A:N/ Hello there! So, this is my promised second part of What Could've Been, which is my thanks to a particular review and reviewer, TheAwesomeBroNelly.

Now, I do not own anything of Dragon Age because I would've rewrote Cailan and Anora's story to at least give some closure to their relationship. Sadly, I don't have any rights, so I have to keep my feelings in this fic.

Enjoy! And, I hope you will review


Her father told her to play nice and to look pretty while doing so for the fiftieth time. Anora wanted to turn her horse around and scream.

"He's going to be your future husband, you must talk to him at least, Anora." Her father said, exasperated.

Anora rolled her eyes and scowled and she remembered how her father grimaced at that. Many servants in Gwaren had pointed out their uncanny resemblance when it comes to attitude and the color of their blue eyes, but Loghain had denied it so vehemently that Anora couldn't help but making him more angry by scowling all the time.

At least, he paid attention to her then.

They were on their way to the castle and we're making their way through Denerim. Anora rode on her horse, expertly and proudly. She could hear the surprised, awed whispers of the people when they saw her. She couldn't help but puff her chest out a little in pride.

"He's younger than me." Anora retorted, crossing her arms, her little pink lips formed in a pout which she was sure her father would react to by snorting at her childish behavior.

She was right. The great General Loghain snorted.

"He's only four years younger than you. Stop being childish." Loghain admonished, his disappointment clearly shown on his face.

Anora simply sighed and turned her attention back on the trail.

"You're only nine years old. Where in the world did you get your attitude from?" Loghain sighed, placing on his forehead to massage his temples.

"Maybe if you were home more often, you would know." Anora thought, cynically. She gripped the reins on her horse, tightly. Urging her horse to go faster despite her father's protests gave Anora a satisfying feeling even if the castle that loomed in front of her was just going to be another prison.

At least, for a time, she'll be free.


King Maric, golden and handsome, greeted them where the gates were wide open. Her father got down from his horse first and bowed low in greeting. The King sighed at his old friend's stiffness and gave him a hearty pat on the back.

"Really, Loghain? How many times do I need to tell you not to bow?" King Maric teased, his smile so inviting and Anora couldn't help but give a small giggle on her own. At least someone has a sense of humor with her father.

The sound of her laugh caught the King's attention and his light blue eyes lit up with pleasantry.

"Ah, and this must be the little daughter I've heard so much about and yet have not seen until now!" King Maric greeted, surprising Anora by lifting her up so effortlessly from her horse to the ground.

Being on the ground and looking up at the smiling King was a little intimidating, but Anora, being raised better than that, stood straight with the tutelage instilled in her.

She would not make a fool of herself in front of the King nor was she in the mood to hear her father's lecture later. She already had enough of his "how to be friends with your husband-to-be" lecture from Gwaren to here.

Although, the King's bright smile got wider when he saw Anora hold herself so properly in front of him, as if relieved that she wouldn't be any trouble.

She bristled at that. Just a bit.

"Cailan!" The King's voice boomed, "Come out here this instant. We have guests."

Anora suddenly felt a little nervous. She had heard of this boy her whole entire life. Her life had revolved around his since she was born even though she never met him. She was taught how to act around him, taught how to be a companion to him, and taught how to rule beside him.

As if that wasn't a burden to a nine-year old little girl.

But, whatever the great General Loghain wanted, it happened and here she was.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a little boy appeared at the King's side.

He was young, just as expected. Blonde hair, sterling grey eyes that were said to mirror the late Queen Rowan's, and pale skin that shone in the sun, Cailan Theirin looked…normal.

He also hid behind his father and looked at her warily.

That annoyed her. This…this was what she prepared for her whole nine years of her life? What her father had forced upon her? When she was younger, she had thought it romantic when her father informed her that she would be a Princess and then a Queen. She had dreamt of meeting this Prince Cailan and had fantasies of how he would be chivalrous and charming.

And then, her mother died.

So, she grew up.

Her dreams and fantasies replaced with the reality of burdensome lessons and disappearances of her father. She was taught to be different, so she was. But, that's what made the children shun her.

Ever since then, she dreamt of the adventures in her books, the comfort that she held on to. She could care less about the Prince. About being his precious wife.

All that she had to go through was because of him.

This shy little boy that you can barely call a Prince. He didn't even greet her properly!

The lessons that were engrained in her head automatically kicked in once she saw her father's glare, so she bowed and gave that perfect practiced little smile with a playful tilt of her head.

"Hello, Prince Cailan. My name is Anora, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." She greeted, too pleasantly that she herself was taken aback.

But, then again, she had practiced this in front of her mirror at least ten times a day.

The Prince simply stared at her, his head slightly bowed and his grey eyes trying to look at everything but her.

"Cailan." The King urged, a little exasperated.

Cailan gulped, visibly, and took a deep breath. "Hello, m-my lady." He had smiled at her then, and she noticed how he trembled while doing so.

Pathetic.

Anora wanted to pull her hair out.

The King simply sighed and didn't push his son any further. Instead, he looked back at them and smiled, "Well, then. Shall we?"


She had tried to befriend him. Okay, maybe not try try, but she did, in a way.

She had caught him looking at her for the first two days and she had sighed when she found out that other noble children were visiting the castle for the summer festivities. They all had looked at her, weirdly, but she was thankful that they left her alone.

She did seek him out, but when the servants said that they didn't know where he was, she didn't press it. She would try to walk around to see if he was around, but he was nowhere to be seen.

She did that for a week or so, but nothing. That is, until she heard children's laughter in the distance.

"It's not like I'm not used to this." Anora muttered to herself with a sigh.

She had shrugged then and retreated to her favorite place: the library. She hasn't left since, only when she had to eat, bathe, and sleep. Her father was too busy with the King to notice that his daughter was not befriending the Prince, so it's not necessarily her fault.

The library was starting to get a little closed in, so she decided to take her book to the infamous rose gardens that Queen Rowan used to tend to. She had been in awe when she was informed that the King had the garden planted just for her.

Maybe, they truly did fall in love, eventually.

She was no stranger to the infamous story of the Rebellion and the Deep Roads. Her father had told her everything, sparing no detail. It wasn't hurtful to find out that he had loved someone before her mother because it wasn't that surprising. He had always walked around Gwaren as if a ghost was haunting him, no matter how much her mother made him smile.

And once her mother died, he proved that the ghost existed by leaving her for Denerim.

It had taken all his power for him to stay when he found out that Queen Rowan died.

Anora closed her eyes and clutched her book tightly against her chest.

No, Anora. Stop it.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the gardens and found an empty stone bench that was hidden underneath a gorgeous willow tree. Deeming herself lucky, Anora sat on the bench and began to read where she left off.

She would be free one day. She'll show her father that he's not the only one wanting to leave.

The sound of children's chatter made her groan softly, but she was determined not to move. She had found this place empty and she was not going to go back in the stuffy library on a beautiful summer day.

The sounds got closer and then they began to hush, meaning that they saw her, but she refused to acknowledge them. She was at a good part in her book.

"Cailan, come on. Let's go already." The snide voice of Thomas Howe caught her attention and she was tempted to look up. Yet, she was curious. She's used to Cailan staring at her all the time when they were eating in the dining hall and looking away whenever she looked up at him. At first, it was annoying, but getting used to it became a pastime for her as she counted how many times he would look her way just to keep her entertained.

This time, Cailan seemed to want to lock eyes with her as he fidgeted from his spot in her peripheral vision.

"Uh, I don't feel like it…" Cailan's soft voice said, hesitant. Anora felt a small warm prickle of surprise in her mind.

Did he finally want to socialize with her?

"Oh come on, Cailan. She won't even bother talking to you. She's, what my dad says, an old hag." Thomas sneered. The group of boys sneered with him.

Anora rolled her eyes. Clearly, these boys lack education. Or maybe, the summer heat was finally melting whatever is left of their tiny brains.

"You're the Prince. It's not like— "

Anora was tired of the interruption.

She stood up and walked towards them, quickly. Cailan was still facing Thomas, but the boys who were looking in her direction had paled once they saw her come into view.

"He said he didn't feel like going." Anora stated, coldly.

She felt satisfied once she saw Thomas pale at the sight of her. Little boys truly are stupid.

"Oh, wow, Cailan, I guess you need someone to help you talk." Thomas sneered at Cailan, refusing to look at her.

Anora sighed, "Are you dense? He already told you he didn't want to go. I simply repeated what he said."

They group of boys had snorted at what she said, but they immediately clamped their hands over their mouth when Thomas glared at them.

With a simple 'hmph', Thomas turned around and led the group of boys away from the garden in annoyance.

Anora watched them go and sighed. Finally, she can get back to reading.

She returned to her perfect bench and picked up her book, continuing where she left off.

The shade of tree got darker and she looked up in curiosity of what caused it. Surprised, she noticed that Cailan stood next to her, shyly.

"Thanks." He said, smiling at her. Anora, a little taken aback with the surprise and the suddenly talking prince, felt a little amused at the situation. The silence must've intimidated Cailan because a sudden redness on his face shown and she couldn't help but smile.

She returned her attention to her book to see how the Prince would react. She expected him to return back to the castle and go back to just staring at her in the dining hall.

Her expectations were shot down when he sat down next to her.

"What are you— "

"Why didn't you go with them?" She cut him off, hoping to intimidate him once more. Her eyes never left her book, but she could feel his stare on her and it was different now that he was so close to her.

She felt vulnerable. She hated that feeling.

Whatever happened to that shy boy that greeted her so poorly at the gates. More than ever, she wanted that boy, not this suddenly brave boy who talked to her eagerly.

Maker, why did she save him from Thomas and the other noble boys?

"My father said not to leave the gardens." Cailan answered her. Anora, surprised at herself, felt a pang of sympathy. She heard the small bitterness in his voice and his annoyance twined in it. Her father was always like that, too. Ordering her about and not even checking up on her, it truly irked her. Especially when he didn't show up until hours later.

"Smart." She said, slightly turning towards him just to see his reaction, but thinking better of it, she returned her attention back to her book.

Curiosity killed the cat, Anora.

"You think so?" Cailan's soft voice wafted in her mind, hopeful. Anora wanted to kick herself. Why was he still here?!

"I said it, didn't I?" She stated, hoping he would leave once he got his answer. The silence and him not budging made Anora a little aggravated. When will he leave?!

"What are you reading?" Cailan asked, after a moment. Anora sighed, guess he wasn't going to leave any time soon.

"About the Grey Wardens. It's a history book." She answered, curtly but softly. He was simply being curious, she decided. Her father had told her once that the Theirins truly were "curious for their own good."

"Can you tell me more about it?! I can't read those type of books yet!" Cailan suddenly asked, excitedly.

Anora truly felt all the air being taken from her. In disbelief, she finally placed her book down and looked at him. His demeanor was different. Not shy and pathetic, but excited and happy as if their first encounter never happened and as if he never stared at her in the dining hall awkwardly. Truly, this was a different Cailan than before.

But, what really shocked her was the fact that he was happy about history books. She thought she was the weird one when the kids in Gwaren mocked her. She had always been interested in lessons and, although she hated to admit it, her father's stories about the Rebellion were her favorite before she went to sleep once upon a time.

She sensed no sarcasm and no animosity from the young Prince and that confused her. Was there truly someone like her next to her?

"You want to hear about what I'm reading?" Anora asked, softly.

"Y-yeah! My mother used to read to me when I was a baby. That's what the servants say, I mean. I don't know…I k-kinda just like hearing about books and all." Cailan mumbled, sheepishly, as if he was taken aback with her talking to him.

He wanted to talk about books with her. The silly little Prince she had pushed aside wanted to sit and talk with her.

Anora could feel regret forming in her heart for the first time in her life.

She coughed as if to get rid of the tight feeling in her chest, reshuffling the papers in her book, "Well, I'm reading about the griffons and the Grey Wardens. So, what would you like to know?"

Was that desperation or hope in her voice?

She didn't have time to focus on what it was because, Cailan, the Prince she had been taught about and wondered about, grabbed her hands and shone so brightly as he chatted on and on that Anora couldn't help but want to be enveloped in his golden thoughts of griffons and Grey Wardens.


Ever since that day, Anora was introduced to a whole new side of Cailan. Instead of her seeking him, half-heartedly, he would immediately find her after he lessons, leaning on the column next to her door, smiling at her.

Anora couldn't help but smile back and she would always be the one to grab his hand and run. And she never doubted that he would always follow.

They got into all kinds of mischief. Wine cellars and letting mabaari pups free were just one of many adventures that got their fathers screaming at them.

She had finally found a friend. Someone who didn't think she was weird and someone who had the same basic interests as her. Sure, he was more interested in combat and her in politics, but she loved that he helped with combat just like she helped him with his political studies.

They talked about freedom. About not having their lives planned out for them. Even the marriage they both dread would seal their doom.

They had talked about it so comfortably and Anora couldn't help but feel thankful for Cailan.

In time, they began to understand more of each other especially when it came to their fathers.

He had caught her crying on the stone bench in the gardens after a fight with her father.

"I just wanted to hold a sword. I wanted to train." That's all she had said to him and that's all it took for him to understand.

That was when Anora, more than once, thanked the Maker for letting her save him from Thomas Howe that day.

He held her then, brushing the stray hair away from her forehead, placing a soft kiss on her forehead and rubbing her back, softly.

He let her cry and she let go, realizing that she finally just be.

It had been their thing since. To talk about their father issues on that stone bench was a daily thing for the King and Queen-to-be.

"It's as if he's hiding something from me and it's bothering me, Ana."

Ana. She loved hearing his nickname given to her. It reminded her that she wasn't alone in the world.

"He's a King. He holds many secrets, Cailan. He's far better than my father. At least he shows you his love when he can." Anora argued, placing a comforting hand on his neck, massaging him slightly.

Cailan leaned into her touch and closed his eyes, smiling.

"I'd rather have a father simply look disapprovingly at me than having one openly yell at me in front of everyone." Cailan said, laughing.

If it was anyone else who dared to tease her about her issues, Anora would've sworn to make their lives miserable.

But, she laughed because it was Cailan. And Cailan was her best friend.

"One day, Ana, we'll leave this place and we'll have no rules for us. We'll be free just like the griffons." Cailan promised, fervently, grabbing a lock of her long platinum hair out of habit.

She had gotten up then and grabbed his hand, boldly. And he let her, always following.

She had snuck off once to practice combat training when she assumed everyone was asleep one night. It was dimly lit on the training grounds, but Anora was determined to get some practice in.

"Hey, Ana! Watch out!" Cailan yelled from behind her, and Anora reacted, quickly, not realizing what she had done.

She paled once she saw Cailan on the ground, wheezing. Panic took ahold of her and she hissed his name as she pounded his back.

I can't lose you. It was a mantra in her head.

"Cailan, you fool!" Anora repeated, trying to get him back up. Once his coughing subsided, he looked up at her, his grey eyes shining.

"Your father's going to kill you if he ever found out." Cailan wheezed. Anora paled even more and she began to bite her lip. Her father truly would kill her if he found out that she almost killed the crowned Prince.

"You're not going to tell him, are you?" Anora asked, begging. Of course, she wanted Cailan to stop wheezing but that would mean telling her father. Maker, she was torn.

Cailan sighed, and smiled that charming smile, "Of course not, Ana. It's always you and me and our little secrets."

He searched her eyes then, as if trying to calm her down. But, how could he calm her down when she searched his stormy grey eyes?

And, was he always holding her hands like this? When did his chest get so broad? When did he have that chiseled jawline? When was he so…?

She blushed, suddenly, and she watched as Cailan noticed, immediately. The damn curiosity in his eyes got her embarrassed as she stood up, dusting herself off.

Cailan got up, and grabbed her hands immediately. If he noticed her being weird, he didn't mention it.

He began to lead. And, for once, she followed.

They grew up from teenagers to young adults as close as ever, but, the reality of what their relationship was truly going to be happened on Cailan's 18th birthday.

Anora had teasingly asked him what he wanted for his birthday.

"I have what I want." Cailan replied, easily, placing his arms behind his head as his head laid on her lap. They were sitting on that stone bench, their favorite place.

Anora's stomach had flipped at that.

"Really? And what is it that you already have?" Anora asked, cursing the curiosity that she got from him. But, she wanted to know with some insatiable hunger that had never left her since he grabbed her hand the first time he took charge of their adventures.

He had grown more confident and charismatic through the years. Also, just as handsome as his father. Noblewomen and servant girls were noticing and Anora would always tease him about it.

He would snort at her and grab a long strand of her platinum hair and say, "Don't be stupid. We're the ones getting married."

That statement always made her heart skip a beat.

Not in the way that romance pertained to, but in the way that guilt panicked someone. She loved Cailan, but she loved freedom more.

She still craved it, even if being with Cailan subsided it for just a moment.

"You, by my side." Cailan stated, nonchalantly.

Anora could feel her heart break, but she forced herself to roll her eyes and push him off her lap.

Cailan laughed at her, and the guilt intensified.

"I'll get you the best sword besides your father's. Mark my words, Cailan." Anora promised, fervently. Cailan, taken aback by her promise, nodded, slightly amused.

"I wouldn't doubt it, Ana." He said, warmly.

And she did get him the best sword. When she had taken him away from the political festivities that guaranteed him the heir of King Maric the Savior, she brought him to their stone bench and placed it in his hands.

Those rough, calloused hands that she began to notice that could hold her tiny waist-she shook her head, blushing.

Thankfully, Cailan was too busy adoring the sword to notice her. Once he was one appreciating his gift, he looked at her, his eyes shining and bright, unlike earlier when they were so dark and shadowed as his father announced his official heir title.

"I love you, Ana. I really do." He whispered, placing the sword on his side, and gingerly taking ahold of her hands.

Maker, they fit so perfectly.

But, she couldn't bear to lie no more. So, she simply smiled.

And, he smiled back, and she pretended she didn't see behind it.


After his official coronation as the Prince of Ferelden, Anora began to feel the pressure of the impending marriage between them.

Her father was breathing down her neck, scolding her for skipping her lessons.

"You are to be his Queen, Anora! Maker, take your lessons seriously. You already have unnecessary calloused hands." Loghain scolded her.

"I have been. If you haven't noticed, I've been taking these lessons since I was born, but maybe, you forgot since you were barely home to begin with." She retorted.

Ever since her friendship with Cailan, she began to feel bold and her father would dismiss her attitude now that he saw how well Cailan and Anora were getting along.

But, this time, neither Mac Tir was having it.

Loghain narrowed his eyes and walked up to his daughter who glared at him with his own eyes reflected back at him.

"I don't know what game you think you're playing, Anora, but I'll make one thing clear since you still want to play dumb." Loghain warned.

Anora bristled at that, but she stood firm, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Loghain snorted and she hated her father for seeing right through her like he always did.

"The boy loves you. Adores you. And yet, you refuse to acknowledge it for whatever reason." Loghain sated, emphasizing every bit that prickled at her heart."

"I don't refuse it. He just had to settle with me since this was arranged from birth or did you forget, father?" Anora retorted, trying to hide the fact that what she said hit close to her heart.

Cailan had simply stopped mentioning running away from the castle and what the outside world may be like. Whenever Anora would mention it, he would smile politely at her and listen, not mentioning what he thought of it. His smile, shadowed, like his eyes, was all she got.

She had to face it. Cailan had settled ever since his officiation with being the Prince of Ferelden while she was still dreaming about leaving the castle.

She was about to lose her best friend to the prison she swore to leave.

"Settled? Maybe so, but you are a fool, Anora Mac Tir, if you think the boy would ever let you go do your adventure dreaming." Her father stated. He sighed and looked at his daughter, tired and weary, which took her by surprise.

"Duty over the heart will always be the best choice. And I bet at this time that Cailan, your precious golden Prince, will use that to keep you by his side."

With a sharp turn towards the door, Loghain left his daughter to ponder his words.


"He talked to me about it again." Anora told Cailan, still staring at the weaponry before them.

She felt Cailan sit down on the bench behind her and could feel his stare on her.

"Talked about how it was time to stop fooling around and building unnecessary calloused hands. He said, 'Anora, you're going to be the new Queen of Ferelden. No more excuses.'" She sighed, "Of course, I couldn't get a word in. Just kept on blabbering about how duty over the heart is more."

She had added that part nonchalantly, but that was the part that bothered her the most. Would Cailan truly not let her leave? And if he didn't let her leave, would she stay for him?

She loved Cailan, more than anyone in the world, but did she truly love him as a wife would a husband? She wanted him to be happy and wanted him to be cared for, but could she sacrifice her dream for him?

And would Cailan want a wife and Queen who didn't give him everything he would give her?

The sound of Cailan patting the seat next to him interrupted her thoughts and she turned around to see him holding out his arm for her to rest in. Her heart clenched at the need to be in his hold.

Maker, could her heart be any more confusing?

She obeyed her confusing heart and relished in his embrace as she placed her head in the crook of his neck.

He began to rub her arms and back, comfortingly, and Anora fought the urge to get up and run because she couldn't dare to hurt him and disobey her heart when it cried for his embrace.

But, she needed to stop running. She needed to let Cailan know what she wanted and she needed to know what he wanted.

With a silent deep breath, she approached the truth that could change their friendship forever.

"Cailan, I want to run away. I want to discover who I am outside this court. But, you know, I could never leave you…I just... Tell me what to do. You're my best friend. You know me better than anyone." She whispered against his shoulder, closing her eyes as she felt him gulp.

He didn't respond immediately. She waited patiently.

"Ana, stay with me. Don't leave. I'll make you happy to the point that you won't crave anything else. Please, I…I need you." Cailan murmured, pressing his lips against her forehead.

Anora wanted to sob. She wanted to push him away, angrily. She wanted to hug him and never let go and tell him that yes, anything for him, anything. She wanted to scream at him for being selfish. She wanted to kiss him and thank him for loving her so strongly.

The memories of them together as children to now cut her, deeply, and the words that her father warned her with, 'He'll use duty over the heart to get you to stay,' rang out in her mind.

And, he was right. No matter how many times she wanted to run away, she thought of Cailan. No matter how many opportunities she had to run away, she found herself looking for Cailan to get rid of it.

She always had a sense of duty even if she hated her father most of the time, she had a duty as his daughter. She hated political duty, but she had a duty as the future Queen of Ferelden drilled in her head. And now, she had Cailan.

He freed her in their prison by just simply being him and couldn't just leave him. Her Golden Prince who had saved her was now a captor of her heart in the sense of duty and love.

Maker, she loved him. For whatever reason, her love grew for him to the same level as her love for freedom.

Now, here she was, stuck with a decision that she had been dreading to make.

She felt Cailan's pulse quicken against her eyelids and she felt her heart cry out in despair.

She looked up at him and smiled. He stared at her with those stormy greys, trying to read her.

"Okay, Cailan. For you."

She placed her back on his shoulder and snuggled against the crook of his neck, but the damage was done.

He saw her smile. He saw through it.

And, she bet he could feel the wetness against his neck as she lingered in his embrace.


She threw herself into the lessons. Wanting to ignore the guilt and despair in her heart, she avoided Cailan as much as she could.

It was supposed to be easy now, now that she made her choice, but she was still confused in what she felt for him. Some days, she wanted to throttle him for being so selfish and other days, she wanted to kiss him until they were both breathless and feel those rough hands caress her-

Anora groaned and slammed her hands down on her study table, her tutor looking up at her in surprise.

"I need a break." Anora stated, through gritted teeth and left the room.

She had wanted to go to her room, but she found herself staring at the object of her confusing thoughts.

Wait, this wasn't her room.

Anora wanted to kick herself. There, standing in the middle of the hallway, looking so achingly handsome and sad, was her husband-to-be.

He had his arms behind his back, a tattered book hanging loosely from his finger. With a shudder, Anora realized it was the book that they had studied so deeply when they were kids.

"Cailan." She greeted, Maker, was her voice really that cold, "It's been too long."

Cailan looked torn and Anora stood her ground even though she felt she was sinking in it.

"Ana— "

"Anora is more appropriate, Cailan. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble." Anora stated, practiced and poised. A sick, twisted feeling of triumph and sadness washed over her when she saw Cailan's face fall.

Yes, this is what you did to me. You forced me to choose you.

No, I'm sorry, Cailan, I'm just angry.

Anora hated indecisiveness and she hated it now even more.

"Anora," Cailan asked, carefully, "Would you like to accompany me to the training grounds or the garden?"

He held out a hand, gingerly, towards her, and Anora was again torn with the decision to slap it away or take it and never let go.

For once in her life, Anora was grateful to hear her father's voice yell for her.

She saw Cailan about to cause some mischief and she felt pissed at herself for stopping him and even worse once she saw his face crumble.

"I have other business to attend to. I'm sorry, Cailan." She apologized.

She turned away before she could see his face fall even more.

She turned the corner and leaned against the wall, placing a hand on her beating heart.

She wasn't supposed to turn back, but she did. And, just like every other damn decision in her life, she regretted it as soon as she saw that he was still standing there, hoping and waiting.

Once he gave up and retreated, Anora stared at his hunched back, numb and broken, all the same.


King Maric was gone. Lost at sea, dead. Maker, dead.

Anora didn't even need or want to listen anymore. She ignored her father's insistence and pushed everyone away from her.

She only had one goal: Find Cailan.

Cailan, Cailan.

She finally reached his door and hesitated. They hadn't talk since the day she left him in the hallway. Did she have a right to comfort him?

She brushed that feeling away and entered his room, trying to justify her actions.

I'm his best friend. I'm going to be his wife. His Queen. He needs me.

That even sounded pathetic in her mind. Her heart mocking her.

"Cailan," She called, softly, "Cailan, are you here?"

She saw shuffling in his bed and heart clenched when she saw him pull a blanket over his head.

"Not now, Anora." His voice, so cold and curt, cut her. Anora closed her eyes. She deserved this.

But, she couldn't leave him. Not anymore.

Tears began to build in her eyes as she remembered his hunched, retreating back.

She approached his bed, quietly. Grabbing the blanket, she pulled it aside and noticed how Cailan didn't even fight her.

His face, his charming and smiling face, was gone, replaced with misery and sorrow. But, his eyes, those haunting eyes, stared at her with a brokenness that mirrored her own and all she wanted to do was hold him.

"Hey," She whispered, "Is there room for one more?"

She watched as his eyes widened. "Anora, I don't think— "

Anora hastily placed a hand on his mouth and she felt all the annoyance that hindered them being together fill in the determination that made her say the next words, "I'm tired of thinking, Cailan. Let's just…Let's just be Cailan and Ana again. Just this once."

Cailan must've sensed her sincerity and tiredness. He pulled her into his embrace without hesitation. Burying his head in the crook of her neck and breathing deeply, he didn't say anything.

Neither did she. Because, what right does she have to say anything anymore when all she does is hurt him?


Cailan called for her into his study. The study that once belonged to his father. They hadn't talk since the day they held each other because of the funeral and Landsmeet that followed.

So, when he called her, Anora didn't know what to expect.

She walked in, and she was greeted with his back facing her as he stared into the fireplace behind his study.

"Close the door behind you." Cailan ordered, softly. A little awed by how he knew she was there, Anora obeyed.

He turned to her then and Anora's breath caught in her throat. He truly looked…kingly.

His golden hair was trimmed and he had a bit of facial hair from the neglect due to the festivities. He stood straight and his eyes were blank.

The golden crown on his head seemed heavy.

"We have something to discuss." Cailan finally said, carefully, his eyes never leaving her.

Anora shuddered, what did he want to talk about? Their upcoming marriage? How they simply don't talk anymore? Do they even know each other anymore?

"I have a brother."

Anora's eyes couldn't possibly get any wider, so her mouth slightly dropped.

"W-what?" She uttered, softly, in disbelief.

Cailan nodded, with a sigh, "I've known since my 18th birthday. Father told me after the festivities. He believed that I had a right to know. As if I didn't have a right to know before."

Anora could sense a bit of sarcasm at the end. It sounded foreign to her coming from her once happy-go-lucky Prince.

"Does…Does my father know?" She asked, not knowing what else to say at the moment.

Cailan shrugged, "I'm pretty sure he does, but that's the least of my worry. My brother was staying with my Uncle Eamon; in a fucking barn I might add. He was sent to the Templars when he was young due to my Aunt Isolde's…annoying stupidity. He's with the Grey Wardens now." he smiled at that, his eyes looking at her's.

Anora was in too much shock to smile at the insider they shared.

"Cailan…how? When?" Anora muttered, breathlessly.

Cailan crossed the distance between them, carefully taking her hand to lead her to the chair in front of his desk.

Once he was happy that she was settled, he knelt in front of her, taking her hands. Anora tightened her hold on them, which made Cailan smile softly.

"My father left me when I was five to go back to the Deep Roads to help the Grey Wardens with a mission. Remember? That's why you and your father came to live with us in the first place. Your father was afraid my father would go in a third time without letting him know. Anyways, my father met someone, an elven mage who also happened to be a Grey Warden, and, well, that's how my brother was made."

"H-how is that possible? Grey Warden have the taint, making it impossible for them to conceive!"

"My father told me that, for some odd reason, the taint had left this Grey Warden. My brother was possible because of it."

Anora, forgetting her proper training, slumped in her seat in shock.

"…What are you going to do?" Anora asked, finally getting some of her thoughts back.

Cailan sighed and stood up, still grasping Anora's hands, tracing his thumb in circles over her smooth hands. She began to feel embarrassed, noticing his disappointment over her missing callouses.

"I'm not threatened nor am I willing to meet him after such neglect from the people in his lives. He didn't deserve to be in a barn nor did he deserve to get thrown into being a Templar. I feel…ashamed that I can't do anything for him now."

"You didn't know, Cailan. It's not your fault."

"…My heart yearns to know him, you know? I didn't realize that I wanted a sibling until I found out about him. I sneaked outside to see him, observe him. He looks exactly like me, weird I know, but comforting at the same time."

Anora couldn't help but laugh, softly.

Cailan softened at that and stared at her, longingly. Anora tried to look away and even got her hands out of his grasp.

Cailan seemed to waken at that, also, and resumed his proper stance, placing his arms behind his back.

"His name is Alistair. Pretty noble name."

"Why did you tell me this, Cailan?" Anora asked, curiously. Cailan's eyes darkened and he took a step towards her. She took one back, a little taken aback by his boldness.

"You are going to be my…wife. And you were, once upon a time, my best friend, Anora. You have every right to know. Also, just to let you know about him, since my enemies could possibly use him in the future to threaten me and I just wanted to make sure that I at least still have someone by my side."

The last statement sounded like a question and Anora's heart broke at that. How could she have not seen how lonely he was?

Suddenly thrown into kingship without a trusted friend, she was the worst.

She closed the space between them as she placed a small kiss on his rough, stubbled cheek.

"I'm always by your side, Cailan."

With that said, she left his study, her heart pounding.


He was drunk on their wedding night, so nothing had…happened. It was an emotional night and Anora understood her husband's difficulty throughout the festivity.

Husband.

Maker, it finally happened. They were married and they were King and Queen of Ferelden. She had held him until he fell asleep, her hands smoothing his hair out of his face. He looked so vulnerable and scared.

Since the day he called her to her study, no, since the day she saw him waiting for her in the hallway, Anora felt her heart pound when her thoughts were of him.

All she thought of was how to comfort him and how to be good to him. She never once thought about…leaving.

The realization hit her like running into a brick wall. Wait, she never thought about leaving anymore.

The shocking realization had made her stop stroking his sleeping face and her heart began to pound at the thought.

Had it finally happened? Did her love for Cailan outgrow her love for freedom?

She had looked at his sleeping face as she turned the thought over and over in her head and then she smiled, widely.

Yes, yes, she had.

She can finally become Cailan's, once and for all.

She was eating her breakfast the first morning of her married life and she knew Cailan was going to have a nasty hungover, so she asked the servants to prepare a meal that could help him get through the day.

Cailan had entered the dining hall, a little disheveled, and Anora smiled at that. She had missed his sloppiness in a way.

"Good morning, dear husband." Anora greeted, softly.

His grey eyes snapped towards her, shocked and surprised. It took him a moment to let her words sink in, and Anora felt amused and satisfied at his awkwardness.

But, it only lasted a moment, because it was her turn to be taken aback when his eyes darkened slightly and the corner of his lips turned upwards in a smirk.

"Good morning, my love." He returned the greeting, smoothly and, did she dare speculate, seductively.

Anora shuddered, slightly, but she kept her head up and tilted affectionately towards him. Cailan, suddenly shy, lifted an eyebrow at her with a questioning gaze.

"I think a kiss is appropriate to greet your husband with." Anora stated, mirroring his gaze, teasingly. She knew he was even more shocked at what she said, but the darkening in his eyes made much more sense when he came closer.

Cailan didn't have to be told twice as he closed the gap between them.


Anora panted in his ear as she grasped the items on his study to keep her from moving so much.

"What if someone comes in?" She gasped as his tongue dragged lazily on the column of her neck.

Cailan snorted, "You make it seem like we're doing something evil, Ana." His hands, those rough calloused hands that she dreamt about, were pushing against the fabrics of her dress, exposing naked flesh for his greedy lips.

Ana. Maker, it felt so good to hear that again.

His hands had found her breasts at that point and Anora moaned, softly.

She brought her arms up and buried one of her hands in his golden mane while the other trailed down his own clothing.

"Not evil. Just inappropriate." Anora argued back, ending her tone with a gasp as his mouth replaced one of his hands on her breast.

"Like we've done appropriate things since we were young." Cailan mused, sarcastically, letting go of her breast and she groaned in complaint.

"You know what I mean, Cailan." Anora stated, her body trying to ignore the feel of his manhood against her thigh.

He didn't reply as he began to trail his finger down, deliciously, her body until it reached that part of her that craved him the most.

She moaned at the sensation, embracing the euphoria her husband was placing upon her.

Their lovemaking had always been this intense. Maker, their first time had been on the damn throne. She could remember her riding him, turned on by the fact that her first time was with the King of Ferelden on his fucking throne.

Cailan had insisted to be gentle with her at first, but she was impatient. She just realized how much she loved him and she wasn't able to hold it in anymore.

When he insisted as he gently placed her on their bed, she whispered of how she imagined his hands on her since he held her close to him.

That did the trick. He had thrown her over his shoulder and in the throne room they had went.

This time wasn't any different. A Landsmeet had just ended, and she loved it when Cailan wanted to blow of some steam in this manner.

Once he made sure that every nobleman and noblewomen had left, he grabbed her by the waist and crushed him against her until he was sure she was out of breath.

Now, here they were, about to completely come undone on his desk.

"You won't be complaining now." With that said, Cailan swiftly entered her and Anora arched her back in complete ecstasy.

After it was over, Cailan helped her stand on her unsteady legs and sat on the chair with her on his lap, both of them basking in their nudity and the after effect of their lovemaking.

"You need to stop being so risky." Anora admonished, her voice light. Cailan chuckled, placing a small kiss on her forehead.

"You need to stop being so uptight." He teased back, playing with a platinum strand that fell on her face.

Anora swatted at him, playfully. Cailan caught her hand and placed a warm kiss, staring at her flushed face.

"I love you, Ana." He whispered, tucking the stray hair behind her ear.

"And I you, my love." Anora whispered, her answer traced on his lips as she kissed him, breathlessly.


"You need to think about the country, Cailan. We need an heir. Your Queen can't provide you one. It's as simple as that."

"We've only been married for only a small amount of time. You make it seem like you and Aunt Isolde had it easy with conceiving."

"Watch your mouth, young man."

"No, you watch your mouth with your King, Uncle."

Anora couldn't bear to hear it anymore. She left her hiding place and returned to her shared room with her husband, shutting the door with a heavy thud.

She sat on their bed, her eyes blank and her heart heavy. She placed a hand on her flat stomach and began to curse softly.

What had given her the right to think she could help Cailan when she couldn't even give him a child? Ferelden needed an heir. No matter what she did, politically, it didn't matter.

And, the dreaded feeling she hadn't felt since she met Cailan came back.

He was going to leave her. He had to. Or she had to make him.

Her heart began to break and that's when her father's words haunted her once more.

"Duty over the heart is always the best choice. Silly, silly Anora."

And with those words, Anora shut her heart's voice off, refusing to listen to the silliness anymore.


He couldn't look at her in the eye anymore. And neither could she at him.

She received comfort with the person that had caused her this tragedy in the first place by arranging the stupid marriage, but she could sense herself in her father.

Her father had hugged her and gave a gentle pat atop her head, "Duty over the heart, Anora. Safest bet in the world."

Duty over the heart.

Was it really that easy once you already have given your heart away?

The mistresses could scorn all they want and the servants could pity her, but Anora was hurt by the fact that Cailan ran away from her.

A part of her wanted to say how dare he run away when she didn't, but another part of her knew it was her fault when she pushed him away, when she had dared to suggest it.

But, when he announced his leave for Ostagar, Anora couldn't bear it anymore.

She was beyond angry and hurt, all the emotions she bottled up exploding once they were alone in that war room.

But, when he began to confess his apologies and his regret, Anora did the same, revealing all her weaknesses. Not caring if she was vulnerable anymore, she missed him.

Craved him.

Loved him.

He had always been open with her, showing every weakness and every strength, and this time, she wanted to give him that in return.

He had left her the next morning, embracing her and reminding her of silly promises, not even promising to return even though she made the promise herself.

He had smiled at her then. But, she saw through it. Was this how he felt when she smiled at him the night she had chosen to stay?

She shuddered at that. Everything had a way of coming back to her.

She watched as her golden husband, her best friend gallops away and her heart clenched.

She wasn't ready to say goodbye, yet her weary heart was begging her to.

Even then, she refused.


The doctor had told her the impossible.

She didn't know whether to react to it, immediately, so she kept it to herself, making sure she was awake.

But, then, her father had told her another impossible.

She had collapsed then in grief, clutching her stomach, throwing up on the carpet. The golden carpet that he and her had once…

She tried to look away, somewhere else that wouldn't remind her anything of him, but it was impossible.

Especially when a part of him was already growing inside of her.


Her father talked about the brother, Alistair, of how he was a threat to the throne and she was just so tired of hearing about tragedy.

She didn't even bother to act surprised about the fact that her father knew about Alistair. She was tired of pretending.

"Enough. I'm going to sleep." Anora stated, tiredly. She left the room, her father's gaze never leaving the war table.

The very same war table that her husband and him had planned on.

She went into their once shared room and stared at her reflection.

Maker, she looked terrible. Dark circles under her eyes and her hair lacking any care. She still wore the same purple dress the day she found out her husband was taken away from her.

She decided to sit on the bed, and it wasn't long before darkness took over her.


The blood was the first thing she noticed. It pooled around her, and was she screaming? Or was it someone else?

The door to the bedroom flew open and servants came rushing in, and they were horrified at the sight of their gorgeous Queen, bathed in blood.

"Someone call the doctor! Quick!" One of them ordered, taking charge. Erlina was by Anora's side, immediately.

"My Queen, what has happened?"

"Erlina, the baby…I…His baby."

Erlina didn't bother to show her surprise at the sudden pregnancy as she helped the servants clean Anora.

The doctor came in, hurriedly, shooing the servants away and prying Anora's legs open, quickly.

He hissed and sighed for a while as his hands tried to figure out what was going on in the midst of the bloody sight.

Everyone held their breaths as they watched the doctor work, hoping and praying to whichever faith they believed in.

The doctor looked up at Anora, whose eyes were wide in despair.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry, my Queen. I am too late."

She began to sob.

"No, no, no, no, please. No, I can't lose this child. I can't lose him. Please."

She began to thrash around and it took every willpower of all the servants to stop her.

The doctor quickly took action and pricked her with a sedative and Anora could feel the medicine in her veins.

"I can't lose him. I can't."

And all she could see was the pitying looks surrounding her before darkness took over.


She sat on the throne, unmoving and unblinking.

Rumors swirled about of some Grey Warden and the bastard of Maric Theirin were coming to Denerim to stop the Blight and to take the throne. They didn't talk about griffons, though. She had thought that, sarcastically, and had turned to her side to voice it, but her amusement died as soon as she realized who else had died.

Her father took it upon himself to lead, and Anora found herself too weak to fight it especially with the pregnancy.

But, now.

Now, she has nothing left to lose. Literally nothing besides her crown.

She had duty first, but Cailan came along. She had then chosen her heart over duty, but now, look where it has gotten her.

It was better with duty. Her father was right.

Duty over the heart.

Anora closed her eyes, and placed a hand on her beating heart, and took deep breaths.

She opened her eyes, and felt a cold sensation of her heart being locked up.

Cailan had told her to remember Alistair, but in order to forget Cailan, she must forget Alistair. She must forget her promises. Forget what it was like to have her heart over duty.

Forget Cailan.

And, with one last breath, Anora (neé Mac Tir) Theirin rose.

It was time to play nice and look pretty once more.


A:N/ THE END.

So, I'm kind of curious as to see how you guys interpret the ending because when I was writing it, I couldn't help but think that it had multiple meaning.

Other than that, I hope you enjoyed! I truly do. Don't forget to review and fav. It would mean a lot to me .