Denerim Castle, Ferelden
9:31 Dragon
"So you see, that's why this can never be more than a marriage of convenience."
Shaeanne Cousland nodded slowly as she watched her king, Alistair Theirin, pace from one end of the little room to the other. Repeatedly. He was embarrassed, she could tell, but determined to make sure she knew the situation. It wasn't as if she had ever imagined that this would be anything other than a political move on her brother's part, and a necessity for the King. He needed heirs after all. And for heirs, one needed a wife. A queen.
That Alistair was in love with the Warden-Commander, the Hero of Ferelden, was probably the worst kept secret in all of Ferelden. Even so, she had to commend him for doing the honourable thing in being honest with her about it. Theirs was a union of convenience. A means to an end. Shae had never had any grand plans about finding the love of her life, or living happily ever after, so it suited her just fine.
Truth be told, she was still happy to be alive. When Arl Howe had attacked Highever, she should have died. But her parents had sacrificed their lives to allow her to escape. Their deaths should not be in vain. Now she would be queen, and she would make them proud. She'd never wanted this, but she would be the best queen she knew how. Her bow and arrows lay forgotten in a storage somewhere, and there they would remain. This is what her parents would have wanted for her.
"Do you understand?" Alistair had stopped pacing now and was standing before her. She supposed she could do worse in the husband department. The king was a handsome man, well-built with broad shoulders and a strong chest.
"I do, Your Majesty," Shae said demurely, bobbing a curtsy. Her mother had always encouraged her to be a proper lady, and while she'd ignored her most of the time, she did remember some of the lessons. People were going to believe that she was a proper lady even if it killed her.
Alistair raked a hand through his dark blond hair, obviously uneasy. "I know it's an awkward situation…" he said, his voice apologetic.
"I understand," Shae repeated, putting her hand on his armour-clad arm in reassurance. Looking up to meet his eyes, wanting him to know she was serious, she continued. "Your heart is not in this. How could it be? We don't know each other. I have no youthful dreams of us riding off into the sunset together. You've promised your heart to another. This is a marriage of convenience that will give my brother the political brunt that he needs, and you will gain a wife of noble birth. Everyone wins."
The King looked at her, his amber eyes searching hers. "Except you," he said quietly. "That was a great speech. But nowhere in there did I hear you getting what you want."
Shae swallowed, trying to keep the grief wanting to overwhelm her at bay. "My parents are gone," she finally said, her voice calmer than she'd expected. "My sister-in-law and nephew murdered in cold blood. The only relative I have left is my brother, and he has no idea what to do with me. I know my parents would have approved of this match."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Alistair said, reaching out to touch her. He sounded so solemn, so sincere.
Stepping back, out of his reach, she shook her head. "I'm sorry," she said. "But… I…" She sighed. "Please, let's not talk about it."
Alistair nodded, respecting her wishes, though she suspected he wanted to discuss it further. "At least the bastard is dead now," he muttered under his breath, and she knew he was referring to Arl Howe.
They were quiet for a moment. Finally, Shae took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face. "I promise that I will be the perfect wife, and not get in your way."
Frowning, Alistair shook his head. "That's not what I said…"
"I'm sorry," Shae said quickly. "That was uncalled for. I just want you to know that I have no intention of getting in the way of you and…"
"Very well," Alistair cut her off before she could continue. Then he smiled, and sketched a bow. "So, Lady Cousland… Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Finding his smile infectious, she smiled back and curtsied. "It would be my honour, Your Majesty."