonial obligations, swore to be faithful to Ferelden and each other. Finally, he brushed her veil aside, and lightly kissed her lips. But that wasn't good enough. It had to look real. They all had their various roles to play, after all.

On that day, she officially became known as Queen Camilia Cousland-Theirin.

)O(

The reception was held at the palace. Everyone with any ties to nobility took this chance to congratulate the new king and queen. People ceased to care about the Blighted lands or the homeless refugees. They forgot about the dead that still required mourning. For now, they had something hopeful to cling to.

She lost Leliana in the crowd of eager guests.

Camilia tossed the bundle of white flowers over her shoulder. It was caught by Alfstanna, the bann of Waking Sea.

Ferelden's queen needed a drink.

"You do not seem very happy, my Warden." Camilia's would-be assassin turned friend remarked. "Or should I say your Majesty?"

"I'm just tired, Zev." It was a lie, of course. "Long day, you know?"

"Mmm..." The elf watched her with a devious twinkle in his eye. "That is a pity indeed. You'll need your energy for tonight, surely. You do intend to give our dear virgin prince the wedding night he has always dreamed of, yes?"

Oh Maker, how could she forget? They were married now. Camilia had certain duties that went beyond merely political in nature.

"Oh..."

"Don't worry." Zevran continued. "I shall look after the lovely Leliana. I do believe she's had a bit too much champagne. And you will be fine. You are a woman of many talents, my dear, do not doubt that."

This was going to be a long night.