Chapter 1

He emerged from the warm bath, glistening beads of water dripping wet onto the stone floor. Zevran Arainai: Assassin, lover, storyteller. Elissa could not resist his soft, full lips, his deep, amber eyes, his bronzed, rippling muscles. She knew in her heart that Alistair deserved better than this manner of treatment. She wondered if her infidelity would ever be found out. She hoped not in the near future, not ever.

"I think he is acutely aware of your affection for me, Zevran. He is not stupid." Elissa Cousland attempted to enlighten the elf and then realized he was just toying with her.

"Of course he knows. I would not have it any other way, my dear Warden." She can barely stand the thought of leaving Zevran's suite. Sadly, the dinner hour approached and she needed to get ready. She had to act the loving wife for her dear Alistair.

"Mi amor, lost in thought? Or are you just admiring my exceptionally clean body?" he coyly asked.

"Zevran, I…must take my leave to prepare for dinner, as should you. Please try to control yourself at the King's table tonight." Elissa knew just how difficult it was for Zevran to contain his admiration and lust for her.

"My dear, if you are asking me to be something I am not, please refrain. I will behave as best I can so as not to embarrass you in front of our friends." He walked over to her with his usual saunter and lightly kissed her lips. "Until dinner then, my dear. Oh, and please wear that lovely lavender dress that emphasizes your luscious bosom."

"Zevran, you are impossible." Elissa ran her fingers through his wet, flaxen hair and leaned in to kiss him. Zevran grabbed her and tossed her backward, as if to dance. "Remember this moment," he whispered in her ear. His lips pressed against hers with a passionate kiss. If only they had one more hour.

In two days, Zevran and Elissa would be leaving for Amaranthine. The Vigil's Keep awaited the Warden Commander and her elven assassin. Zevran had agreed to train the new recruits, if only to be at her side. It was actually Alistair who had suggested he accompany her, for her own safety. Elissa did not argue the point, but in a way, had hoped Zevran would refuse. It would make it easier for her to leave everything behind and focus on her new duties as Warden Commander. But who was she kidding? Only herself.

The dining room of the castle was bustling as usual. A fine spread lay across the table, which had seating for as many as forty people. Tonight, however, there would only be less than ten, or so she thought. The servants brought out countless decanters and wine glasses. Breads, desserts, fish and meats of every variety were placed on the grand table. As Elissa stood in the doorway, she tried to fathom why there was so much food put out. Unannounced guests, she supposed.

This would be one of the last nights to sample all of this royal opulence. Would she miss it all she wondered? She would definitely miss her daily baths and the endless supply of gourmet food. She examined every part of the dining room so as not to forget the sight. The days to come would be arduous and fond memories would be needed for sanity.

Elissa was the first to arrive for dinner. She decided to wait for someone, anyone, to join her before she made her entrance. She wondered where Alistair had been. He usually accompanied her, hand in hand, to the table as they were announced. Tonight she would have to go in solo.

Without warning, someone had snuck up behind her. "Mi amor, I am flattered that you heeded my suggestion and wore this fine dress. I have never seen you look lovelier," Zevran whispered in her ear.

"Zevran, please do not sneak up and scare me so. You know how I hate being startled. You rogues are all….." but then she trailed off. At that moment, she saw Alistair coming across the room with purpose, eyes full of worship and desire. Alistair embraced her and pulled her away from Zevran's proximity.

"Darling wife, you look stunningly beautiful tonight. I am a very lucky man, indeed." Alistair never took his eyes off Elissa to ask Zevran a question. "And Zev, how are you this evening?"

"Very well, your Royal Highness, although I might ask for more silk sheets in my suite tonight. The ones on my bed are in need of changing after frolicking about with..."

Alistair cut him off. "Yes, yes. You can just tell one of those maids you are so fond of. I am not your man servant, you know. Come my love, and let us partake of this wonderful celebration I have planned."

Elissa looked at Alistair and giggled at his comment. She eyed Zevran, who was none too pleased to be made fun of. Zevran opened his mouth to speak but held his tongue, for her sake.

"Celebration? What is it that we are celebrating, Alistair? Not my departure for Amaranthine I hope?" She wasn't sure what to make of this development. Why would he plan a party for her when he knew she hated being the center of attention? Zevran would never do this to me, she thought.

"Well, my love, you are partially correct. I thought you might enjoy the company of some good friends before you take your leave. I took the liberty of inviting your favorite people for dinner. Honored guests, come in, please come in!" Alistair shouted towards the entry doors.

Elissa could not believe what she was hearing. A party for me? He is trying to be sweet, but a party? Maker's breath.

The first person she noticed was Sten. Giant, looming Sten the Qunari. He was hard to miss. Behind him came Oghren, then Wynne, and Leliana. She looked over to where she had left Zevran, but he was nowhere in sight. Now that I need him, he had disappeared. Great.

"Elissa, my dear, dear friend! It is so good to see you! And looking so pretty and feminine, too. I guess my influence has rubbed off on you a bit, no?" Leliana. Such a...girl. I guess she did rub off on me a bit. She noticed Alistair grinning from ear to ear. He thought the party was a success before it had even begun. Who was she to let him down?

"Kadan. It is good to see you. You have been well?" Sten inquired.

"Very well. And you, Sten?"

"What exactly is your question, Kadan?" he asked with barely a lips movement.

"You. Have you been well too?"

"Yes." He spoke in brief, matter of fact sentences. It is what she loved most about him. He could make her believe anything he said was true with his brevity. "Where are these cookies I have heard so much about?" At that, he went off in search of confections.

The next guests to appear were from the more political set. Handsome Bann Teagan came in with his blushing bride Kaitlyn. The Mayor of Denerim, the Arl of Amaranthine, and other dignitaries arrived. Lady Isolde followed Teagan. Elissa thought Isolde had some nerve showing her face here after her cruel treatment of Alistair during his childhood. Of course, Alistair had forgiven her trespasses; he could do no less. But Elissa never forgave such a grievous act.

Alistair stared in Elissa's direction, assessing her reaction the party. He was very proud of this gathering he had put together. Elissa loved his caring and unselfish ways. Who wouldn't adore this man? He was considerate, attentive, loving and most of all, extraordinarily handsome. Alistair was the embodiment of a great warrior wrapped in the blanket of a young boy. He shielded her from the harsh realities of life. He comforted her when she was hurt, always there for her with a shoulder to cry on. He had silly jokes at the ready or a goofy one-liner when she needed a laugh. He was all these things for her and much more, even though she could never bear him an heir. Elissa was the luckiest woman alive, by all accounts. She did not feel lucky this night. She felt alone. And anxious.